Not every rider obsesses over tire pressures, but it is an important factor on your setup. It can affect comfort, grip, and even chances of getting a flat. That’s where an external gauge comes in handy. Not all pumps have one, and sometimes when they do, they aren’t the most accurate, so having a good gauge you can use at home or on the go comes in really handy. Topeak has a few options, but we had a chance to check out two digital versions, the ShuttleGauge Digital and the all-new SmartGauge D2X.
These two gauges have some things in common, but also a big difference. Depending on how you plan to use them, one could be a better option over the other.
SmartGauge D2X
The SmartGuage D2X is a digital display gauge to take measurements and fine-tuning pressures to where you want them to be. The SmartHead works with both Presta and Schrader with just a flip of a sliding button from side to side. There is a quick bleed button to bring pressures down to exactly where you want them to be.
The SmartGuage D2X features an easy-to-read, high contrast digital screen that displays pressures in psi, bar, or kg/cm2, with maximum pressure readings of 270psi or 17bar. There are three buttons next to the display, power, units, and tune. The tune function allows you to get real-time readings while you are using the bleed button. Hitting Tune again will go back to a single static reading.
ShuttleGauge Digital
When you want to check pressures while you pump, the ShuttleGauge Digital is the way to go. On the rotating head, you have one side that works with Presta, Schrader, and Dunlop valves to read air pressures. On the other, there is a Presta/Schrader head to attach a pump so you can read air pressures while you pump. The rotating head helps you put the digital screen in just the right position for you to read while checking pressures. The ThumbLock lever on the back seals everything tight to avoid air loss, and there is a quick bleed button to use to fine-tune pressures.
On the screen, you can view pressures in psi, bar, or kg/cm2. Maximum pressure readings are 300psi or 20.7bar.
Which One Is Right For Me?
That’s actually a good question. First, think about the type of riding you are doing and how you would normally use it.
If you are planning on stowing it into your saddle or frame pack, and taking it with you on your ride to use with your mini/frame pump in case of a flat, either will work, but the ShuttleGauge might be a better option. The ShuttleGauge you can use inline with your pump, so you can watch the pressures climb as you pump. This is a handy feature, but at 3.6″ x 2.3″ x 1.7″, it is a little wider and longer than the SmartGuage D2X. It is also almost 40g heavier at 102g. Size and weight aren’t much more than the SmartGuage D2X, but it could be overkill if you just need a gauge.
On the other hand, maybe you are a cross racer that is looking to dial in your air pressures out on the course. The SmartGauge D2X is perfect for this, as it slips easily into your jersey/jacket pocket. At 4” x 1.8” x 1.4” and 65g, it is a small, but accurate gauge.
What could be the deciding factor for you is the price. The SmartGuage D2X retails for $34.95, while the ShuttleGuage Digital comes in at $64.95.
In either case, both will make great companions on your next adventure. As far as accuracy is concerned, I found them both to be pretty close to my Topeak Joe Blow Booster floor pump and Ryobi handheld pump. Both pumps have analog displays, so there’s a slight degree of error there, If you are obsessing over tenths of a pound of pressure, these gauges will be the way to go. Just like power meters though, there will be a little wiggle room, but if you use the same gauge all the time, accuracy is solid and repeatable.
Heckling Editor, Image Taker, Crash Test Dummy, and Beard Master at Bikeworldnews.com
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