First Look: Atmospheric Solutions' New Tire Insert System Eliminates Pinch Flats [April Fools]

Apr 1, 2020
by Mike Kazimer  
photo
Before...
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...and after Atmospheric Solutions inserts have been installed.

It's 2020 and flat tires are still a regular occurrence for some riders. Over the years there have been numerous valiant and not-so-valiant attempts to fix flats once and for all, and yet the problem still hasn't been completely solved. That is, until now. Atmospheric Solutions claim their new lightweight insert solution virtually eliminates the chance of getting a pinch flat. Based in Los Alamos, New Mexico, the company previously worked closely with the US military on flat-prevention solutions for armored vehicles before turning their attention to the mountain bike world.
Pressure Insert SyStem™ Details
• Quickly eliminates risk of pinch flats
• Compatible with all tire sizes
• Weight:1.225 kg/m³
• MSRP: $420 USD (includes insert installation tool)
• More info: Atmospheric Solutions

Heavy duty casings, foam inserts, and tubeless sealant mixed with magic glitter have all been used in the fight against flats, but the most effective solutions also tend to be the heaviest. That's the beauty of the new Pressure Insert SyStem™ – there's virtually no weight penalty, and it's also incredibly easy to fine tune. How does it work? First, the insert installation tool is pushed over the valve stem. Raising and lowering the handle will force the inserts into the tire. For maximum pinch flat protection, installing somewhere around 50 to 60 pressure inserts should do the trick. Once the gauge indicates the desired pressure insert level, simply remove the tool, close the valve, and head to the trails.

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The Pressure Insert SyStem™ installation device in action.

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The gauge displays how many inserts have been installed.

Now, the one possible downside is that traction and tire compliance can diminish if too many inserts are installed – it takes some experimentation to find the optimum number. Atmospheric Solutions has a handy tool on their web site that helps riders choose the perfect number based on their weight, riding style, and geographic location.

The pressure inserts aren't available on their own, but the insert installation tool comes pre-loaded with a large supply that Atmospheric Solutions say should be enough to fill at least 50 tires. The tool is priced at $420 USD, which seems high, until you calculate the price of all those flats over the years.

Author Info:
mikekazimer avatar

Member since Feb 1, 2009
1,719 articles

105 Comments
  • 122 3
 Been using these inserts for years since before tubeless was a thing. Can't recommend enough. Lack of grip only adds to the fun.
  • 19 153
flag Uchwmdr (Apr 1, 2020 at 0:25) (Below Threshold)
 I run the same air pressure, if not higher in my tubes. Never ever had a pinch flat. And all i did was add air for FREE. Why would i give 400 bucks to solve a problem i can solve for free?!?
  • 61 1
 @Uchwmdr: check the date buddy.
  • 35 1
 @Uchwmdr: Are you just being REALLY, REALLY ironic?
  • 82 0
 @enjuto: you know it’s next level trolling when your not sure if its next level trolling.
  • 18 1
 @Uchwmdr: I don't know if I should roll my eyes or drop to my knees and bow reverentially to the all mighty Troll God. We bath in the glory of your terrifying irony. I think...
  • 3 0
 @SacAssassin: it is like in Inception; a dream in a dream...you just don't know if you woke up already....
  • 2 2
 #youpinchflatbro
  • 4 2
 @Uchwmdr: bro I'm hearing you, such a rip off. I'm not buying them that's for sure and they mention 50 inserts WTF?
  • 2 3
 @inked-up-metalhead: Uchwmdr just pissed in your face !
  • 2 0
 @Uchwmdr: facepalm yourself please
  • 50 0
 Something doesn't seem right here. If you include 20 psi worth of inserts, they weigh significantly more than the stated 1.225 kg/m^3. More than twice that. And that's rotating weight!!! What a scam.
  • 14 2
 I also think it’s a scam, I’m sure this doesn’t work at all. If something even remotely like this would work, why didn’t anybody use this before?

