PTN – Pepi’s Tire Noodle

What is it and why is it beneficial?

You may have already seen a similar product, but only Pepi's is unique. It is handcrafted in Italy, weighs 50 grams, making it significantly lighter than other brands, and most importantly, the entire XC World Cup elite rides on Pepi, whose manufacturer holds a patent for its innovative concept.

Pepi's Tire Noodle is the ideal solution for those who want to avoid punctures, protect Wheel rims from impacts, and support the tubeless system. PTN (short for Pepi's Tire Noodle) are specially designed foam inserts that, once installed, sit between the tire and the rim.

HOW DOES PEPI’S TIRE NOODLE WORK?

The function of the PTN insert can be compared to an airbag designed to minimize damage. In this case, the the 'airbag' is not air-filled but made of specially designed foam. The insert's purpose is to minimize the potential for rim damage. During dynamic riding, rims are often exposed to severe impacts, which can result in so-called dents or cracks. Many of you have experienced this when, for example, during a fast descent on a mountain trail, you hit a rock or root too large for the Wheel to roll over smoothly. Such rim damage is undesirable not only for aesthetic reasons but also due to the reduced performance of a dented rim. Problems that a dented rim can cause include, for example, difficulties with tire sealing. Depending on the impact force, PTN absorbs it and reduces or completely eliminates the possibility of rim deformation. But that's not all

Many of you will undoubtedly opt for this product to effectively protect your rims from unexpected failures, and these are just some of the advantages and features of Pepi’s Tire Noodle! The 'noodle' installed on the rim allows for riding at lower pressure without fear of rim damage. Lower tire pressure ensures reduced rolling resistance, enabling a more comfortable ride and improved bike handling. Furthermore, PTN inserts are an excellent complement to a tubeless system and can guarantee a safe completion of a race or training session in case of a breakdown!

Are you familiar with the worst-case scenario for punctures during an MTB marathon? If not, it's something everyone eventually experiences. Imagine this: A severely cut tire, with sealant unable to cope with such a large laceration. The finish line is far, and walking back could take a very long time. Dreadful, isn't it? While PTN won't magically seal such a cut, it will allow you to calmly finish your ride, saving you hours of walking.

Now for the most interesting part.

The increasing difficulty of World Cup courses demands that riders use very low tire pressures. Top athletes worldwide use Pepi's Tire Noodle to protect their rims and achieve better ride dynamics and maximum grip. If you are not yet convinced by PTN, let the bike of an MTB legend and current XC World Champion persuade you.

Some sources indicate that he uses the PTN system only in the rear wheel, while others suggest a full set. This choice is likely linked to the race course and the fact that during XC competitions, wheel replacement is possible in the technical zone in case of a puncture.

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

I WANT TO USE PTN

First.
Pepi's Tire Noodle is used in conjunction with a tubeless system. You should pour sealant into the tire. We recommend Stan's NoTubes; the key is for the sealant to be as dense as possible to work more effectively with the Pepi insert inside the tire. A dedicated Maxalami brand sealant has also been developed for exclusive use with Pepi.

When the tire is punctured, e.g., by a thorn, the sealant, along with the escaping air, quickly enters the hole and seals it. If you are unsure how the tubeless system works, read more in our guide titled 'Tubeless System – Everything You Should Know'.

Tubeless System | Advantages and Guide – link to article

Once everything is prepared, the PTN install process is the same as for a tubeless system. First, the rim should be taped with sealing tape and the valve installed. The PTN 'noodles' kit includes two dedicated valves. After installing the valve, the tire should be seated on one side of the rim bead, then the Pepi's insert should be placed onto the rim. The included instructions describe the correct install of the insert. Once the PTN is seated on the rim, the remaining steps are the same as for sealing a wheel: pour sealant into the tire, seat the tire on the other side of the rim bead, and inflate.

Pepi's Tire Noodle offers two types of inserts – RaceLine and RokkLine versions. The former is primarily designed for racing, due to its low weight. RokkLine is a thicker, more durable, and heavier version. The foam fills the entire core of the insert, unlike the lighter RaceLine version.

PTN 'noodles' are available in several variants, which must be selected based on wheel size and tire width. When purchasing a Pepi’s Tire Noodle kit, you receive two inserts for a wheelset, two valves, and instructions.

We are extremely pleased to announce that lemonbike.eu has become the Polish distributor for Pepi's Tire Noodle.

We encourage all mountain bikers to take advantage of the benefits offered by PTN. It is undoubtedly a significant advantage over rivals, as well as a guarantee of tubeless riding and equipment protection during peak stress. Furthermore, we invite you to World Cup courses to see what the top athletes are running in their wheels.