Are you Running Tire Inserts on your Mountain Bike? [Survey]

Just a few years ago, no one was running foam inserts in their mountain bike tires.

By Jeff Barber
August 30, 2020

11 comments

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Rim side left, tread side right. photo: Jeff Barber

Perhaps this is a personal question, but is that an insert in your tire?

Despite being a relatively new product category, many mountain bikers swear by tire inserts from brands like CushCore, Vittoria, Panzer, Pepi, Effetto Mariposa, and Huck Norris. But if you’re like us, we’re curious to know just how mainstream these products have become.

Do you have a strong opinion for or against mountain bike tire inserts? Tell us why in the comments!

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11 Comments

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Gaber Maryland // 2019
Sep 3, 2020

I love pinning it down rocky trails and I feel a lot better about doing it after installing a Huck Norris in my rear wheel.

1 reply

Matt Miller Colorado // 2012
Aug 31, 2020

A rear only, with CushCore's XC insert...lighter and more narrow. Much easier to install and enough protection for the carbon rims for a lighter rider like myself.

0 reply

roxtar New Mexico // 2020
Sep 3, 2020

As light and cheap as the Huck Norrises are, it's silly not to use this insurance with carbon rims.

StarzMarket Ohio // 2021
Jun 24, 2021

I don't on my FS XC bike, I run only the rear on my single speed aggressive hardtail, I run both on my FS trail/AM bike

killer climb Pennsylvania // 2019
Aug 31, 2020

I had a ftd in the rear of my hardtail and after have issues because of bad tire i just left it out. It help for sure but i was still able to smack a rim just wasn't as bad. It was a little too much weight added for all the hills and not enough protection I felt. Think by taking it out it has made me a better rider as I just don't throw caution to wind so line choice is sharper. On a heavy duty downhill crusher I can see having them front and rear.

m.krupp Kentucky // 2018
Aug 31, 2020

I have checked into them several times but have not pulled the trigger. Read 'tonyguana' comments above about the protecting carbon rims and now considering it when I upgrade. Been looking at adding carbon wheels for one on my bikes and having the extra protection would probably be worth it. Going to start figuring that into the cost. Guess I need to consider what type I want to go with now.

Hardtail Canada 2020
Dec 28, 2020

I tried a Nukeproof ARD and Cushcore this year on my hardtail. I think tire inserts make a big difference, for the right type of rider.

At 220lbs on a hardtail, Cushcore in my back wheel made a big difference and I'll probably put one in my front next year.

I also wrote an article on the subject, in case the information is helpful to readers here: Mountain Bike Tire Inserts: Do You Need Them?

Cushcore isn't cheap, but the performance benefits are real.

Busted Up Biker Texas // 2019
Sep 1, 2020

I'm 218lbs. I carry a 2.5 liter hydration with tools, and all my riding gear. The trails I ride are practically all rock, burs, and cactus on the side. I had CushCore installed on my new bike 8 months ago. I swear by these, that not only have they saved my rims from being damaged but I have never had a pinch flat. Some days the tire gets pinched and make a loud pop but still has held up. When I'm riding on a cobblestone effect trail I can hear the dull deadening sound of the CushCore soaking up the vibration. It doesn't have a hollow tone like a normal tire. It makes me feel like I can just hammer through anything. I'm 100% convinced that these inserts work. I'm very interested to see what they look like when it's time for new tires. I have a feeling they are going to look really damaged. Granted they are not cheap and they do add more weight but I just figure it makes me a stronger rider overall and I'm just used to them. Also, I will get a puncture and lose air but I hardly notice when I'm done riding. The CushCore will support my weight even at low psi. I guess you can tell I'm sold on these inserts. If you are a heavy rider I would definitely say get a minimum for the back.

Shad Holland 2019
Feb 14, 2022

The only time I see a use for them is for downhill and maybe Enduro racing where there are a lot of rocks. Aside from that, all they do is add weight and take away the gains you get from going tubeless.

Adding putter rotational weight is the last place you want to add weight unless you absolutely have to. So I choose not to run them and I have been riding tubeless for over 4 years now and never have had an issue.

Check your tire pressure before each ride and you should be good. If you are hitting the rim your pressure is too low.

[email protected] New Mexico // 2016
Aug 30, 2020

When I upgraded my bike it came with carbon wheels. So I bought some Huck Norris DH for the front and rear just as insurance. After two years I can say, those inserts have definitely paid for themselves. I raced an enduro last year and cased a jump due to a head wind. I'm nearly certain the insert saved my wheel. I have a ton of other instances as well. I don't lower my pressure any more than I'd run without because again, they're just insurance. I'll never ride without an insert in the rear at least.

SteveMcA86 Northern Ireland // 2021
Jan 26, 2021

Yes, I'm a heavier rider, bought a new bike, expensive for me, first rip around local trials and there's a jump to rock garden that I always seem to land on the same spot, got a flat spot on my last bike rear rim there, don't fancy £2/300 for a new wheel so any help I could get.. Installed Nukeproof ARD front and rear - although rear tyre won't bead 100% since ARD went in so it might be back out...

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