With the cobblestones of Paris-Roubaix on the horizon, the UCI has given Scope’s new Atmoz real-time tire pressure management system approval for professional road racing, offering mid-ride control over your tire pressure. Deflate your tires as you ride for improved comfort & grip over the roughest secteurs, and reinflate as you ride for improved handling & efficiency on smooth asphalt.
Scope Atmoz real-time tire pressure management system
Dutch wheel maker Scope has unveiled the Atmoz, an all-new real-time tire pressure management system that gives riders on-the-fly control over their tire pressure to optimize control & efficiency over variable road surfaces. Press a remote control button on your handlebar and you can add or remove air pressure in your tires as you ride to optimize performance no matter what type of surface you encounter.
“With easily up to 30 wattage of reduced rolling resistance, combined with improved comfort and safety in rough and wet conditions, this product will be revolutionary for the cycling industry“, according to Scope.
Tech details
Details remain thin on the newly unveiled Atmoz tech, but according to the UCI’s statement, it appears to be more mechanically simple than the compressor-based Gravaa TPMS. It seems to be more of a reserve high-pressure air tank that would release air with each reinflation, via remotely operated valves. That would mean it can only be used to change tire pressure a finite number of times mid-race, before needing to be repressurized.
We do know that the USB-C rechargeable Atmoz hub device is connected via a pneumatic hose to a special control valve that seems to replace the core of a tubeless valve.
The system is compatible ONLY with tubeless tires, perhaps due to the lower resulting tire pressures – although it works with at least 92psi? (No rider weight limit, though.) It’s also interesting to note that its operation is unaffected by sealant.
The device(s) is wirelessly controlled by a pair of remotes (wired together with a shared battery & transmitter) that can independently raise or lower front and/or rear tire pressure.
It also communicates with cycling computer head units via ANT+ / Bluetooth, and can display live tire pressure at least on a Wahoo Elemnt Roam computer.
The Scope Atmoz device itself is a narrow clamshell design that clamps over the center of each hub, splitting in two so that it can be installed on a pre-built wheel. It is said to be compatible with “All 29” (700)” wheelsets, but that obviously will be hub dependent.
Scope Atmoz pricing & availability
In order for the pros to be able to race it in the peloton, it has to be available to the masses, so you can actually order a Scope Atmoz real-time tire pressure control system for the low, low price of 3998€. That’s presumably for the pair, and you can even get it in Black or Blue.
UCI authorizes built-in management systems for tire pressure
Pro cycling’s governing body issued a release yesterday giving the OK for in-race use of tire pressure management systems, retroactively dated back to April 1. But don’t worry, this isn’t an April Fool’s joke from the UCI.
“Authorised in line with article 1.3.004 of the UCI Regulations, the tyre pressure management system is controlled by buttons on the handlebar and uses mechanical valves to regulate airflow between the air reservoir and the tubeless tyre. The system does not alter the structural integrity of the wheelset and does not contain any moving parts or compressors… In line with 1.3.006 of the UCI Regulations, the tyre pressure management system is also available commercially for all people practising the sport of cycling.”
This narrow wording appears to specifically exclude Gravaa’s TPMS which uses compressors. But that’s likely only because UCI regulation prohibits the use of “technical innovation” during competition until the manufacturer specifically submits it for technical review.
We expect that Scope’s Atmoz real-time tire pressure management system will likely show up next Saturday & Sunday at Paris Roubaix on the bikes of Team DSM who are a longtime partner with Scope, even though the currently race on Shimano wheels.
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