And then, what if you accidentally installed too many inserts? Is there any secure and tool free way to remove them again, or do I have to replace the wheel set?

The tool itself my be cheap, but who can guarantee that they won’t raise the price for the inserts drastically, as soon as enough people switched to this system?

No, I’ll stick with what is tried and true.
  • 12 0
 Nah, the air doesn't rotate. But there is friction of the non-rotating air against the inside of the rotating tyre to take into account.
  • 14 0
 @DarrellW: How do you know the air doesn't rotate? I think most of the air rotates at the same speed as the tire. The air definitely rotates. The air has to rotate. Show me that the air doesn't rotate. God told me the air rotates, so I'm gonna need good proof that it doesn't.
  • 8 0
 Pro tip: I use Helium inserts. At 45 inserts F&R my Townhill bike freakin FLOATS.
  • 1 0
 @joostd: I think your math is incorrect.
  • 2 0
 @mtbikemccoy: Hydrogen inserts for me, practically burns up the trails.
  • 31 0
 Can't believe I've been Rick rolled on pinkbike...
  • 21 0
 you must be new here
  • 2 0
 before clicking the link i'm sure many of you also thought "been a while since i saw the rick roll video, let's check it out"
  • 18 0
 SCAM! I used this product on my BRAND NEW tubeless tires and installed the inserts in the shop. The next day they were GONE! I went from 60.5 inserts to 10 inserts overnight! Will homeowners insurance cover this scam or can I report this as some kind of strange theft?
  • 2 0
 Same thing happened to me but on both wheels. I contacted them directly and got a full refund. They said it was the first time in over a 100,000 units sold.
  • 8 0
 Is it possible they accidentally sent you a pre-production sample? I've heard that happens more than you'd think.
  • 20 1
 Would be really cool if they also had a small metal cylinder that you could use to install these inserts on the go
  • 3 0
 That would be a blast
  • 22 5
 BUT - can it withstand a proper Dick Pound???
  • 12 0
 Kazimer was pumped to post this one
  • 12 1
 Damn! Got me. I thought I was prepared.
  • 4 0
 Been running these lately inside of rubber balloons in the tires, 35 of them front and rear. They rock, no flats and fast AF!
  • 4 0
 I am tired of PinkBike's missleading news! Weight:1.225 kg/m³ my ass! At 20 PSI you get more than double of that weight! No weight penalty they say!
  • 1 0
 But all that weight adds stability by increasing the rotational inertia of the wheel, similar to the effect of switching to a 29er. I am surprised that they neglected to tout one of the most promising benefits, which is the ability to fine-tune the rotational inertia of your wheels using this system. Want maximum straight-line monster-truckability for racing? Add more inserts. Want a more playful ride, simply subtract units and adjust to your preference. I've heard it compared to the effect of switching to carbon wheels at a fraction of the price. Genius!
  • 4 0
 i clicked on the website link because I was like there's no way they made an actual website for this and i was not disappointed
  • 1 0
 How many clicked on the website link and watched it all the way through?
  • 5 0
 This place is full of hot air.
  • 5 0
 $420 ? Hmmmm, minus the dollar sign that's my jam.
  • 4 1
 I'm confused?

So where do you adjust the compression and rebound?

