Squeeze or Gauge?
09-29-16 | 09:48 PM
#51
Senior Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 144
Likes: 18
From: Small town Illinois
Bikes: 2016 Specialized Roubaix SL4 Sport 2021 Trek Domane SL6
Both, because pump has a gauge. But if I know I recently topped off the tires then there's no need to pump or check with a gauge. Unless there is a puncture, tires don't lose more than a trivial, irrelevant amount in a few days, and can easily be checked with a squeeze... or better still:
Besides a squeeze I also like to press my weight down first on the handlebars, and then the saddle, while observing the tire drop. You can't argue with the results.
Having said that, the narrower/higher pressure the tires, the more often they need to be topped off.
I found my pump gauge to read slightly lower than more trusted gauges and adjust accordingly when I pump.
Besides a squeeze I also like to press my weight down first on the handlebars, and then the saddle, while observing the tire drop. You can't argue with the results.
Having said that, the narrower/higher pressure the tires, the more often they need to be topped off.
I found my pump gauge to read slightly lower than more trusted gauges and adjust accordingly when I pump.
09-29-16 | 11:43 PM
#52
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 1,036
Likes: 8
From: NoVA - DC Metro
Bikes: 1987 Schwinn Prelude
For the road bike i use a separate accu-gage on my 28s, for a 70-75 rear/60-65 front psi (give or take). I cant tell the difference with a pinch on those when they get over 30 psi. I top em off before each ride, unless im riding two days in a row or something where they wont need it yet.
The mtb, i used the pinch method. Aired those up maybe once every 2 or so weeks.
The mtb, i used the pinch method. Aired those up maybe once every 2 or so weeks.
Last edited by Hardrock23; 10-07-16 at 09:25 PM. Reason: typo
09-29-16 | 11:50 PM
#53
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 1,036
Likes: 8
From: NoVA - DC Metro
Bikes: 1987 Schwinn Prelude
I use a Meiser Accu-gage for Presta 160psi. Its pretty small, simple, and sturdy. It holds the pressure until you release it with the button and doesnt let air leak when checking. They come in shrader too, with 15-160 psi options. Good reviews, cheap price.
Meiser Accu-Gage Dial Pressure Gauge > Accessories > Pumps & Inflation > Pressure Gauges | Jenson USA
Meiser Accu-Gage Dial Pressure Gauge > Accessories > Pumps & Inflation > Pressure Gauges | Jenson USA
09-30-16 | 07:27 AM
#55
Zip tie Karen
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 7,005
Likes: 1,546
From: Fair Oaks Ranch, TX
Bikes: '13 Motobecane Fantom29 HT, '16 Motobecane Turino Pro Disc, '18 Velobuild VB-R-022, '21 Tsunami SNM-100
Both are a test...
...one is a shortcut assessment of tire pressure. The other is a more accurate measurement of same.
It just depends on what you want out of it, no? I've found that the thumb test really isn't accurate enough for me.
But, a squeeze tells me that the tire needs air. My pump has a gauge, so I can measure the pressure as I pump. The gauge turns out to be pretty accurate, as it agrees pretty well with my other gauges.
If I am pumping the tires at home, I pump them to my intended pressure, and employ the gauge as it's right there anyway.
In the olden days, we used our thumb and had used all kinds of pumps. Even Zefal frame pumps could get to the kinds of pressures on which we rode.
It just depends on what you want out of it, no? I've found that the thumb test really isn't accurate enough for me.
But, a squeeze tells me that the tire needs air. My pump has a gauge, so I can measure the pressure as I pump. The gauge turns out to be pretty accurate, as it agrees pretty well with my other gauges.
If I am pumping the tires at home, I pump them to my intended pressure, and employ the gauge as it's right there anyway.
In the olden days, we used our thumb and had used all kinds of pumps. Even Zefal frame pumps could get to the kinds of pressures on which we rode.
09-30-16 | 09:55 AM
#56
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 22,676
Likes: 2,643
From: CID
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
For a time, I was pretty OCD about my tire pressures, and while I still have "targets" in mind when pumping with a gauge, I've learned how useful the pinch test can be. Also liberating has been my shift away from riding the bike with 28mm tires to those with 38-42mm tires -- the exact pressure just isn't critical with those things, and they don't lose air at a significant rate from day to day. 
09-30-16 | 10:16 AM
#58
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 14,192
Likes: 5,328
From: Portland, OR
Bikes: (2) ti TiCycles, 2007 w/ triple and 2011 fixed, 1979 Peter Mooney, ~1983 Trek 420 now fixed and ~1973 Raleigh Carlton Competition gravel grinder
At home I use a floor pump with a gauge. But I ride tubulars, and pump daily even when away from home, ie. on a multi-day tour, and (obviously) when I flat on the road. Out on the road I use a hand pump, and check pressure with my calibrated fingers.
In any case, I don't live by numbers. I care about how the bike rides, and whether filled by gauge or not, if the bike doesn't feel right out on the road, I correct that.
In any case, I don't live by numbers. I care about how the bike rides, and whether filled by gauge or not, if the bike doesn't feel right out on the road, I correct that.
Ben
09-30-16 | 10:21 AM
#59
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,781
Likes: 511
From: Missouri
Bikes: Giant Propel, Cannondale SuperX, BMC Time Machine, Univega Alpina Ultima
Consistency is more important than accuracy if you can use the same pump on a regular basis.
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Formerly fastest rider in the grupetto, currently slowest guy in the peloton
Formerly fastest rider in the grupetto, currently slowest guy in the peloton
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