Accu-Gage Presta Tire Gauge
Riders of Fat Bikes throughout the world can rejoice—an accurate low pressure tire gauge is now available! Those of us who spend winter riding in the snow on Fat Bikes usually try to keep our tire pressure between 5 and 10 psi. Unfortunately, very few tire gauges are accurate as such low pressures. The good news is that Accu-Gage has a professional grade low pressure tire gauge for Presta valves, and this puppy is dead-on accurate every time!
Those mammoth tires on bikes like the Surly Pugsley have a maximum tire pressure of only 30 psi, but most of us never inflate them past 15 psi, even if we are running on pavement. While the tire pressure gauge on your floor pump might be correct at higher pressures, I have found them to be very unreliable at lower pressures. You might think that a digital tire gauge would be the best alternative, but cold temperatures have a great impact on their accuracy—and some of us like to ride even when the temperature is well below zero.
When I say the Accu-Gage is “professional grade,” I am not simply parroting their advertising. These gauges are fully geared and have a precision movement with a bronze Bourdon tube. The piston-plunger gauges on most bicycle pumps are affected by changes in temperature and humidity, but gauges with a Bourdon tube (like the Accu-Gage) are not. Also, since you don’t need batteries for this gauge you don’t have to worry about the battery dying in the cold like they often do in digital gauges.
The Accu-Gage Low Pressure Tire Gauge is a 2″ dual scale dial tire gauge with a maximum pressure reading of 30 psi. Tech nerds will be interested to know that this gauge meets ANSI B40.1 Grade B specifications. For non-geeks, this simply means this gauge have been calibrated and is accurate to within .5 psi.
You should be able to get the Accu-Gage Low Pressure Tire Gauge (model #RPR30BX) from your local bike shop for around $13. The manufacturer offers the original purchaser a lifetime warranty against defects.
Pat S
February 5, 2012 at 1:20 AM
Great looking gauge – thanks for the heads up.
dgw2jr
February 6, 2012 at 8:59 PM
I’ve got the exact same gauge. A fat bike necessity if you will!
hood
August 29, 2013 at 12:26 PM
Would an Accu-Gage for higher pressures (up to 160psi on the scale) be a good alternative for the Smartgauge D2?
All Seasons Cyclist
August 29, 2013 at 2:53 PM
Funny you should mention it, but earlier this week I ordered the Accu-Gage Bicycle Gauge
for Schrader valves (Model# MG160BX). It has a maximum pressure reading of 160psi and would be a LOT more accurate in cold weather than the Smartgauge D2.