That's a lot of money for something you can't fine tune.
  • 10 1
 The inserts change density with altitude, that's your fine tuning.
  • 3 0
 hahahahaha, the best part is that, nowadays, it would be absolutely possible for a company to charge that much for f@cking tire inserts ^^
  • 1 0
 So 2005! I’m holding out for the carbon version with digital gauge.
  • 5 0
 @mikekazimer:
$420 is the correct price point. tup
  • 1 0
 Smokey inserts would have convinced me and sounded better. Need flavors like G-13 x Sour Diesel.
  • 2 0
 This was invented over a year ago under the name MOAR AIR. I remember seeing the Pinkbike comment about its development and patenting. You can probably expect a call from a lawyer soon.
  • 4 0
 So confusing until I realised......
  • 5 1
 "69 psi recommended" -your mom
  • 4 0
 I'm prepared for April 1st, I haven't left the house in 10 days...
  • 3 0
 I had a feeling I’d get rick rolled but I didn’t think that it would happen this fast haha
  • 2 0
 Crap again...I have been fooled. Well done for pulling off foolery that is harmless.
  • 1 0
 have the same product, on the final phas of testing. mine will cost so much less. will do a one day giveaway for my product approximately 1 year for now. stay tuned!
  • 3 0
 Is this motorbike(oh sorry ebike)compatible?
  • 1 0
 Would be good if this idea came off a crashed UFO that was found in the dessert?
Would be even better if was not $420 or posted on this day?
  • 2 0
 Didn't even read the article but was automatically too pissed at the price to realise it was April fools joke.
  • 1 0
 Can the inserts be contaminated with Corona? And with more inserts would the Corona last longer?
  • 1 0
 I have been hoarding that product since I first found out about it. Will have plenty to share if supplies run low.
  • 2 0
 Just traded 6 rolls of TP for some of these......wish I had my TP back
  • 1 0
 Who else was kinda interested in a recommended tire pressure chart that took all of those variables into account
  • 1 0
 But....what's the actua....ah, that was written to make clever people laugh and confuse the rest of us :/
  • 3 0
 Full review tomorrow....
  • 1 0
 Will this PISS be compatible with all current and future wheel sizes? Do you offer any heavier PISS for eMTB use?
  • 1 0
 Waiting for president Xi face to pop up on every smart phone on the globe with a winking 'gotcha' face
  • 1 0
 I think I can make my own pressure inserts. As a bonus, if the tyre fails then social distancing is completely assured.
  • 1 0
 The name of the company pretty much gave this away. But very well written!
  • 2 0
 Aaah. Even got Rick-Rolled 3
  • 1 0
 I find BEER works best....also tastes better than any tire sealant out there.Smile
  • 1 0
 Impressive invention. What will they think of next? $420 is reasonable price. Where do I get some?
  • 2 1
 I found this tire insert called "learn how to ride your bike" – super light, no flats, and cheap!
  • 1 0
 I guess the dentists can fill you in on how good these are...April Fools Big Grin !
  • 1 0
 Looks like the PB staff are already getting cabin fever. All work and no play makes Levy a dull boy.
  • 1 0
 PB really missed the boat here by not calling the company "Atmospheric System Solutions"
  • 1 0
 Something something session, something something dentists. And dont get me started on something something boost
  • 1 0
 Its really hard to see, but you can feel it.
  • 2 0
 Ha
  • 1 0
 Was very confused until the coffee kicked in and I remembered the date.
  • 1 0
 what about the density of the insert?
  • 2 0
 Does this work with 26"?
  • 2 0
 420 blaze it!
  • 1 0
 I really feel like you should be able to fill 69 tires????
  • 1 0
 I've been to their lab in Los Alamos - I think they're onto something
  • 1 0
 I need a see a real review with video but I’m interested
  • 1 0
 New hastag has to be created.

#freeairforall

#stoplaughingatUChwdmr
  • 1 0
 Shut up and take my money! Best new gear 2020. This will change the game.
  • 1 0
 ????‍♂️. I cant believe some of the responses.
  • 1 0
 4-20 all month long! Legalize it
  • 1 0
 nice try!!!
  • 1 0
 Totally got
  • 1 0
 he he he Smile
  • 1 0
 Simply, nicely done!
  • 2 1
 April Fools guys
  • 1 0
 ???????? good one!
  • 1 0
 Nitrogen..?
  • 1 0
 you laugh but...........
  • 1 0
 Anal beads FTW.
  • 1 1
 $420?! The dentists are going to love these.
  • 2 1
 April fools day
  • 1 0
 That price is dank
  • 1 0
 LOL
  • 1 1
 April 1st! Fool's day.
  • 1 1
 Nice one!
  • 1 1
 April fools
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