The GÜP Industries tire plug tool finds a surprisingly secure stash spot on the saddle

ChatGPT is confused by this photo. It’s a “close-up view of a metal detector’s search coil,” the AI bot confidently declares. In person, friends are similarly perplexed.

“Yo, what’s that thing hanging off your saddle?”

After hearing the question for a fourth time in just a few rides, I decided that GÜP Industries must be onto something. The Oversized Puncture System (OPS) tubless tire plug tool is designed to fill holes 6mm and larger, and it snaps to any saddle rail so it’s always available in a pinch.

Oversized tool, not oversized plugs

I’ve tested at least a dozen different tire plug tools over the years, and each one takes a slightly different approach. The GÜP OPS plug tool comes with five sticky brown tire plugs that are almost identical to those I’ve used with some other tools in the past. The plugs themselves aren’t particularly fat; I’d say they are on the medium to small end of the spectrum compared to others on the market. However, as I’ve learned, it’s possible to twist two or more plugs for use in larger holes.

Where the GÜP OPS is oversized is the tool itself. Curiously, the tool is made of a plastic material, rather than metal, and features a two-prong hook shape I haven’t seen before. Lay a plug (or two) across the U-shaped tool, and press against the hole in the tire. I found I needed to twist the tool back and forth to sort of drill into the puncture. I suspect this is because the tool itself is quite flat, and unlike most tire plug tools, the OPS is made of plastic rather than metal. The butt end of the tool is a good size for pressing firmly with your palm.

I thought for sure it would be gone after one ride

Call me skeptical, but I assumed I would lose the GÜP OPS tool on my first mountain bike ride. The plastic tool case clips to a standard saddle rail and… that’s it. I’ve ridden dozens of rough and tumble miles since that first ride, and much to my surprise, the case is still hanging on. That’s more than I can say for the sad parade of rear tail lights I’ve lost on the trail over the years.

I suppose if you crash or bump the case against a tree, it might fall off. Still, it’s a great spot for a tire plug tool since it’s super accessible, especially in the case of a rear tire puncture.

There’s no rattling from the case or the tool inside the case. You can even pre-load a tire plug in the tool so it’s ready to go when you need it.

A valve core remover and an extra valve, too

The GÜP OPS tool holds an extra Presta valve core for emergencies, and a tool for removing the old one can be found in the end cap. All told, the entire package weighs 23g, including the extra valve and five tire plugs.