Tire Inserts: What To Know Before You Buy

This isn’t a comprehensive guide to the myriad different inserts available. Instead, this is a “what to know before you buy” guide to help you make an informed decision.

Tire inserts effectively eliminate pinch flats, even at previously dangerous pressures of 16 psi. In addition, that strip of foam does an amazing job keeping the bead of your rim from cutting a hole in your tire when you bottom out on a rock.

Some inserts help prevent tire squirm better than others. If an insert is easy to install, it won’t do a lot against tire squirm. However, the tighter it is, the more mechanical pressure the insert will have against the tire’s sidewall. Many riders find that although they can run very low pressures (15-18 psi) without flatting while running inserts, they settle with a moderately low pressure of 19-22 psi to reduce tire squirm under heavy cornering loads.

Inserts make the most significant difference on trails that are either very rough with lots of unavoidable square edges or very greasy where traction is at a premium.

If you live in an area with miles of buff, dry singletrack, then inserts may not make a difference in your riding.

Tire inserts do add rotating weight to your bike. They typically add 150-300 grams of weight per wheel. It’s about the same difference in weight as moving from a trail casing to a DH casing tire. This added weight will make your bike harder to accelerate but add to your stability and momentum once up to speed.

Despite your buddy who claims they’re easy to install, they’re not. The ease of installing inserts is highly dependent on your insert/tire/rim combo. Installing tire inserts is a job that might have you inventing new curse words, or it could be relatively painless. To make the job easier, I highly recommend the Cushcore tire lever Cushcore tire lever, ample soapy water, and a large circular trash can. Or pay your local shop to do it and make sure to tip them.

If you do get a flat on the trail, consider whether you’ll be able to fix it. While tires with inserts do have additional ride-flat support, it isn’t at all something you’d do for anything but the shortest possible distance back to the car.

If the problem is pinch flatting and squirming tires, there are two main solutions besides inserts; more air or more rubber.

Air is easy and free to experiment with; a few additional psi can make a massive difference in the performance of your bike. I’d recommend getting an accurate gauge to help you get a consistent idea of your real air pressure. I use a Meiser Accu-Gauge before every ride.

The casing of your tire can also add pinch flat resistance and stability to your ride. Most companies make at least three different casings for their tires. The lightest casing is appropriate for cross country, the midweight casing is for trail riding, and the heaviest casing is for downhill use.

​If you’re curious about tire inserts, buy a pair and try them out. In my opinion, they aren’t as revolutionary technology as tubeless was at the time, but they do offer real tangible benefits if you have the terrain to take advantage of them.