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Any thoughts on the accuarcy of track pumps for tyre pressure. I have a Park Tool pump.
Is there a forula etc for getting the right pressures?
I was in NZ last year riding the Old Coach Road track and a Kiwi guy who I wouldnt trust as far as I could throw him, said you want them hard mate. Of course, you ride a cobbled surface like that...I just looked at him, I may have been upside down on the other side of the world... You needed as low as you can go on that.
If you watch this at around 20 mins in, the train going across the bridge, in the background is the redundant bridge which is part of the said track; ring tightening to say the least when riding across looking between the sleepers...
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000dl2m
What you need is a gauge that is consistent. The actual number it reports is irrelevant, as long as it reports the same number for the same pressure. Having said that, I would expect any decent quality digital gauge to be accurate and reliable.
Finding the optimum pressure for what you do is a matter of trial and error. It'll depend on your weight, tyre width, the surface you're riding on, plus other things.
My track pump and my digital gauge read about 20% different.
Basically wot Hols said
correct pressures are a matter of trial and error. I cannot stand the squirmy feeling of soft tyres so run harder than many folk. Its also related to tyre size, rim width and your weight. My road bike on 28mm is at 90 psi, my old skool mtb around 30, the tandem 35 front and 45 rear and my fat bike at 8
I have the Park Tool pump. The gauge is a country mile off on mine and I've read that's common. Purchased a separate pressure gauge. Run at 30psi tubeless.
Thanks everyone,
I am going to try out one of these
https://www.topeak.com/global/en/products/gauges/351-smartgauge-d2
Will let you know!
Just go by the squeeze test...pinch tyre until it feels right, then check with a gauge. Repeat with same finger, thumb and gauge as often as needed.
Make sure it is the same kit used each time.
I have that d2 gauge - seems pretty good, although the battery life is about 3-4 months. My only thought is that it will eventually gunk up with sealant. It would be better if it had a replaceable gauze.
I've had a topeak d2 for about 3 years, I might have changed the battery once if at all, I can't remember.
Does the job for me. I'd recommend it.
Dunno how accurate it is but according to it, the sweet spot for me is 27psi front, 30/32 PSI rear and it's consistent.
That's running tubes on a hard tail. Bikes 12.5kg, I'm about 15/16 stone
If you dont use a gauge at least get your thumb calibrated. Especially now as its witner.
@Yak - you can unscrew all of the D2 gauge and clean it out, do mine roughly every 3-4 months. Mine's over 5 years old and still on the original battery!!
I wouldn't touch a pump gauge, especially of it's a mechanical one. They get knocked about and that messes up the calibration. My Lezyne one reads 20 psi at zero and a real 25 psi shows as over 50! I just ignore it apart from knowing that when it shows 50 it's time to adjust with the D2, the car it's time at 65. It may be miles out but it's still consistent 😁
Aha, good tip, thanks, I will do that.
Yeah batteries, maybe they are cheap ones, not sure. Probably does 12-14 reading a week I think.
I have the Topeak one, gives a consistent reading. I think it's a little high but as said that doesn't really matter.
How many bikes do you own or how often are you changing tyres? That is a serious amount of use if you only have 1 set of tyres...
Nah, family too. And some serial tyre swapping.