FAQ

After extensive testing in our laboratory and collaboration with professional riders worldwide, we’ve found that determining precise tire pressures is a complex task, influenced by numerous variables. Factors such as brand, tire type, rim shape and size, rider weight, riding style, bike type, and even the type of insert used all play crucial roles in selecting the correct pressure.

Moreover, the design, structure, and materials of tire inserts vary significantly between brands, further complicating pressure recommendations. The goal is to achieve an optimal balance where the tire compresses appropriately when under load, akin to setting the sag on a suspension.

Properly designed inserts should only engage when necessary, providing vertical support without compromising normal riding dynamics. For lateral stability and steering precision, the insert should offer consistent support.

In terms of air pressure, we advise starting with the pressure typically used without the insert and gradually adjusting based on experimentation and feedback. However, it’s essential to choose the initial pressure wisely.

From customer feedback, our tests, and rider experiences, we’ve observed that our inserts typically result in a pressure drop of less than 0.2 bar compared to riding without them. We caution against excessively low pressures, as they can lead to increased rolling resistance, reduced speed, and heightened fatigue during pedaling. Additionally, E-bike users may experience a decrease in battery life of up to 20% when using very low pressures. Our scientific tests, both in the field and in the laboratory, confirm these findings.

Employing a tubeless tire always entails the utilization of a sealing liquid. It’s imperative to maintain this liquid when integrating our PTN product into your setup.

Absolutely not! Pepi’s Tire Noodle should be added in addition to the tubeless tire. Pepi’s Tire Noodle is a specific foam in tubular form designed to cover part of the pneumatic chamber, providing the characteristics mentioned on our website.

The durability of Pepi’s Tire Noodles (PTNs) depends on several factors. PTNs used in XC competitions typically have a longer lifespan compared to those used in enduro or downhill competitions. If a user frequently encounters snake bites, which are extreme pinching incidents, the PTN has likely protected the rim from damage, but may itself develop cuts or holes, particularly on the rear wheel due to higher loads.

The number of pinch marks absorbed by the PTN, whether it has perforations or not, is influenced by various factors such as tire pressure, tire type, rim design, and the type of terrain ridden. A PTN with numerous perforations may need replacement, as it may no longer provide sufficient protection against pinching at the same point.

However, even with perforations, PTNs can still offer protection against punctures. During competitions, damaged PTNs are sometimes replaced with new ones, or if the damage is not severe, the front and rear PTNs may be swapped.

The strength of PTNs has been validated through extensive testing in both national and international competitions and in laboratory settings using specialized equipment. For more insights into the durability and functionality of PTNs, you can visit our YouTube page, where we showcase their performance.

If desired, it’s possible to enhance PTN durability by opting for more robust materials, but this may result in increased weight, which may not be desirable for professional and amateur racers seeking the best compromise between lightweight and durability.

As this component is meticulously crafted for performance in diverse competitions, its warranty closely aligns with that of high-performance automotive and motorcycle products designed for competitive use.

Absolutely! Here’s the revised version:

“Ever wondered how to safely extract a tire with Pepi’s Tire Noodle (PTN) insert and sticky sealant intact? Let’s dive into some savvy tips. Over time, sealant can dry, leaving the tire clingy and prone to rim damage. Plus, not all sealants are created equal; some harbor harmful chemicals. So, before you start, choose wisely! Begin by deflating the tire entirely and applying firm pressure to the sidewall near the rim, ensuring it passes the sealing rim flange. Work your way around the circumference to gently detach the tire from the rim. Then, insert a tire changer near the inflation valve and carefully release sidewall tension. For stubborn combinations, don’t hesitate to employ a second lever. Keep in mind, rim and tire designs vary, with those featuring a central depression making the job easier. Despite Pepi’s Tire Noodle’s lightweight and soft foam composition, it won’t impede removal. And don’t forget about ambient temperature—cold conditions can affect material flexibility. A little warmth can go a long way in smoothing out the process. So, armed with these tips, you’ll be smoothly dismounting tires like a pro!”

With the wide array of wheels, varying rim widths, and approximate interpretations of tire sizes by different manufacturers, crafting a precise table indicating the exact Pepi’s Tire Noodle (PTN) model for each rim or tire becomes nearly impossible. To offer users the utmost support, we provide a comprehensive table of rim and tire measurements. This empowers you to select the PTN model that perfectly aligns with your specific needs and measurement details.

The pack includes: 1 pair of Pepi’s Tire Noodles (PTNs), 2 specialized tubeless valves, and assorted stickers.

All the products we’ve tested thus far weigh more than our Tire Noodle. The PTN model for cross country 29″ weighs approximately 48 g, while the M model 27.5″ designed for downhill and enduro use weighs around 80 g.

The tubeless valves included with the pair of Noodles are equipped with a channel designed to ensure the smooth passage of fluid, latex, and air between the Noodle and the inside of the tubeless valve. The channel boasts a width of approximately 3 mm and a depth of around 3.5 mm, ensuring that the opening is at least as wide as the valve hole and its needle. Throughout our extensive testing with riders, we have never encountered any blockages. However, as with all tubeless systems, there is a possibility that the liquid deposited inside the valve may become obstructed. In such cases, simply cleaning the affected parts should resolve the issue.

As this component is designed for competitive use, it should be installed by individuals experienced in the field. It’s crucial to note that this component is intended exclusively for tubeless wheels and tires. The tubeless wheel valves must be replaced with those provided with the Noodle. The head of the tubeless valve, featuring a rectangular-shaped rubberized part, includes a cutout designed for the passage of latex. This cut should be positioned in the rotational direction of the rim, with the longer part of the sidewalls facing the sides of the rim.

To proceed, first, mount the tire on the rim. Then, insert the Noodle, ensuring the PTN sticker is positioned in the area of the rim joint, opposite the tubeless valve. The Noodle should be inserted gradually, similar to fitting an inner tube that’s slightly inflated. Ensure the Noodle is evenly positioned without causing any deformation or misalignment of the expander. The outer profile, featuring a red film structured like a net, includes longitudinal grooves that can serve as a reference to ensure the Noodle is evenly extended.

The sealing fluid can be inserted during the final stage of tire fitting or through the valve once the tire is fully seated.

Throughout our extensive period of national and international testing and competitions, we’ve had the opportunity to experiment with various types of latex, none of which have caused any damage to Pepi’s Tire Noodle (PTN). While the market offers a wide array of sealants, making it impractical to test each one individually, we’ve found that latex itself poses no threat to the Noodle or its outer film.

Although it’s conceivable that there may be sealants containing chemical agents unknown to us that could potentially cause damage, we remain confident in the compatibility of PTN with most sealants. Current regulations stipulate that any sealing liquid brought to market must adhere to strict guidelines regarding the presence of ammonia or other harmful substances.

Therefore, if a sealant were to cause damage to the PTN, tire, or rim tape, it’s likely due to the presence of non-standard compounds in the product.

Pepi’s Tire Noodle (PTN) is constructed from closed-cell foam with a surface film that does not absorb latex. While it’s possible for some latex to be deposited on the surface of the PTN, forming a thin additional film, this does not necessitate an increase in the recommended amount of liquid. However, as with all tubeless systems utilizing sealing fluid, it’s important to conduct periodic checks for optimal performance and maintenance.

The Pepi’s Tire Noodle’s material is a closed-cell foam, which means that the air pressure inside the tire compresses the foam cells, reducing the Pepi’s Tire Noodle’s volume to a certain extent. This compression is actually beneficial for the system to function properly. The noticeable free movement inside the Pepi’s Tire Noodle occurs only at high air pressures, such as when the tire is fully seated on the rim. Once the excessive air pressure is released to the correct operating pressures, the foam material of the Pepi’s Tire Noodle expands back to its original shape, securing it in place.

While we haven’t provided a specific pressure table due to the many factors involved, our athletes have provided some reference pressures. For instance, multiple World DH champion Veronica Widmann raced with 1.15 BAR on the front and 1.35 BAR on the rear, while some male racers typically run with approximately 1.3 BAR and 1.5 BAR on the rear. In general, maximum pressures in Enduro and DH racing don’t exceed approximately 1.6 BAR.

Following these pressure guidelines, the Pepi’s Tire Noodles should not move inside the tire. However, if movement occurs despite pressures not exceeding 1.6 / 1.8 BAR, it’s possible that the Pepi’s Tire Noodle is paired with a rim with a slightly too wide channel. In such cases, it’s important to refer to the size chart on our website or the product packaging before selecting the Pepi’s Tire Noodle size. When sizes overlap, it’s usually advisable to opt for the larger size.