There’s a lot of talk these days about lower air pressure and its effect on ride quality, but how do you measure it? If you’re the type to just squeeze the tire until it feels ‘good’, then move right along. However, if you’re the type that wants to know the exact pressures you’re riding so you can make adjustments and fine tune the ride, then SKS has something for you.
While the original Airchecker is a great little tool (one that we use a lot – at the office, at home, in the car – and reviewed for racing cross), SKS thought it could be better. Starting with an improved form factor with a soft edge, the new Airchecker is a bit larger and fits better in your hand. More importantly, there are new internals including a new sensor that increases the measuring accuracy – especially at low pressures. Also, the Airchecker will now give you real time measurements which will allow you to see the pressure as you’re releasing air with the orange pressure release button up top. Still compatible with presta or schrader valves and offering BAR or PSI readings, the new Airchecker will sell for $35 and will be available later this summer.
As an accessory and tool company, SKS has a lot of categories but their bag category saw the biggest growth at Sea Otter.
Starting with the Racer Edge, this small frame bag goes inside the frame triangle and includes three strong velcro straps with rubber coating to help hold them in place. The bag offers 600ml of storage, weighs 124g, and is water repellent with easy to use zippers. This bag should sell for $29.99.
Slightly bigger than the Racer Edge, the Explorer Edge checks in at 1000ml and 164g. The bag uses the same construction and should sell for $35.99.
For the top tube or ‘gas tank’ style, SKS offers the Explorer Smart. On top, you’ll find a removable smartphone bag with a touch screen compatible clear viewing panel and a headphone cable exit port in the front. The bag itself has three rubber coated velcro straps to attach to the top tube and your steerer tube, and is water repellent.
There are also six new saddle bags to add to the mix – Racer Click 800, Racer 800, Explorer Click 800, Explorer 800, Explorer 1800, and Explorer Click 1800. Weights are listed at 150g, 125g, 166g, 137g, 211g, and 186g respectively. The number in the name of each bag refers to their storage in ml, and the standard bags attach with rubber coated velcro straps around the seat post and velcro straps around the saddle rails. The Click bags use a quick release system that bolts to your saddle’s rails to allow for quick removal and installation but still uses a rubber coated velcro strap around the post. Weights are listed at 150g, 125g, 166g, 137g, 211g, and 186g respectively. Each bag is water repellent with reflective accents and uses easy to use zippers.
