The SKS Airchecker 2 is the current version of the excellent Air Checker digital tyre pressure guage.
This is one of those small, relatively inconspicuous gadgets whose benefits can be out of all proportion to its size and price tag. If you understand the importance of correct tyre pressure for MTB performance, then you will understand the need for a reliable pressure guage. In fact, this has now become standard kit for me when guiding and coaching mountain biking in Scotland. Here’s my mini review of the Airchecker 2 from SKS.
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Why get a digital tyre pressure guage?
Your tyres are, obviously, your main contact point with the ground. Although their tread pattern is important, correct inflation is vital if they are to give you enough control and grip. But the ‘correct’ pressure can vary by as little as 2 or 3 PSI. Pressure is also affected by many factors, can drop over time and needs resetting after a tyre change or puncture. So being able to accurately measure it is really helpful.
Enter the SKS Airchecker 2. A standalone digital pressure guage can offer more accuracy than an analogue (dial-type) guage in a pump. If you don’t own a pump with a guage anyway, then it’s a no brainer. Plus, it’s quicker than having to attach and detach a pump, just to get a pressure reading (especially if you have multiple bikes to deal with, for example a guide or hire company).
Review ✓
- NAME: SKS Air Checker 2
- WHAT IS IT? Digital tyre pressure guage
- WHO’S IT FOR? road/MTB riders
- PRICE: £21.99
- PROS: easy to use, easy to pack, well made, light weight, well priced, good features
- CONS: None
- BOTTOM LINE: Really handy tool for keeping MTB tyre pressures right
- MY RATING:
SKS Airchecker 2 features
Adjusting tyre pressure on the trail can be fiddly at the best of times, but the Airchecker 2 does it’s job with the minimum of fuss. This is a really well designed tool, as you might expect from a long-standing German manufacturer like SKS.
New all-in-one mini electric pumps and guages have arrived at market. While these are really convenient, they do require charging.
Feature list
- Audible beep pressure indicator
- Backlit display
- PSI / Bar measurement
- Presta / Schraeder valve compatible
- Air release button
- Lanyard hole
- Low-profile design
- Rubberised side grips
- One-handed operation
- CR 2032 battery (large button-type)
- Auto power off function
- ‘Freeze reading’ function
- 0 – 145 PSI (0 – 10 Bar) measurement range
Basic functions of the SKS Airchecker 2
This device is pretty straightforward to use. First, switch on via the power button. Press that button again to select PSI or Bar. Next, rotate the head to choose between Presta or Schraeder valve. Then press onto the valve for a reading (make sure the valve cap is off and Presta valves must be unscrewed a few turns). A successful reading is signalled by a small beep and the value is displayed on the readout.
The SKS Airchecker 2 ‘s small size means its super-convenient and easy to use. A clear, backlit display with simple controls make it easier to use at the trailside. And a long battery life means less chance of it being dead when you need it.
Valve position, overpressure and suspension
The rotating head allows you to read the display whatever position the wheel valve is in. To make this even easier, you can press the Mode button before taking a reading. This activates the ‘freeze’ function, which keeps the reading on the display after removing it from the tyre valve. Another handy function is the air release button. This allows you to overpressure a tyre, then deflate down to the pressure you want (much easier than having to attach and reattach a pump multiple times). Hold the guage firmly in place as normal, press the release button to let out a little air and the readout will display the dropping pressure. This is a feature that’s rarely present on pumps.
Getting tyre pressures right is vital for good jumping
I had a minor hassle with the SKS Airchecker 2 with it occassionally struggling to seal well on Presta valves. It was solved by winding the valve stem out completely before attaching the guage. There’s a tiny bit of play in the swivel head, but it doesn’t seem to affect accuracy. Take care before using the Air Checker 2 on air pressure-based MTB suspension or a dropper seatpost. It’s range may be enough for most air forks. But the much higher pressure in a rear shock or dropper post will probably damage it (use a guage-equipped shock pump instead).
⚠️ The Air Checker 2 is not designed for use on rear air shocks or dropper posts.
So that’s the Air Checker 2 from SKS. A really handy, well thought-out little gadget that will help you dial in one of the most important aspects of bike setup. And does it work for roadies? Absolutely.
Leading and coaching near Aviemore and beyond
✅ No freebies or reimbursement were received in return for this review.