Tire inserts, possibly one of the latest technical changes in mountain biking that do not involve electronics, are gradually gaining traction in mountain biking. After gaining a foothold in gravity racing, trail and cross-country racers are increasingly taking advantage of inserts. Indeed at this year’s BC Bike Race all of the<\/a> Men’s podium<\/a> and most women<\/a> Podium had something<\/a> hide in their tire. Some brands even are Shipping bicycles with inserts already installed<\/a>.<\/p>\n But what are tire inserts? How do you work? And why do so many drivers use them? Here’s a quick guide to the latest low-tech innovation in mountain biking.<\/p>\n Let’s start with the first question. What are tire inserts? There are several very different designs, with CushCore being the most popular, but all of them share the same basic idea. Something solid that will fit in a tire, usually tubeless tires instead of just air. Inserts can help protect the rim and protect the tire casing itself. Depending on the version, they can also help<\/p>\n Where did the idea come from? Mountain bikers have adopted and adapted the idea of \u200b\u200boff-road motorcycles. With the Moto, a solid rubber foam insert – known as a “mousse” or “bib mousse” – fills the entire inside of the tire instead of air.<\/p>\n In the case of bicycles where the rider has to propel his own movement, the weight of a massive insert is an obvious disadvantage. Instead, most bicycle tire inserts use some type of sub-insert combined with air and usually tubeless tire sealant. There is though Designs that use pipes<\/a>, even. Inserts vary widely in design, and this is where things get interesting. Each design has its own advantages and disadvantages.<\/p>\n There are several reasons for using tire inserts on bicycles. The most obvious benefit is that tire inserts can help prevent punctures. Depending on which design you use, there are also advantages in handling and holding tubeless tires.<\/p>\n How do deposits protect against flats? By providing a cushion of soft material between the tire or the ground and the rim. If you hit a little too hard, the tire will press into the foam instead of directly touching the rim. This protects the rim from damage. It also protects the tire from entrapment and, to a lesser extent, from being punctured by more pointed stones.<\/p>\n Glass, nails, and any other object that cuts into the tire instead of stabbing the tire are, of course, still a problem. As well as side wall panels from sharp rocks. So the benefit of stakes depends to some extent on where you regularly drive.<\/p>\n The second benefit is an offshoot of the first. Because you have less to worry about about flat tires, you can safely ride on lower tire pressures. This ensures better grip and lower rolling resistance. Better grip as the studs adapt to the trail surface and can hook into it. And better rolling resistance because the tire catches small obstacles instead of distracting them.<\/p>\n Depending on the design, tire inserts can offer more sidewall support even at lower pressures. Some inserts, like CushCore, physically press against the side of the tire. Others like The tubeless inserts from Tannus<\/a>, partially support the sidewall while allowing the tire room to move. In either case, this helps the sidewalls so you can still corner hard at low pressure while the tire tread better conforms to the surface and grips the surface.<\/p>\n Most designs also help to some extent to keep tubeless tires in place as they physically press the tire bead against the rim. Burp less tires, burp more!<\/p>\n That all sounds good so far, but tire inserts have a few disadvantages. First, they add weight. This affects acceleration and makes climbing less efficient. This is the main argument against insoles, especially for weight conscious cross country riders. Some drivers will Run lighter carcass and faster treads with inserts as you have less to worry about flats<\/a>, that helps to balance the weight and reduce rolling resistance even further. However, if you are already riding the lightest tires and never run out of flat, the benefit may be less.<\/p>\n Second, some inserts also change the tire’s feel on the trail, giving it a more cushioned or cushioned feel. CurshCore argues that this is a benefit<\/a> as it means the tire will sag less, but it can split among drivers. Some like the feeling of being connected to the ground. Drivers who prefer a more lively driving experience may be less enthusiastic.<\/p>\n Finally, it makes it difficult to put the tire on and off the rim. Again, some designs are a lot simpler than others. I was able to remove some tires and insoles by hand with a little extra effort. Others require tire levers, solid technique, and some elbow grease.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n![\"CushCore](\"https:\/\/cyclingmagazine.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/CushCore-XC-3.jpg\")
<\/a>What are tire inserts?<\/h4>\n
![\"CushCore](\"https:\/\/cyclingmagazine.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Cush-Core-XC-13-.jpg\")
<\/a>Why do inserts?<\/h4>\n
Less flat tires and dented rims<\/h5>\n
Better hold<\/h5>\n
What are the downsides?<\/h4>\n