CushCore Pro Tire Insert Set - 29"

Valve stems do not come with multiple size grommets to seal rim, I have Stan’s rims and Cush valves don’t come close to making seal! Purchased Muc-off stems that come with 3 different seals for additional $30, now they work! Frustrating process with installation already more difficult! Rode Snow summit/ Big Bear bike park with 22psi ,hard to tell a big difference but I also added 2.6 Maxxis DH. A lot of new stuff at bike park I’ve never ridden but did haul ass!

#1 Mountain Bike Accessory.

My most important aftermarket bike accessory. The inventor was after suspension improvements with CushCore. Pinch-flat resistance was not at the top of his list — although CushCore pretty well solves that also.The inserts stabilize the tires’ sidewalls at low pressures. This gives great directional control with vastly increased traction.Installation: This is the elephant in the tire-changing shop. My suggestions:1. Lube the tire beads (dishwashing liquid and water 1+ 10, spritz or brush on).2. Understand what’s meant by the CushCore “roll and tuck”.3. Learn from the YouTube (t=4:58) from CushCore channel. It’s excellent.4. Wear tight-fitting machine-washable gloves.5. If it’s a vicious struggle, re-study the techniques in that video. Installing ... MoreMy most important aftermarket bike accessory. The inventor was after suspension improvements with CushCore. Pinch-flat resistance was not at the top of his list — although CushCore pretty well solves that also.The inserts stabilize the tires’ sidewalls at low pressures. This gives great directional control with vastly increased traction.Installation: This is the elephant in the tire-changing shop. My suggestions:1. Lube the tire beads (dishwashing liquid and water 1+ 10, spritz or brush on).2. Understand what’s meant by the CushCore “roll and tuck”.3. Learn from the YouTube (t=4:58) from CushCore channel. It’s excellent.4. Wear tight-fitting machine-washable gloves.5. If it’s a vicious struggle, re-study the techniques in that video. Installing CushCore is not a piece of cake. However, it’s not a horrible experience best described as being in hell.After about 5 installations using (Schwalbe blue plastic — the best for me ) tire levers, I can pretty well do the whole job by hand. Slime (brand) tire sealant is a great choice. Use it as mounting lube as your very first step. It’ll was out of your gloves, clothes and dropcloth.After 2 years, my inserts are as good as new. Not chewed up in any way.I’m about 240 lbs all geared up. I run (f,r) = (14 psi, 18 psi). I am intermediate skill level, ride a Starling Murmur XL. Coil suspension f & r.I like the rocky, rooty, gnarly trails. I don’t jump (I’m old!). The traction I have with 2.5” DHF tires fore and aft is superb. Soon 3 years w/ CushCore. No punctures.

Came for the rim protection, stayed for the handling

I originally bought them mainly for rim protection but I love how these make the bike handle. I was totaling about 4 rims a year so these were to save me money. On the very first chunky downhill I immediately felt the improvements on how the bike handled square edges and repetitive hits in the chatter. It felt more dampened out and tracked noticeably better. It's not just placebo from dropping ridiculous amounts of tire pressure like some do either. Running the same Agressor Doubledown 2.5/Assegai EXO+ 2.5 combo I went from 23/26psi to 20/25 without any rim strikes or loss of stability. The performance gains are mostly noticeable when the trail gets rocky. Traction is improved overall with the inserts on tractor built county or city trails but these things really ... MoreI originally bought them mainly for rim protection but I love how these make the bike handle. I was totaling about 4 rims a year so these were to save me money. On the very first chunky downhill I immediately felt the improvements on how the bike handled square edges and repetitive hits in the chatter. It felt more dampened out and tracked noticeably better. It's not just placebo from dropping ridiculous amounts of tire pressure like some do either. Running the same Agressor Doubledown 2.5/Assegai EXO+ 2.5 combo I went from 23/26psi to 20/25 without any rim strikes or loss of stability. The performance gains are mostly noticeable when the trail gets rocky. Traction is improved overall with the inserts on tractor built county or city trails but these things really shine in places like South Mountain, Sedona, Flagstaff, bike parks and enduro racing. On rocky trails I used to pump the tires up to about 25/27 to save rim at the cost of comfort and traction but now there is no compromise. I got used to the extra weight within a ride and now I don't notice it. Pulling them out of the box I was amazed on how light something so substantial looking actually was. It feels like it weighs slightly more than an inner tube.If you've read any of the goofy PinkBike comments you'd assume they're literally impossible to install one and they're like wrestling with satan... It's all about technique. After 3 tire installs they probably add about 2-3 minutes to install time now, even with these tight Doubledown casings. I will note though that it's a little harder to pop the beads when swapping tires. My technique on that is to get one side of the tire off the rim, then reach into the tire and pull the insert off the rim before popping the opposite bead

CushCore inserts work!

