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IB14: PatchNride Gets Official, Flat Tires Will Never Be The Same

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Patch n Ride instant patch kit (7)

We first caught wind of the PatchNRide system back in June when the company first announced that they were taking pre-orders with video featuring some high production value but not a lot of answers to how the system actually works. It turns out that was on purpose, since the company didn’t want to reveal all the details until the system was completely ready and the patent applications were all sorted out. Now a few months later, PatchNride was on hand at Interbike showing exactly how the system works and just how easy it is.

From what we’ve seen, PatchNride will be a game changer, especially for the world of tubulars. Seal up the details, next…

Patch n Ride instant patch kit (8)

Patch n Ride instant patch kit (9) Patch n Ride instant patch kit (1)

The entire PatchNride system is not exactly tiny, but it is still smaller than bottles of emergency tire sealant that many triathletes or tubular riders will carry and will easily fit in a jersey pocket or larger saddle bags. The patch repair stick uses replaceable cartridges that load into the front of the handle. After the cartridge is installed and you’re ready to fix a flat, you slide the lever forward on handle exposing the barb. This barb is designed to be sharp enough to clean out the puncture (the offending nail/thorn/metal should already be removed), but not sharp enough to damage the inner tube. PatchNride makes finding the source of the flat easy with their leak finder which is basically like a moist towelette that you rub around the tire. The residue left bubbles up where the puncture is located making the source easy to find.

Patch n Ride instant patch kit (2)

Patch n Ride instant patch kit (6) Patch n Ride instant patch kit (5)

Once inserted into the tire, the green button will squirt in adhesive from the clear packet in the cartridge, and then insert the patch upon removal. The patch is 40mm wide and concave to perfectly form to the tube and is capable of sealing holes in the inner tube up to 3mm in diameter. Since the tube is anchored by the valve to the rim, PatchNride claims the tube can’t move enough for the patch to miss its mark.

Patch n Ride instant patch kit (4)

After the patch is inserted, it leaves a small tether which is used to pull on to properly set the patch before inflating the inner tube. This tether indicates that the patch has been inserted and also it is properly set. Once the tube is inflated and the glue has cured the tether can be cut off or simply pulled off.

Patch n Ride instant patch kit (3)

How durable are the patches? PatchNride have done extensive testing of the system which resulted in examples like the tire above. As an actual flat, received in normal riding, the flat was repaired with the PatchNride system and then ridden another 4500 miles before becoming a display at the show. The crew admits that there may be some excess glue that will bind the tube to the tire, but it isn’t detrimental to the life span of either, and in the case of clinchers the tube can be easily separated from the tire after the ride.

PatchNride will be filling their pre-orders by the end of the year, and will start shipping for standard retail in January/February. Each PatchNride system will retail for $34.99 which includes a single patch pod and one leak finder. Replacements patch pods will sell for $12 each. Compared to a patch kit and a pair of tire levers the system isn’t exactly cheap, but for those uncomfortable with removing wheels and tires to fix a flat or tubular riders, the PatchNride could prove invaluable.

Interested? The PatchNride system is still available for pre-order for another 21 days. Your $30 will get you a PatchNride too, 2 patch pods, and 2 leak detectors.

 

 

 

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Jame$
Jame$
9 years ago

Just when I think I am about to go tubeless the World gives me another sign to just ride Boras with Vittoria Pave tires.

codyish
9 years ago

@Jame$ – a simple and elegant way to prevent flats and improve ride quality is still better than a fancy and expensive way to fix flats.

Steve
Steve
9 years ago

For clincher riders this is a hard sell for everyday flat repair. How do you justify using a $12 patch over a $5 tube? Great for race day applications and tubular tires though. I wonder if using CO2 hurts the patch glue.

oldmanridley
oldmanridley
9 years ago

@Jame$-Just do it. Converted to Schwalbe One tubeless mid-summer and I’m loving every minute. Zero flats, more traction in corners, comfy ride, I could go on…..

rich
rich
9 years ago

@steve, for many clincher riders I agree. However for many customers we see at the shop who can barely work a quickrelease let alone change a tire I think it will be very well received. Remember at a lot of shops the price of a tire change plus a tube are approaching $20…

Doug
Doug
9 years ago

Looks interesting but I will pass at $12 a patch.

Jason
Jason
9 years ago

You guys are missing the point, a 12 dollar patch on a $100 tubular that’s difficult at best to fix out on the road. Yes Please!

MattS
MattS
9 years ago

Seems to mean talc powder on tubes would be a no-go. I’m a fan of talc on tubes, especially latex….

Martin Beaumont
Martin Beaumont
9 years ago

That sounds great for road riders! But at $12+/flat, it is way too expensive for the common rider to afford. I will keep take the time to remove the tire and change the tube. I’ll repair the punctured tube at home, with a glass of wine at my arm’s reach.

