never carry one, if i puncture i pump the tyre up to the point where my arms get sore then a bit more, test with a pinch then set off. if its a bit lower pressure then i started with then the ride quality will be better. I have thought about a pump with a guage but with the bashing a pump gets i dont think it would be that reliable

 

Generally the amount of air you'll lose on a long ride (assuming you're not talking multi-day type long) is less than the amount you will lose by putting a pressure gauge on to check.
It's simply not a good idea.

 

We're born with a thumb that has built-in judgement ability. If it feels kinda hard, it is.

 

I know of no stand-alone pressure gauge that works well with presta valves. One problem is that any attempt to measure the pressure lets a significant amount out of high pressure low volume road bike tires. The presta valve can act as a check valve, so the most reliable way to read pressure is to use a pump with a gauge and read it as air is going into the tire. A floor pump works best for this and is the tool of choice for routine airing up of tires before riding. On the road with an appropriately rated minipump, pump it up as hard as you can, and use the pinch test to compare it to the other tire to assess if it's adequately inflated. There are minipumps with gauges if you'd prefer that. Lezyne makes a nice small in-line gauge.

 

My pressure gauge stays at home. Actually it's use is very seldom because my floor pump has a gauge on it. I always check the tire pressure before each ride and I find this to be quite adequate for a day long ride.
What I carry with me when I ride is a Presta to Schrader adapter. I have sheared a few Presta stems at the side of the road trying to fix a flat in a hurry in the dark or in the rain but using this adapter I can do it almost by feel and minimal loss of air when disengaging the hand pump or pressure cartridge. I know some of you will poo-poo the adapter but it worked so well for me over the years I never gave the Presta another chance.

 

My pressure gauge stays at home. Actually it's use is very seldom because my floor pump has a gauge on it. I always check the tire pressure before each ride and I find this to be quite adequate for a day long ride.
What I carry with me when I ride is a Presta to Schrader adapter. I have sheared a few Presta stems at the side of the road trying to fix a flat in a hurry in the dark or in the rain but using this adapter I can do it almost by feel and minimal loss of air when disengaging the hand pump or pressure cartridge. I know some of you will poo-poo the adapter but it worked so well for me over the years I never gave the Presta another chance.

That's actually a really good idea. I've only busted one valve, ever, but seeing as though carrying and putting on an adapter is no effort at all why not.

I assume you are talking about co2 when you say pressure cartridge? Do you know if they all work with Schrader or do you need to buy a head that specifically works with Schrader? I already have an adapter so I suppose I can just answer that about my co2 thing myself.

 

My mini pump mechanically tops out at about 90psi.

 

Do you bring a thermometer on vacations, in case you get sick? I get a flat like once every two years. Then I pump up 'til it feels about like the other one - little less for the front - little more for the back. Then ride home. When I went on a 3 day ride, I did exactly the same thing.

If you must -

The G.H. Meiser Accu-Gage is very accurate and releases less than 1 psi when used. It's also cheap. All the ToPeak ones I've tried have assploded before long.

 

I carry a 20 year old Zefel gauge. Small, lightweight. It doesn't attach very well and either I lose air or get incorrect readings. I'm not sure why I still carry it. The thumb test may be better.

 

I do not ride with a pressure gauge.

I'll set the pressure before a ride and that it unless I flat, in which case it gets whatever the Co2 will give it. I probably wouldnt be concerned enough to check it on anything less than a century.

 

Thanks for the feedback. I will trust my CO2 is giving it enough if I get a flat. I have a Blackburn at home so that will work for most fill ups or top offs.