Roadgear Tire Gauge: D.U.D. or P.O.S. ...?

[Blrfl]

So this afternoon I open my mailbox and find the Road Gear tire gauge that Honda promised as a freebie when I renewed my HRCA membership in June. Nice, says I... One that'll take a reading from the back tire without contortions. Problem is, I can't seem to get a reading without letting 10 psi out of it. Did I get a bad one, or is this thing just not well-engineered?

--Mark

[ridesmith]

I had exactly the same problem when I bought mine from Road Gear, and they sent me a replacement that didn't work any better, so I finally went to a gauge with an extension hose that fits nicely, but isn't nearly as portable.

[Blrfl]

Good, then I'm not nuts. :) I have a mechanical stick type gauge that I bought for $1.99 a long time ago that reads the same as the big, fat digital one I use on my cars.

The tread depth gauge is a nice-to-have, though...

--Mark

[dond]

MCN did a comparo of guages, Nov '05.
They liST a Roadgear "Hi-Tec Digital Tire Pressure Guage". Retail $24.90, It got a recommended rating. Doesn't mention that it doesn't work though :-)
Surprisingly my little keychain Accutire digital (on sale at Sears $6 a few years ago) got the same rating wth an "excellent accuracy" note. Go figure.
The Accutire has even been through a complete wash/dry cycle with no ill effecs :p:

[Mongo]

I bought the older version (L shaped head) of the roadgear DIGI 4-5 years ago and have never had a problem with it.

[NormanPCN]

I have an Accutire branded version of the same gauge as the RoadGear one. It has always worked fine for me.

[dond]

:04biker: I have an Accutire branded version of the same gauge as the RoadGear one. It has always worked fine for me.
Hmmm (rubbing chin) I see a trend developing here. AccuTire eh?
:rolleyes:

[Bones]

My Dad gave me the Road Gear 90 degree head version several years ago. Works great, no "leakage" problem as described below. Keep it in the left fairing pocket. Interesting that the 90 degree bend makes it hard to use on some of the cars and trucks I've had. I also have a made-in-France Schrader Vigil gauge with a 45 degree head. That one is a precision instrument. Compact, no batteries, and bar/PSI scales.

[Blue STreak]

I bought the older version (L shaped head) of the roadgear DIGI 4-5 years ago and have never had a problem with it.

Ditto. Use it every week and it works fine.

[NormanPCN]

:04biker:
Hmmm (rubbing chin) I see a trend developing here. AccuTire eh?
:rolleyes:

Hmmm (rubbing chin)... who really makes the gauge. I have seen that gauge (the one with the 90degree bend) in four brand names. AccuTire, Sears, Radio Shack and RoadGear. Probably a noname manufacture and everyone is self branding it.

[Tarheel_Rider]

I just received my RoadGear HiTec Digital Tire Gear and it works great. No more contortions trying to get a reading. Getting a reading on the LT was a real PITA, but no longer.

[dougb]

Roadgear dig gauge has been working great for 6years waiting for battery to give out . always carry in tank bag.....:biker:

[Magna]

I also use the new free gauge now (check air before every ride), with no problems. Used the older "L" shaped one before, and no problems either.
Magna

So this afternoon I open my mailbox and find the Road Gear tire gauge that Honda promised as a freebie when I renewed my HRCA membership in June. Nice, says I... One that'll take a reading from the back tire without contortions. Problem is, I can't seem to get a reading without letting 10 psi out of it. Did I get a bad one, or is this thing just not well-engineered?

--Mark

[EASt]

I can get readings with an old fashioned stick gauge, no problem.

What I'd really like to know is...

HOW IN THE WORLD DO YOU GET AIR INTO THE TIRES?

Is there some adaptor that allows an inflation chuck to get into the back tire? :confused:

[Blrfl]

I can get readings with an old fashioned stick gauge, no problem.

Me too. I have one that I bought for $2.00 that I check against a couple of bigger ones a few times a year and it works fine.

What I'd really like to know is... HOW IN THE WORLD DO YOU GET AIR INTO THE TIRES? Is there some adaptor that allows an inflation chuck to get into the back tire? :confused:

I have a small angled chuck (http://www.mcmaster.com/catalog/112/gfx/large/6146ap1l.gif) on the end of a hose that fits with a minimum of fuss. I keep threatening to replace it with one of these (http://www.mcmaster.com/catalog/112/gfx/large/6647ac1l.gif) with the same chuck (McMaster P/N 6647A32) so I don't have to keep switching between the hose and the gauge.

Some folks use 90-degree valve adaptors. I wouldn't leave one on permanently, but it would probably be good to carry one in case they need topping off away from home.

I think I'm going to give the Road Gear gauge another chance today. I really like the tread depth gauge, which is why I didn't just chuck it.

--Mark