Alternative anti-puncture systems for bicycles

The tubeless has become the most widely used anti-puncture system for bicycles, especially in mountain biking, a discipline more prone to this type of breakdown.

But the options to avoid getting a flat tire do not end there, and there are other very useful alternatives. Especially for those who do not have tubeless ready rims or tires, the only ones compatible with this system.

If you want to ride worry-free and forget forever about inconvenient stops and repairs in the middle of your route due to a puncture, take note of these solutions available on the market. Some of them are very innovative and are currently on the rise.

Anti-puncture strips

Anti-puncture strips have been on the market for quite a few years and are one of the most economical and easy-to-install barriers against punctures.

Their only problem is that they do not guarantee one hundred percent that the tire will not puncture, especially with large and sharp objects such as nails or wooden splinters.

These can pierce the strip and cause an air leak. The sidewalls or flanks of the tire are also exposed.

The strips can be made of polyurethane, aramid, graphene, or leather, and are available for both road and mountain bike tires.

They should be placed on the inside bottom of the tire, so you will need to remove at least one side of the tire and take out the tube to install it.

Anti-puncture tubes

There are also anti-puncture tire tubes. Their main difference compared to conventional ones is that they contain sealant liquid inside, which is capable of plugging small cuts and holes no larger than 3 mm thick.

It is an economical, effective, and easy-to-install solution for wheels without tubeless ready tires or rims.

But it also adds quite a bit of extra weight to the wheel, around 400 grams, and is not effective against larger punctures, such as those caused by tire blowouts.

It can be a good system for occasional rides, especially if you do mountain biking.

Mousse

It is one of the most innovative and fastest-growing anti-puncture systems today. It is especially linked to the recent commercial success of electric mountain bikes.

The mousse

This ring, in addition to preventing air leaks from small cuts, allows you to ride with low pressures in large tires like those used in extreme MTB disciplines: enduro, downhill or electric bikes.

With a mousse there is very little risk of unseating, it centers the tire and provides more stability to the rider, especially on descents and sections with obstacles. Although it is a very widespread product in mountain biking, there are also versions for gravel tires.

Tube Tire

There is some debate as to whether the tubular can be considered a puncture-resistant product, like a strip or tube designed exclusively for this purpose.

The tubular was not created as a solution against punctures, but rather as a lighter type of tire with better grip than the traditional tire with an inner tube.

But the special sealing characteristics of the tubular prevent air from escaping as quickly as in a tire with an inner tube, also giving it puncture-resistant properties.

However, a tubular can also get punctured and its repair is more costly and complicated. But with it you can be sure of finishing the ride without a flat tire.

In addition, it is also possible to add sealant liquid to it. In this video from one of the mechanics of the professional Lotto team, you can see how they are installed:

Sealant Liquid

If you use the classic tire plus tube combination on your bike and do not want to convert your wheels to tubeless yet (eliminating the tube), adding sealant liquid inside the tube will guarantee you rides or training sessions with hardly any risk of punctures.

It is important not to confuse this sealant liquid with the one used for tubeless. Although they have similar properties, the anti-puncture liquid for tubes is less thick than the one for tubeless.

Most manufacturers differentiate it in their product range. There are brands that sell sealant liquid suitable for both tubeless and tubes. When choosing, it is advisable to opt for a specific liquid.

Emergency Puncture Sealants

And what happens if, despite all this, we suffer a puncture in the middle of a ride? Don't worry, there are also quick remedies that allow you to temporarily solve the problem and repair any puncture on the go.

Repair Spray

Repair sprays contain a liquid in the form of gel or foam that, when introduced through the valve, manages to give pressure to the tire (up to 3 bars) temporarily.

This will allow you to finish the ride without problems, although afterwards the tube or tubular will be unusable for further use. In the case of using tubeless you will need to clean the entire inside of the tire and remount it.

Plugs

Plugs perform the same function as the spray, only plugs can more effectively seal larger cracks and holes in the tire.

It's a solution inherited from the automotive world, and on bicycles it is intended for tubeless tire punctures.

With the help of an awl, you have to insert a rubber plug into the crack or hole to seal it.

Once the awl is removed and the plug is properly inserted, the tire is reinflated so it holds pressure and you can finish the ride with air in the wheel. Afterwards, you will need to remove the plug and fix the puncture with a patch.

Patches and Solution

Even if you have one of the anti-puncture systems installed on your wheels, it is always advisable to carry a box of patches and a can of solution for emergency repairs on your rides.

Also, don't forget to carry, either in a backpack, tied to the frame, or under the seat, a spare tube and a hand pump to inflate it in case your anti-puncture solution fails.

Anti-puncture systems for bicycles: advantages and disadvantages

The wide variety of puncture protection systems for your bike wheels currently allows you to choose the most suitable one depending on use, discipline, or wheel characteristics. In this comparison table, we summarize the best and worst of each system: