Opinion
Tubed or tubeless? I’m actually Team Tubeless, but…
by Patrick Bardelli
A noodle for almost every bike tyre
19.9.2025
Translation: machine translated
Pictures: Patrick Bardelli
Attention excitement: I am of the opinion that a Tire Noodle belongs in every tubeless velo tyre. Why? Well, because it prevents tyre damage and snakebites and also serves as rim protection. That's why.
I recently changed my bike and turned my garden into a bike workshop. Tube out, sealant in. It was a bit of carnage that would have brought a tear or two to the eye of one or two bike mechanics. Yes, that's how it is when a bike tyre is converted to tubeless.
On YouTube, it always looks very relaxed and is done in no time at all. In the real world, it was still a fiddle. This was also the case in June, when I was there for the fourth and, for the time being, last time. You can read all the «splendour» again here:
Noodle instead of poodle
In addition to the dense milk, something else also ended up in the tyre this summer: a tire noodle from Pepis. Having already gained some experience with tubeless tyres, I have now been riding with one of these colourful plastic foam inserts for the first time in recent weeks.
If air gets into the tyre, the noodle contracts; if the air escapes, it expands back to its original volume. And thus almost fills the tyre.
Tire Noodles revolutionise performance on long enduro descents and downhill trails or endurance road rides. Tailored to the respective application, they are designed to minimise the risk of defects and significantly increase grip and riding comfort. The inserts should even make it possible to ride home with a flat front or rear tyre without having to repair it.
I can confirm this after putting it to the test. I recently cycled a few kilometres home with no air at the front or rear without damaging the wheels. It feels a bit like riding on eggs, but it works in an emergency. The point of the Tire Noodle is, of course, to prevent this from happening in the first place. So far, it hasn't for me either.
A few kilometres or half a gravel race
The Belgian brand was also represented with its products at this year's Eurobike in Frankfurt am Main. Rumour had it that one or two riders had already completed almost complete gravel races of more than 100 kilometres without air in their tyres. Just saying.
I don't race, nor do I ride more than 50 kilometres on my gravel bike on my various home laps. Nevertheless, the green Tire Noodle from Pepis appealed to me. Or rather: a noodle for every tubeless velo tyre.
Header image: Patrick Bardelli
Patrick Bardelli
Senior Editor
Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.chFrom radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.
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This is a subjective opinion of the editorial team. It doesn't necessarily reflect the position of the company.
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