Tire Pressure

MikeYork5 · Jun 30, 2006

I've never had a problem using a good ole pencil guage.

dcarver · Jun 30, 2006

Several valve cap types:

click

click2

Click3

ShinyPartsUp · Jun 30, 2006

Blue Laser said:
+2 for the Ariete valve stems.
And then there is this little gem of an air gauge:

No offense to anyone, but I'm having a heck of a time trying to get

the above gauge to work right. That is the biggest pain in the

rear I've ever had the displeasure of using.

Trying to get it around the frigging rear brakes is near impossible!!

It has to be exactly perpendicular to the valve stem or it

loses the reading and goes back to zero-not only that, but I end up

burning my arm on the cans...this just inherently SUCKS...the clip on the

gauge doesn't stay on the valve stem...operator error or defective gauge?

Twenty minutes to put friggin' air in two friggin' tires? I am SO ticked off...

I have the Ariete 90 degree valve stems, but I don't have enough mileage

(or money) to warrant taking the tires off and having the 90 degree jobs put on.

If I'm missing the technique here, PLEASE help!

Jim

Couple points that may help:

Take your tire pressures when cold, it's easier (and I think that is when you are supposed to get an accurate pressure reading per tire manufacturer instructions, though if I'm wrong about this somebody correct me and no offense taken). Also, the cans won't be hot this way.

On the rear, put the bike on the center stand and rotate the tire to a convenient position. Place the guage on the side without the rotor -- it's easier. The clip fits over the valve stem without hastle on mine.

On the front, slide the hose through a rotor hole, then from the opposite side, your hand can grasp the hose easier, and place the clip on at the 90 degree angle. The front is more difficult, but by the third time I had a technique down. Hope this works for you.

And I am going to buy the 90 degree valve stems when I buy new tires!

Constant Mesh · Jun 30, 2006

I also use a pencil style gauge with no problems. I've compared the pencil gauge reading with two good quality dial gauges. The pencil gauge reads consistently 1 psig low (in the 35 - 45 psig range) compared to the dial gauges. So, it's repeatable with a constant error. A very usable device.

I measure the pressures about once a week before a cold startup. Before all other rides I utilize the 'toe test'. I give each tire tread a firm straight-on kick with the toe. If it reports back with a firm solid feel I'm ready to ride. For that one time the 'toe test' gave a soft response I found a nice shiny nail in the rear tread.

Blue Laser · Jun 30, 2006

Couple points that may help:Take your tire pressures when cold

ShinyPartsUp,

Always do take pressures cold...warm it up then drive 5 blocks to a gas station

with air, BUT...

On the rear, put the bike on the center stand and rotate the tire to a convenient position. Place the guage on the side without the rotor -- it's easier. The clip fits over the valve stem without hastle on mine.
On the front, slide the hose through a rotor hole, then from the opposite side, your hand can grasp the hose easier, and place the clip on at the 90 degree angle. The front is more difficult, but by the third time I had a technique down. Hope this works for you.

I'll try your method and let you know....maybe your technique will help.

Thanks for the reply,

Jim