Small but Mighty: Introducing the Dynaplug
Small but Mighty: Introducing the Dynaplug
In the past three years, we have seen a steady march toward tubeless tires. As of mid-season 2021, 95% of Velosmith new builds are set-up tubeless. Before we go further, let’s take a moment to define the common tire systems of the past 50 years.
Clincher
Ubiquitous in cycling, nearly every bike rolling around in the past 80 years uses some form of clincher tire. A clincher is a two part system: tire, inner tube. The bicycle’s rim is designed with a small hooked edge that runs the entire circumference of the rim. The tire has a corresponding lip that connects with the hooked edge to keep the tire and rim connected.
Tubular
Ubiquitous in the professional peloton and as old school as a metal water bottle with a cork. The tubular tire delivers an unprecedented ride in terms of comfort and performance. Favored by the pros because they are glued to the rim, there is a safety element in the fact that if a puncture occurs the tire will remain connected to the rim. The tubular tire is in decline due to the fact that the tire is a system that integrates the inner tube into the tire casing by sewing the tire closed on the underside. The tire is then glued to the rim. This tire system is commonly mistaken when talking about Tubeless. Tubular and Tubeless are entirely different.
Tubeless
Not a new technology, but rather, a new application. Motorcycles and cars have long utilized a tubeless system, in fact the origins of the Dynaplug stem from tire repair methods used on cars for decades. Tubeless systems reply on a tire and rim interface that locks the tire to the rim. This system is then filled with a liquid sealant – typically 1-2 ounces for a 700c wheel size. For context, 1-2 ounces of sealant will create a small pool inside the tire, enough that if you shake the wheel you can hear a bit of liquid sloshing around inside. The sealant will find any area where air escapes and then coagulate causing the leak to be filled. The sealant can fill some pretty good sized holes. Often, a puncture is invisible to the rider. Only upon cleaning their bike do they find some of the sealant splatter on the frame or fork.
We view punctures in three forms. Here is how a standard clincher is repaired and where the Dynaplug can add value when using a tubeless system:
The Nuisance Flat
This is the type of puncture that slowly goes flat. When repairing the flat on the roadside, it can be challenging to locate the cause of the puncture because it is so small.
Clincher Solution: Remove tire and inner tube. Check tire for cause of puncture, remove debris and reinstall new inner tube. Typically requires at least one inner tube and Co2 canister.
Tubeless Solution: Liquid sealant inside the tubeless is drawn into the hole via escaping air. Once it reaches outside environment, the sealant will coagulate, stopping the leak and resealing the tire. Often, no supplies are needed and the puncture goes unnoticed.
The Puncture
A puncture tends to be an event. Pinch flats, road debris are the most common cause. This type of flat is immediate and usually easy to locate the cause.
Clincher Solution: Remove tire and inner tube. Check tire for cause of puncture, remove debris and reinstall new inner tube. Typically requires at least one inner tube and Co2 canister. Occasionally, the hole in the tire will need to be addressed. A dollar bill or gel wrapper is the most common fix.
Tubeless Solution: If the hole is too large for the sealant alone to repair the tire, enter the Dynaplug. The Dynaplug is just that – a plug. Use it to fill the space created by the puncture. The plug helps reduce the hole size so that the sealant can do its job. If you are able to stop the air from completely escaping you will have an easier time with the repair. If you hear the air leaking, stop and use your finger to cover the hole. I recommend the Dynaplug be carried in your pocket or at the top of your flat kit. This way you can react quickly. Open the Dynaplug tool and select the plug size best suited to the puncture. You can combine them if the hole is very large. Press the Dynaplug tool into the hole and when pulling the tool out, make sure the plug stays behind. If needed, you can peen over the tail of the plug to increase its size and ability to seal. This can often be achieved without removing the wheel. If you were quick and able to preserve some of the air pressure, you may be able to get back to the ideal pressure with either a mini pump, frame pump or the balance of the Co2.
The Catastrophic Failure
The most severe of the punctures. It usually involves damage to the tire that requires a tire repair in addition to a tube replacement. This can be a large sidewall cut, a wide tear on the tread or a separation at the bead.
Clincher Solution: Remove the tire from the rim and try to create a patch for the inside of the tire. The most common tools for this type of repair is a dollar bill or an empty gel wrapper. Both are tough enough to keep the inner tube from breaking through the hole. Replace inner tube, air up and go.
Tubeless Solution: Same as the clincher solution. The tubeless tire system is also a clincher tire when need be.
Once a tire has been plugged, there is a very likely chance that the plug will never pose an issue. We have had clients ride 1500 additional miles post-Dynaplug on the same tire. The largest challenge for a tire with a plug is tire pressure. The higher the pressure, the harder the Dynaplug needs to work.
