Rover Development, a small start-up based in Minneapolis, has developed the PSIcle sensor, an NFC-based pressure sensor that is said to allow cyclists to read the tire pressure of their bike via their smartphone. The PSIcle sensor threads into an existing Presta valve. It can be used with tubeless tires or any tube with a removable core, and is also fully reusable when buying a new tubeless tire or tube. Unlike some other sensors, the PSIcle has no battery to charge it or replace it. The pressure can be read by holding an iOS or Android smartphone within about one inch of the sensor. The NFC reader inside the smartphone automatically wakes and powers the sensor. Then, the PSIcle app detects the sensor and automatically actives the system, allowing for an instant pressure measurement. Pressure readings are updated as the tire is being inflated. Rover Development is comprised of three engineers with more than 60 years of combined product development experience who have brought over a dozen previous products from concept to production. They launched a Kickstarter campaign for the PSIcle sensor on May 25, with an early-bird price of $52 for two sensors delivered in September and a regular price of $56 for two sensors delivered in November. The sensors will later be sold directly through the company’s website.

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