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Pressure changes with altitude and temperature changes - which is not a fault with the TPMS. Riding will increase tyre temp. Higher speeds, tougher terrain, thicker innertubes, higher outside temp, will all make the tyres run hot - and pressure increase. The constant changes of pressure is not a fault with the TPMS (presupposing it is a reliable device).
My main reason for retrofitting a TPMS would not be to have a correct ambient reading, or have a temp sensor try to calculate it. My main reason would be to have an early warning system for loosing pressure - mostly while in the go. I would still probably be checking the pressure with a gauge sllmost as regularly as I do today, and less frequent as my confidence in the system grew.
The valve cap version would take seconds to retrofit, but are there any good ones that are compatible with innertubes? Do they pose a safety issue in themselves? I have no clue. When it comes to the valve type, I've read somewhere that the simpler varieties with a small handlebar display (of a recognized brand) is preferable to more advanced variety with larger displays, temp sensors, etc - claiming longer battery life, better reliability, etc. Wether that is good advice - I don't know - this tech is new to me.
As I change tyres frequently, I'm not too worried about the inconveniences of having to replace a battery inside the tyre - but the valve cap solution is such a smooth install... but only if it doesn't lead to a rapid loss of air 7n itself. Now, I hardly ever go above 140 km/h on an adventure bike. So, is the potential stress 8n the valve stem really an issue - or just anoter SoMe echo chamber "fact"? Again - I have no clue. I would however assume that if there was a real and significant risk of a technology such as this and which has been arround for s few years - that legislation would be out in place to sell or market them for such risky applications. Or am I just being naive?
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Cholo - I apologize for the insulting connotation of my response to your comment. It's just that your response could come across as something that advocates KTT - which to me falls in the same category as riding without gear, eye protection, open faced helmet, hiking boots, etc - all topics I am bit overly sensitive about. Sure, it is a personal choice - but one that comes at a risk.
I still don't for one second believe that one can eyeball pressure (except when close to flat), or even read it with any degree of accuracy by kicking, stepping or squeezing the tyre. Sure you can when you are dealing with a tyre that is flat or close to flat, but can you recognize 1/4 bar change? I sure can't - and I am no beginner. Even if I had hydraulic strength in my fingers, I don't think I could - and it is not for lack of trying. On a side stand, center stand, balancee, loaded or unloaded - I can't.
With the potential dangers involved in not being on top of one's wheel condition at all time - taking frequent and methodical measurements with a calibrated quality instrument is the only sound practice in my opinion. I still step on my tyres when I can't be bothered to take out the gauge - between the frequent gaugings.
As for making fun of riders that have crash bars, etc - I can think of many reasons where having many of the items you mention is more adviceable than not having then. That much said, I agree that for some applications, some people go a bit too far for their own good. This TPMS might very well be such a case for me - that is why I want to discuss it. For most of us, funds is a limited resource. For many of us, every item added comes at the expense of exponential amount of clutter in our life, more weight, more space consuned, more worries, and can over sll require more attention and concern than what it was intended to leviate, etc. Having one turn by turn GPS and a second with a route - I see it has its place. A GPS to replace your phone which doesn't stand up to heat - I get it. Still, one ought to be critical about these things - so at some level I agree with you... but definitely not on tyre pressure.
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