4 mini pressure gauges to accompany you on the freeride course

Laurin Lehner

 · 30.10.2017

4 mini pressure gauges to accompany you on the freeride coursePhoto: Laurin Lehner
4 mini pressure gauges to accompany you on the freeride course

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The right tyre pressure determines puncture protection, grip and frustration. The feel of your fingers is often deceptive, but how accurate are the mini pressure gauges? FREERIDE has tried it out.


SKS Airchecker

Price: 19,99 Euro >> available here

The SKS device sits comfortably in the hand, has a swivelling head and an illuminated display - good! It constantly measures 0.15 bar below the calibrated reference value and displays the values in less than a second - but only to an accuracy of 0.05 bar. This can be a little irritating if the tyre loses a little air when you put it on and take it off. The one-button operation is pleasantly simple.


Conclusion: Good pressure gauge with easy handling.


Handling: 5 out of 6 points
Accuracy: 4 out of 6 points

SKS AircheckerPhoto: Laurin LehnerSKS Airchecker


SCHWALBE Airmax Pro (FREERIDE tip)

Price: 16,90 Euro >> available here

We have been using the Airmax Pro in our bike tests for a long time. It doesn't look very high-quality, but it works very well. It is easy to operate with just one button. It measures approx. 0.12 bar below the reference value and only causes the tyre to lose about 0.01 bar of air pressure during an application. Good: The device gives helpful signals with loud beeps. Available from BBB at a similar price.


Conclusion: Inexpensive device with good function!


Handling: 5 out of 6 points
Accuracy: 5 out of 6 points

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Schwalbe Airmax ProPhoto: Laurin LehnerSchwalbe Airmax Pro


TOPEAK Smart Gauge D2

Price: 29,95 Euro

The Smart Gauge D2 looks robust and scores with its good workmanship. The measured values are constantly 0.2 bar below the actual value and are displayed in no time at all. The device should be placed on the valve quickly so that not too much air escapes. The air release mode works very well. It is a pity that the measured values are only shown on the display with one decimal place.


Conclusion: High-quality housing - average in function.


Handling: 5 out of 6 points
Accuracy: 3 out of 6 points

Topeak Smart Gauge D2Photo: Laurin LehnerTopeak Smart Gauge D2


DRC G101 Air Gauge


Price15,95 Euro >> available here

The analogue pressure gauge is quite heavy (100 g) and bulky. However, it measures very consistently and only around 0.1 bar below the calibrated reference value. We didn't like the fact that the exact value is difficult to read - digital displays have the edge here. On the positive side, it is noticeable that very little air pressure is lost during use and the device is equipped with a pressure release.


ConclusionAccurate measurement, difficult to read.


Handling: 4 out of 6 points
Accuracy: 5 out of 6 points

DRC G101 Air GaugePhoto: Laurin LehnerDRC G101 Air Gauge


How FREERIDE tests: We checked the accuracy of the air pressure gauges using a calibrated manometer.

You can find this article in FREERIDE 1/2017 - you can order the magazine here > FREERIDE IOS App (iPad) FREERIDE Android AppPhoto: Ale Di LulloYou can find this article in FREERIDE 1/2017 - you can order the magazine here > FREERIDE IOS App (iPad) FREERIDE Android App

Born in South Baden, Laurin Lehner is, by his own admission, a lousy racer. Maybe that's why he is fascinated by creative, playful biking. What counts for him is not how fast you get from A to B, but what happens in between. Lehner writes reports, interviews scene celebrities and tests products and bikes - preferably those with a lot of suspension travel.

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