It’s always a good idea to have your tires inflated at the right amount of pressure, so you can have a safe and comfortable ride. There are several factors that contribute to having the ideal pressure, like the tire’s width, the current weather or your weight. But, more importantly, having the right pressure gauge is the key to success here. So, what are some of the better bicycle tire pressure gauge model on the market? Let’s find out!
Table Of Contents
The Top 6 Bicycle Tire Pressure Gauge Comparisons
Brand | Details |
|---|---|
 AstroAI 2 Pack Digital Tire Pressure Gauge | |
 Topeak D2 SmartGauge | |
 TACKLIFE TG01 Digital Tire Pressure Gauge | |
 Etekcity Digital Tire Gauge | |
 Accu-Gage Presta Valve Bicycle Tire Pressure Gauge | |
 Rhino USA Digital Tire Pressure Gauge |
Pumping Your Bike’s Tires
Inflating a tire is a pretty simple task, at least compared to other maintenance repairs that a bike owner has to perform. The first thing you’re going to need is a pump. You can opt for either a mini hand pump, which is super small and lightweight and great for using on the go, in case your tire gets deflated while you’re on the road. There are also floor pumps, which are generally recommended for storing inside your garage. Even if they are not portable, they are recommended because, due to their size and power, they can inflate a bike tire a lot easier.
After having purchased a good bike pump, you will need to determine what’s your desired tire pressure. In general, this information is written on the tire’s sidewall. The wider the tire, the lower the pressure. It’s very important to make sure that the pump is compatible with the valve type of your tire. In general, pumps are compatible with Presta and Schrader, but you will have to make sure that you select the correct nozzle to make this attachment work.
You will notice that there is a small plastic cap on the top of the tube. This is the dust cap that needs to be removed in order to connect the pump. For Presta valves, you have to unscrew the valve tip without removing it completely. Now, you have to connect the pump to the valve. This step is a different from one case to another, depending on the type of pump you have. Some pumps can easily be mounted by twisting, while other have a lever that needs to be pulled.
Once the pump is fixed to the tire, it’s time to actually start pumping. As you’re doing so, make sure the always check the pressure gauge to see if the PSI is increasing. This is a sign that air is actually being pumped into the tire. If the PSI shown on the gauge is not increasing, disconnect the valve and connect it once again. Keep pumping until the gauge shows your desired tire pressure. As you pump more air into the tire, you will notice that it becomes more and more difficult to pump. After you’ve pumped the tire all the way through, remove the pump nozzle from the tire valve and then tighten the screw.
Tire Pressure 101
There are so many things that can go wrong if your tires aren’t inflated with just the right amount of pressure. You’ll find discomfort when riding, be more exposed to incidents and your tires will end up with an excessive number of constant flats. On a general note, wider tires require less pressure than narrow ones. For instance, road bike tires need pressure between 80 and 130 PSI, while mountain tires should work just fine with about 25 to 35 PSI. Of course, the ideal pressure of every rider also depends on his/her weight. Whenever you’re looking to pump pressure into a new set of tires, inflate it to the mid-range and then add your body’s weight to the equation.
It's important to check tire pressure on a regular basis. It’s a well-known fact that tires leak air over time. There are several factors that contribute to this, and some tires lose air faster than others. But it doesn’t matter if you have the best and most durable tire in the world: all tires lose air eventually. If you don’t make a habit out of checking the tire pressure weekly, chances are you’re riding with the wrong pressure most of the time.
Overinflating, on the other hand, is a common issue. It’s always a good idea to check the maximum pressure marked on the sidewall of your tires, but you should know that even the manufacturer recommended pressure is too high.
That’s because it doesn’t take into account external factors that influence the pressure, such as your body weight.
On another note, floor pumps are a bit tricky, as their gauges tend to be less accurate. That’s because the pressure they measure is that of the pump, and not the tire itself. Also, depending on the quality of the pressure gauge, it could even be off about 10 or 15 PSI. The solution is to purchase a separate gauge, like the ones we’re going to talk about in the next paragraphs. There are 3 different types of pressure gauges:
Top 6 Bicycle Tire Pressure Gauge Reviews
AstroAI 2 Pack Digital Tire Pressure Gauge
If you’re looking for a more affordable package that includes 2 pressure gauges, the AstroAI pack is definitely something to look into. Each of these pressure gauges features a digital display plus an illuminated nozzle that’s great for using in poorly-lit areas. The fact that unit incorporates a digital display eliminates the process of having to guess the pressure by reading analog gauges. The integrated nozzle is tightly sealed to the valve stem of Schrader tires, providing you with accurate readings from 0.5 to 0.5 units.
