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SRAM’s data and digital technology brand Quarq has unveiled a Tyrewiz tyre pressure sensor that sends data via Bluetooth and ANT+ to a cycling computer or smartphone every second while you ride.
Hands up if you were expecting that! A real-time tyre pressure sensor certainly didn't make it into our feature: Cycling's top tech trends for 2018 and beyond.
Now, I’m going to take a punt – a wild shot in the dark – that at the moment you’re wondering something along the lines of, “Why the hell would anyone want one of those?”
You might wonder that even more when you find out the price for a pair is £229 (including batteries and a valve core removal tool).
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“Tyre choice and tyre pressure are the most underrated factors in cycling performance and comfort today,” said Jim Meyer, founder of Quarq. “Riders have more choices than ever when it comes to tyre and rim design.
“There’s a challenge in finding the right combination of those things, and we’re making those choices based on gauge technology that hasn’t changed much since the 19th century. Real-time tyre pressure monitoring technology isn’t new, and we believe it should be on every bicycle to make the riding experience better.”
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Of course, if you’re that bothered about your tyre pressure you could just check it with a gauge or pump before the start of every ride. The idea of the TyreWiz is that it saves you the bother, sending pressure data to your cycling computer or smartphone. The accompanying app provides personalised recommendations and alerts you if the pressure dips.
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“For the first time, riders will have the ability to use highly accurate real-time information to make decisions that can affect rolling resistance, traction, tyre wear, and comfort,” says Quarq.
Each TyreWiz is powered by a user-replaceable coin cell (CR1632) that should last around 300hrs, and weighs a claimed 10g. It is compatible with removable Presta core valves in tube or tubeless tyres, including those using sealant.
The TyreWiz has a IPX7 dustproof/waterproof rating and Quarq claims an accuracy level of +/-2%. It’ll be shipping in the UK from 27th June 2018.
Get more info from Quarq’s website.
Mat has worked for loads of bike magazines over 20+ years, and been editor of 220 Triathlon and Cycling Plus. He's been road.cc technical editor for eight years, testing bikes, fettling the latest kit, and trying out the most up-to-the-minute clothing. We send him off around the world to get all the news from launches and shows too. He has won his category in Ironman UK 70.3 and finished on the podium in both marathons he has run. Mat is a Cambridge graduate who did a post-grad in magazine journalism, and he is a past winner of the Cycling Media Award for Specialist Online Writer.