While tubeless has done a lot to eliminate pinch flats and improve performance, punctures can still be an issue out on a ride. Small punctures are usually handled by sealant, but there are some that need your attention. Dynaplug, makers of tire plugs for tubeless bicycle, automotive, and motorcycle tires, has you covered with multiple options to fit your riding. The original alloy Racer model weighed in at 23g, but for those looking to go even lighter, the new Carbon Racer is claimed to weigh just 14g.
The Carbon Racer, which isn’t exactly carbon, but we’ll get to that later, is a small tool that clips to a mount that you add under a bottle cage, similar to some mini-pumps. Under the caps on each end you have tubes to insert the plugs, one for their Megaplug and one for the regular plugs. The Megaplug, which you get two of, is three times the thickness of the regular plug and has a bullet tip. These are the plugs to use on the really big holes. You get three of the regular plugs with pointed tips for smaller punctures. The Carbon Racer is suited for mountain biking and would do well with higher volume gravel tires. With the popularity of road tubeless continuing to grow, Dynaplug is working on a second version with smaller tires in mind, though the Carbon Racer would still be a great option.
As mentioned above, the Carbon Racer body isn’t actually carbon. It is molded from nylon with 30% glass fiber as reinforcement, which makes it lightweight and strong. It’s a similar idea to lower-end cycling shoes with composite soles. They are so confident in its durability, the Carbon Racer comes with a lifetime warranty. The mount is carbon with a silicone piece that the Carbon Racer slides into and weighs in at 10g. The mount also works with the alloy racer.
Along with releasing the Carbon Racer, Dynaplug announced that the Carbon Racer will come standard on Cannondale’s new Scalpel. The companies worked to create a new STASH kit that includes the Carbon Racer, a CO2 cartridge, and multitool.
The Carbon Racer is available now, and retails at $47.99, which is actually the same price as the alloy version. This means you can go light with the Carbon Racer, or get a pop of color with the alloy version if you are okay with carrying a few extra grams. We have a sample on the way to test out and provide a full review. If you need refills, the Megaplugs are $12.99 for three, or five regular plugs with either bullet, pointed, or soft nose tip plugs for $10.99.
Heckling Editor, Image Taker, Crash Test Dummy, and Beard Master at Bikeworldnews.com
~Veggie Powered Athlete~
Location – Lancaster, PA
Current Testing Rigs – 2024 Van Dessel Arch65, 2019 Van Dessel Full Tilt Boogie, 2018 Van Dessel Motivus Maximus LTD, 2016 Van Dessel Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, 2015 Bianchi Sempre Pro, 1978 Trek TX900
Dream Bike – I’ll tell you when they make it
Discipline – Cyclocross, gravel, road and duathlons (ride/run)
Favorite Rides – Quiet country roads of Amish Country, some of the best roads around.
Food of Choice – Sweet potato roll
Beer of Choice – Unibroue Grand Reserve 17, aged four years
Bourbon of Choice – Widow Jane 10 Year