I don’t get how it will make it easier for a beginner rider to repair a flat. To me, if a rider is uncomfortable doing it the good ol’ way, he won’t be better with this.

Though, I see this tool useful for mtb guides or group ride leaders, coaches… to repair a flat quickly on the trails, avoiding being bitten too much by mosquitoes and deer flies while repairing, but does this system works for mtbs? Or it there a compatible system in the works?

jd1072
jd1072
9 years ago

Has anyone confirmed the $12 patch pods will fix only ONE flat? It looks like a cartridge designed to repair more than one flat (or at least that’s what I was hoping).

This would be great on group road rides. Everyone hates being THAT guy that makes the group wait while changing a flat. To knock out the chore in 30 seconds would be nice.

Topmounter
Topmounter
9 years ago

This looks to make a lot of sense for tubulars.

Derek
Derek
9 years ago

I doubt this will work on a latex inner tube, and most tubulars come with latex. Can BikeRumor confirm?

scissorhands
scissorhands
9 years ago

Derek…It does work on latex inner tubes…patch n ride confirmed this

ironatlete
ironatlete
9 years ago

i think is amazing idea! the product look amazing for anyone, athketes and people that ride daily an are not expirience changing a flat tire. i think just to avoid the stress and phone calls to pick up or in a race getting a flat it means you lost 5 to 10 mins of your time! love it!

muf
muf
9 years ago

this is cool but it seems easier to just run tubeless
(and yeah.. i run tubeless)

The Conductor
The Conductor
9 years ago

I wish they would stop the “green” argument. The one shot deal cartridge creates more waste then the simple patch does.

If a “non-mechanical” rider doesn’t have the basic skill to take off a tire and change out a tube, or patch one, how is this person supposed to use this tool in the field?

Find the hole, pinch the tube, don’t puncture the tube in another spot due to afore mentioned lack of mech skill, insert another cartridge, rinse and repeat…

Never mind, watching some poor guy trying to patch a snakebite with this will be priceless. Why?
because you have to REMOVE the tube to discover it is indeed a snakebite puncture.

The Conductor rules this “looks good in the lab, useless in the field”.

GrantT
GrantT
9 years ago

When I get a flat I’m in no mood to try sticking another sharp object through my tyre.

Derek
Derek
9 years ago

@Zach

D’oh! I did a control+F for latex in the article but didn’t look close enough at the picture.

Sandro
Sandro
9 years ago

My pre order check! and welcome my Mavic CCU free in roads!

Bob
Bob
9 years ago

This piece of tech wizardry sounds interesting. I have ridden tubulars for more than 30 years and ALWAYS carry at least one spare and some contact cement either in a small bag or strapped under the seat, making on-the-road “repair” a matter of changing the tire. As a matter of fact, it was quicker to change a tubular than to repair a flat in a clincher. Repairing the flat, however, was the chore that awaited you at home, with needle, dental floss, vice grips and a patch kit. For the tubular rider, more importantly, for the triathlete or racer who does not have backup support to provide a replacement wheel during a race, this device might save some precious seconds. But at current pricing, it is not cheap. I wish them well.

Mike
Mike
9 years ago

Am laughing at the nay sayers. Spent Euros to get a cab back to Geneva once because I couldn’t get the Vittoria to set properly. $12 a patch . . . you got my cash and I get to ride my tubulars. Thank you so much patchnride.

Order Completed

Rixter
Rixter
9 years ago

I average 6 patches per tube before it goes in the garbage, so this would be a huge upsell to get me to switch. Sorry if I’m being cheap 😉

Antoine
Antoine
9 years ago

Agreed on the patch cost, it’s silly. I would have happy paid 70 bucks for the system if the patches were in the 2$, which would be fair.
Don’t forget that if it’s used for racing you still need an inflation system on top.

Lin B
Lin B
9 years ago

I’m a commuter and got a flat today. On the way to work. This would have been invaluable to me in saving time and mess. Instead I found a bike shop 2 blocks away and spent $18 to get a new tube installed and missed my train. No way in work clothes am I messing with a dirty tire. Placed my order for one today. I can swap tubes on the weekends but on workdays, this will be my saving grace.

Steve
Steve
9 years ago

Having a set of tubulars and having ruined 2 Vittoria Evo CX this year it’s a sound investment for me. For races where I use my clinchers this would also be great. I still think the patch units need to be cheaper though to truly catch on with the non-commuter/competent rider and I agree with the comments that an average joe who can’t be bothered with learning to change a tube on their own will likely find this intimidating and/or cause additional issues.

Kyle
Kyle
8 years ago

Purchased this online over their website before the new year but it never arrived and now their website is down. Anyone else experience this problem or know how to contact them?

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