First Use: Hutchinson Fast'Air Testimony

So I’ve had the Hutchinson Fast’Air for well over a year now and luckily not had to use it. I had my Reynolds tubulars on my bike from the weekend and was in hurry to ride tonight, so I figured “what the hell” and I’m glad I thought to grab the Fast’Air.

About 1hr into my ride, I hit a good sized rock/pebble and slowly started to feel the rear tire get soft. I was about 15 miles from home. I figured, “here goes nothin’”. I pushed the Fast’Air on to the valve extender and held it there for the 1 minute they suggest. There was quite a bit of white foam that leaked from the valve area (hard to get a good seal with the valve extender) and it was a bit messy. But low and behold, the tire filled with…well, whatever is inside that thing. I gave the crank a couple of fast spins by hand (thinking it would move the sealant around in the tubular). I decided to just ride home and cut the workout short.

The tire stayed at probably 70-80 psi the whole way home. Not bad! I was pretty careful of seams in the pavement and shifted my body weight forward on rough patches. But all in all, I must say I’m pretty impressed. I will definitely be buying another one.

Just thought I’d share because I was a bit skeptical about it actually working. I’ll feel much more confident on race day now.

Thanks. Good to know. I’ve been carrying a can of Vittoria PitStop with me for about 18 months, but thankfully haven’t had the opportunity to use it.

What happens now with this tire?

Just had to use my first can. Got a slow leak that I only just notice once I got home. Found the leak with some soapy water and decided to try the FastAir. Followed the instructions and then topped up the tire from my floor pump. A few minutes later and some soapy water and I can’t find the leak so let’s hope it’s fixed.

Now if only someone can tell me where I can get some more in the Toronto area.

Thanks. Good to know. I’ve been carrying a can of Vittoria PitStop with me for about 18 months, but thankfully haven’t had the opportunity to use it.

It is worth noting that these things have an expiry date

http://i53.tinypic.com/wmiequ.jpg

Here is a photo after it coated *the inside of my car-eewwww, what a mess!.!.! *

I did use the product to get me through IM California 70.3 a few years ago and it worked well. Just don’t let it explode in your car.

I thought Hutchinson Fast Air has latex and can only be used with Tubeless not Tubulars?
I just got some as I just got a set of tubeless (loving them so far) but carry Vittoria Pit Stop for tubulars - which I used once thus far - ergo new cans now.

I also carry CO2 as can top off to get a decent PSI to keep riding - even if the sealant makes it a slow leak…

Why would the fact that Fast’Air (or Caffelatex, or …) have latex be bad for tubulars? They have a tube inside, and it’s latex or butyl. The latex in the can is what is supposed to seal the puncture if I understand correctly.

Why would the fact that Fast’Air (or Caffelatex, or …) have latex be bad for tubulars? They have a tube inside, and it’s latex or butyl. The latex in the can is what is supposed to seal the puncture if I understand correctly.

I had heard that too - that Fastair is for tubeless and not tubulars - but will have to go hunt where I read that