Operating the gauge is very simple, as you have an “on/unit/off button”. By turning on the gauge, you can select the range and have the device automatically shut down in 30 to 40 seconds of inactivity. The texture of the unit provides and easy anti-slip grip, for easier maneuvering. There is, however, a complaint regarding the ease of changing the batteries. This process requires a very small screwdriver, but even so, the screws are very tight in place and will require some force to turn them.
Pros
Cons
Topeak D2 SmartGauge
Topeak has already made a name for itself when it comes to creating some pretty decent bike accessories. The D2 SmartGauge has a lot of interesting features that are useful when you want to pump some air into your tires. Due to its small size, you can easily store it in the glove compartment or take it with you inside your backpack.
So, what are some of the features worth mentioning? First you have the digital gauge which, as you already know, is more precise compared to analog gauges. Also, it’s much easier to read. The display can give readings that go all the way up to 250 PSI, but can also display it in bars or kg per cm. A second feature worth mentioning is the air release button, located near the head. With the help of this button, you can release air when you want to adjust the pressure of your tires.
The rotating head offers better mobility and flexibility when trying to mount the gauge to the valve at a straight angle and still be able to read the digital display. The smart head is compatible with both Presta and Schrader valves without the need to change any parts.
Pros
Cons
Where to buy?
Recommended: 20% off your first order
TACKLIFE TG01 Digital Tire Pressure Gauge
Whether you purchase a single TG01 pressure gauge or opt for a pack of 2 that leads to a more convenient price per unit, the TACKLIFE is a pretty good product overall. The nozzle is tightly sealed to the valve of your bike, to make sure that it can accurately measure the pressure inside the tire. The LCD display is bright enough for you to read even in low light conditions. The digital gauge can provide you with accurate pressure measurement for just about any type of tire that has a Schrader valve.
Just like other modern pressure gauges, this one also features an ergonomic design that allows you to get a good grip on the device even when your hands are wet or sweaty. The gauge is delivered with a pre-installed battery. Also, the unit will automatically shut down after 30 seconds of inactivity, to save your battery life. It also comes with a 2-year manufacturer warranty, so you can rest assured that this was money well spent.
Pros
Cons
Etekcity Digital Tire Gauge
Here is yet another digital pressure gauge for your bike’s tires, as they are gaining terrain over analog ones. The characteristics of this pressure gauge are pretty similar to the ones described in the other product reviews. The nozzle is backed up by a light to help you find your way to the valve even in the dark. The LCD is also lit and will provide digital reading in 0.5 increments. There are 4 different pressure units that can be displayed.
To use the gauge, press the button to turn it on. Connect the gauge’s nozzle to the valve you want to measure by pressing firmly to make sure you’ve created a tight seal that avoids air leaks. Once you have sealed it properly, hold it on the valve so that the measurement display is locked. You can then remove the gauge to get a better reading. The unit will automatically shut down after a few seconds of inactivity, to preserve the battery life. In order to change the battery, you will have to remove the screws located on the back of the product. The unit requires a 3V battery.
Pros
Cons
Accu-Gage Presta Valve Bicycle Tire Pressure Gauge
With so many good digital pressure gauges out there, we had to have at least one analog product into our review round up. The Accu-Gage is a fine-looking analog pressure gauge that’s available in maximum pressures of 15, 60 or 160 PSI (the one in this review). So, what could an analog unit possibly have to offer to make it better than the digital version? First of all, we didn’t like that the gauge is only compatible with Presta valves, as this automatically narrows down the product’s target market significantly. We do like the construction: a combination of brass and heavy-duty steel which definitely translates into a more durable product.
The display itself is very easy to read. Thanks to the bronze bourdon tube, altitude, humidity and temperature won’t affect precision movement. The bleed button is also a convenient feature that allows you to make adjustable deflates if needed. Since it’s not digital, it doesn’t require any batteries to run. The rubber cover will make sure that the gauge stays protected in case you drop it.
Pros
Cons
Rhino USA Digital Tire Pressure Gauge
Our last review of the day features the Rhino USA digital pressure gauge that’s both cheap and pretty decent. It doesn’t really bring something extra to the table and has just about the same combination of features as the others. Featuring both a lighted nozzle and an LCD display, it should be fairly easy to use this pressure gauge in the dark. Sadly, it’s not compatible with Presta valves, so you can only find use for it if you own a Schrader bike.
Pros
Cons
The Bottom Line
That being said, it’s time to pick a favorite. But first, some explanations. As you’ve noticed, the majority of gauges included in this round up are digital. That’s because they provide two very important benefits: range and accuracy. First of all, it’s way easier to read the pressure on a digital gauge rather than guessing the units on an analog one. In addition to that, digital pressure gauges can be used on several other vehicles, not just your bike (provided that the nozzle is compatible with the valve on your vehicle’s tires). So be sure to really read over the options above and choose the best gauge for you and your needs.