Stan's NoTubes Dart repair tool and other tools from the tubeless experts

Over the advantages of a well-functioning tubeless setup we no longer need to say much these days: better grip, more suppleness, lower rolling resistance, less rotating mass and higher puncture protection. The only drawback — besides the somewhat more complex installation — is the need to carry a spare tube while riding instead of self-adhesive patches. Because although the sealant is capable of closing small punctures immediately, it reaches its limits with larger holes or tears.

Depending on the tire (construction, width, etc.) or the damage, so-called tire plugs can also help; these are pressed into the damaged area using a cleaning and insertion tool. But anyone who has ever tried in the heat of the moment, in the rain, shortly before sunset at just above freezing, to successfully place a dried-out sticky plug knows how tedious this can be.

This is exactly where Stan's NoTubes Dart Tool comes into play. Not exactly new, but until now under the Bikeboard radar, this clever plug tool can patch larger holes or snakebites in MTB, road and gravel tubeless tires in no time. The textile-like flaps of the darts not only physically plug the holes but also react chemically with the tire sealant and permanently seal the damaged area(s).

The Dart tool contains a tubeless repair dart at each end, each protected from dirt by a transparent cap. With two darts, even larger cuts or snakebites can thus be repaired in the same step in the event of a puncture. The handling is extremely simple.

1. Unscrew the protective cap, push the dart firmly into the leak until it seats, then pull away the applicator. The specially designed head of the tool prevents it from penetrating too deeply. The darts are kept short so they don't pierce the tire casing, and the plastic tip is fitted with two barbs that ensure the plug won't be pulled out of the tire while riding.

2. Then we rotate the tire so that the sealant comes into contact with the fabric-like fins. These are soaked with a chemical liquid that reacts with all latex-based sealants (Stan's NoTubes, Schwalbe Doc Blue, OrangeSeal, etc.). Because the protruding material of the dart conforms to the surface of the tire, it neither needs to be trimmed before use nor does any excess need to be cut off afterwards. In addition, it does not interfere with riding — according to NoTubes, not even on hard-pumped road bike tires.

Tips, tricks and limitations
1. When positioning or pressing on, a relatively large amount of force is required and you must be careful not to break the rod that is used to press the darts into position. Although this rod is made of corrosion‑resistant, robust carbon, it is still very thin and — depending on hole size, casing hardness or tread thickness — will sooner or later reach its limit.

2. With particularly deep holes in thick casings it is possible that the desired chemical reaction with the slits does not occur and the dart may help a little but does not fully or permanently seal the hole. At least that was the feedback from several users on Stan's NoTubes homepage.

3. If at a later time, after another flat, you want to continue your ride the traditional way with a spare tube, you should first cut off or rip out the plastic arrow tip(s) inside the tyre. Otherwise the replacement tube could be damaged by them.

Stan's NoTubes Darts are definitely a hot tip for quick tubeless repairs on the go. However, only if their carbon shaft survives the forceful application and there is a sufficient amount of liquid sealant in the tire. The darts work best with Stan's NoTubes Tire Sealant and Race Sealant, but are also said to work with other latex-based sealants. In addition, multiple darts can even seal larger holes or tears that traditional repair strips struggle with.

Weighing just 15 g, the €24.95 Dart Tool is extremely light and easy to stow in a jersey or bike bag. The handle has an ergonomic design, allowing the darts to be pushed precisely and forcefully through the tire. An integrated valve core remover in the tool makes adding sealant easier. Refill kits with five plugs each are available for €19.95.

The repair of our gravel tire worked on the first try and the tubeless system has remained completely airtight for weeks since. The protruding flaps did not need trimming, as you don't notice them either off‑road or on smooth tarmac.