{"id":37729,"date":"2022-06-07T18:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-06-07T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=679015"},"modified":"2022-06-07T18:16:11","modified_gmt":"2022-06-07T16:16:11","slug":"seven-of-the-latest-mountain-bike-tyre-inserts-rated-and-reviewed","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/seven-of-the-latest-mountain-bike-tyre-inserts-rated-and-reviewed\/","title":{"rendered":"Seven of the latest mountain bike tyre inserts rated and reviewed"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>

By Will Soffe\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Tuesday, 07 June 2022 at 12:00 am<\/p>

\n\n

Mountain bike tyres face a tough life and, considering the plethora of technological developments in the sport, it\u2019s perplexing that something as trivial as a flat tyre is still an issue.<\/p>\n

Riders rightfully demand relatively lightweight, fast-rolling and supple mountain bike tyres<\/a>, but they also want to ride over rocks without flatting. These desires are not easily compatible. Even when using downhill-casing tyres weighing well over a kilo, punctures are still a fact of life for many.<\/p>\n

Tubeless tyre inserts have increased in popularity and, depending on your style of riding, could be a worthwhile proposition if you\u2019re regularly flatting and are worried about damaging your rim or tyre.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of running a tubeless tyre insert.<\/p>\n

Why should you consider running a tyre insert?<\/h2>\n
\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
There\u2019s no sugar coating it \u2013 punctures suck.<\/span><\/figcaption> Russell Burton \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Tyre inserts act as a barrier between the tyre and rim, and offer some distinct advantages. Firstly, you can afford to run your tyres at a slightly lower pressure on your mountain bike<\/a> without having to worry about about pinch punctures, given there is no inner tube to pinch and the insert provides further stability against the tyre.<\/p>\n

On the subject of the sidewall, tyre inserts increase their stability because they provide further support and reduce deflection. Tyre sidewalls can move or even fold when put under too much lateral force.<\/p>\n

Tyre inserts also prevent rim damage, given they are the main contact point with the tyre should it be compressed. If a tubeless tyre<\/a> is stressed beyond its capacity to create an airtight seal with the rim, air can escape out of the tyre, which is also known as \u2018burping\u2019. Inserts create a cushion between the tyre and the rim.<\/p>\n

What are the downsides of running an insert?<\/h2>\n
\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Tyre inserts aren\u2019t for everyone and you need to weigh up whether the pros outweigh the cons for your riding.<\/span><\/figcaption> Ian Linton \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Tyre inserts increase rotating and unsprung weight. The responsiveness of the bike is toned down due to the additional weight, which can be experienced when accelerating, braking, turning or jumping.\u00a0They can also make suspension work less effectively, placing extra stress on the bike\u2019s components and the rider\u2019s body.<\/p>\n

Installing a tyre insert can be quite a laborious process. They\u2019re an extra item to cram into your tyre (which can also be difficult to fit on certain rim combinations) and that can be a real challenge.<\/p>\n

Then, there is the additional cost. Ultimately, you need to consider whether the type of riding you participate in warrants the advantages a tyre insert can deliver.<\/p>\n

How can I reduce punctures and protect my rim from damage without a tyre insert?<\/h2>\n
\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Correct suspension setup is a must for mountain biking.<\/span><\/figcaption> Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

It\u2019s first important to keep a careful eye on your tyre pressures \u2013 buy yourself a proper tyre pressure gauge<\/a>, and use it. That\u2019s not to say crank your tyre pressures too high \u2013 lower pressures will give you more grip and better comfort; and in rough terrain, less rolling resistance. The key is to find the pressures that work for your tyre setup and riding style, then stick to them.<\/p>\n

The next thing to look at is your suspension setup. Suspension that\u2019s too firm, or bottoms out too easily, or rebound damping set too slow or too fast, will increase the chances of puncturing. Check out this guide to setting your suspension up<\/a>\u00a0properly.<\/p>\n

Finally, if you\u2019re experiencing tubeless tyre punctures or rim damage, you could opt to fit heavier tyres. Yes, that will increase wheel weight; but to some extent, so will any of the above systems.\u00a0Tougher tyres have other drawbacks, though. Thicker casings<\/a> are less supple, so you\u2019ll get more feedback through the bars and rolling speed will suffer too.<\/p>\n

So a lighter tyre with an in-tyre system is probably a better, if more expensive, solution, especially for racing.<\/p>\n

Also, if you\u2019re the type of rider who already runs full DH tyres and still suffers flats, these could be your best chance of eliminating those pesky punctures.<\/p>\n

Seven mountain bike tyre inserts rated and reviewed<\/h1>\n

We tested six of the latest tubeless tyre inserts to determine the best option for protection, while balancing being lightweight and offering good value for money.<\/p>\n

Rimpact Pro<\/h3>
<\/div> 4.5 out of 5 star rating<\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div>
  • <\/li>\n<\/ul>