Wheel-on-the-bike 60-second flat fix promised by Patchnride

The patent-pending Patchnride system works by inserting adhesive and a patch into the tyre through the puncture hole, repairing the tube from within. Using the system is quick, permanent and doesn’t require wheel removal, says the start-up company. Each fix requires a new “patch pod” cartridge. Patchnride doesn’t work on pinch flats but could be useful for those bikes with difficult-to-remove rear wheels, such as some cargo bikes and folders such as the Brompton.

Instead of launching with Kickstarter or Indiegogo the Florida company is offering discounts on pre-orders. Product will ship before the end of the year. The company has booked space at both Interbike and Eurobike and will be seeking to appoint international distributors.

"The technology behind Patchnride eliminates traditional repair methods such as messy sealers, or getting your hands dirty with greasy bike chains and wheel removal," said Alexander Deiser, co-founder of Patchnride.

"Virtually effortless to use, Patchnride repairs a punctured tyre while still on the wheel without any necessary skills, additional tools or preparation."

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The cartridge system is available in two variations: the road patch pod for clincher and tubular tyres; and the mountain patch pod for mountain bikes. A tubeless version is in development. Each cartridge will cost between $10 to $12. The Patchnride kit has a moistened cloth that highlights air bubbles at the site of the leak. The tyre is then pinched and a thin nozzle is inserted into the ingress hole. A slider is pulled back to load the patch, which releases the adhesive. By pushing the slider forward a small patch is inserted into the tyre and over the hole in the inner tube. A thin rubber piece will remain, signaling the repair is complete. There are similar systems for motor vehicles but this is the first of this type for bicycles.

Naturally, this system won’t work on every puncture, and spare tubes and tyre removal levers will still be required, but for certain punctures and certain bikes it could be a useful and nifty solution to a problem that’s plagued cyclists since 1888.