Installed these on a new build after watching several videos and reading other reviews saying that you can run lower tire pressures and how they help to reduce fatigue. After riding with them on my local trail that's filled with plenty of rocks and roots now for several weeks I have noticed a difference in how I feel at the end of a ride, particularly my arms. I am running an average of about 5# lower pressures in both front and rear tires and can feel a difference over some of the larger bumps. The tires also seem to have a little better bite when cornering and climbing as well. Overall, I'm satisfied with my CushCore inserts and have installed a second set on my other bike too. One last note... Watch the installation video on CushCore's website first. Their tips ... MoreInstalled these on a new build after watching several videos and reading other reviews saying that you can run lower tire pressures and how they help to reduce fatigue. After riding with them on my local trail that's filled with plenty of rocks and roots now for several weeks I have noticed a difference in how I feel at the end of a ride, particularly my arms. I am running an average of about 5# lower pressures in both front and rear tires and can feel a difference over some of the larger bumps. The tires also seem to have a little better bite when cornering and climbing as well. Overall, I'm satisfied with my CushCore inserts and have installed a second set on my other bike too. One last note... Watch the installation video on CushCore's website first. Their tips are helpful but it still takes a bit of effort to get the things installed correctly.

CushCore... two thumbs up!

I've been hearing about CushCore for a long time but was worried about how difficult it would be to install or how it might feel on the trails so I was hesitant to go through with the purchase. After never-ending pinch flats on my tires, I decided to give it a go and I was not disappointed. This is honestly one of the best upgrades/improvements I've made on my bike! I didn't go with the CushCore Pro, but decided to go XC on my Megatower V2 to save some weight and skin on my knuckles during installation. EXTREMELY easy to install, didn't need any extra tools, and it took maybe an extra 5 minutes per wheel TOPS when changing a tire. Worth every single penny and more!

Hesitation kills

Do not hesitate to install Cush Core to your bike.Cush core is Awesome. Weight seems about same as inner tube.Cush core allows lower air but it feels like it's a higher pressure.I can charge rock gardens and other obstacles with no fear of tire burp or snakebites.Installation was not as tough as some claim. If you can change a stiff DH casing tire then this will be second nature.Peach of mind Is well worth the $$$.

How did I ever ride without these?

I shudder when thinking back to all the years when I rode without CushCore. In the last 3 years I've never had a snake bite, dented rim or even a single burp. Plus, I'm riding faster and with more confidence. In case you don't know, with these in your wheels, you can improve traction in three ways. First, given the added pinch protection and burp prevention, I typically run mine 5 psi lower than normal increasing my contact patch without risking burping. Second with the sidewall support of the unique shape, I can corner faster on the lower pressure without too much tire deformation. Finally, the insert absorbs tire rebound. This is overlooked by many, but I think it's pretty key. We spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on our fancy-pants suspension technology, but ... MoreI shudder when thinking back to all the years when I rode without CushCore. In the last 3 years I've never had a snake bite, dented rim or even a single burp. Plus, I'm riding faster and with more confidence. In case you don't know, with these in your wheels, you can improve traction in three ways. First, given the added pinch protection and burp prevention, I typically run mine 5 psi lower than normal increasing my contact patch without risking burping. Second with the sidewall support of the unique shape, I can corner faster on the lower pressure without too much tire deformation. Finally, the insert absorbs tire rebound. This is overlooked by many, but I think it's pretty key. We spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on our fancy-pants suspension technology, but fail to recognize that a 2.5 tire essentially gives you another 60mm of uncontrolled air spring. With the insert both compression and rebound of the tire is much more controlled leaving the actual suspension components to do their job.

I like em big and cushy

I haven't received this in the mail yet BUT I can safely go ahead and review it because I run cushcore in my other bike. Do yourself a favor and get some. It's like adding an extra layer of suspension to your bike. You can run ridiculously low pressures for that extra grip and plushness AND you pretty much never have to worry about busting your rim or getting stuck out on the trail with a flat (because you can ride on a flat if needed).CONS:I hear it's a nightmare to install (we will see).Should a piece of foam really cost almost 80 bucks? I don't think so. Cut us mountain bikers some slack. Everything mountain bike related shouldn't be a premium price.

One of the best things I've put on my bike

I've had these for about 6 months and run them with different tire combinations and they are invaluable. The inserts give the tire a more modulated, less bouncy feel while allowing you to run a wider range of pressures. Most noticeably, they improve the tire's cornering performance by supporting the tire and preventing sidewall squirm under heavy leaning.To address the most common complaint: Yes, tire installation is a bit more difficult. What I found is that after the first install or two, the insert stretches some and it becomes easier to get the tire on. It is vital that you follow the video instructions provided by CushCore or you'll have a bad time.What I found to be the biggest challenge was removal of tires. The issue is that you lose leverage on the bead ... MoreI've had these for about 6 months and run them with different tire combinations and they are invaluable. The inserts give the tire a more modulated, less bouncy feel while allowing you to run a wider range of pressures. Most noticeably, they improve the tire's cornering performance by supporting the tire and preventing sidewall squirm under heavy leaning.To address the most common complaint: Yes, tire installation is a bit more difficult. What I found is that after the first install or two, the insert stretches some and it becomes easier to get the tire on. It is vital that you follow the video instructions provided by CushCore or you'll have a bad time.What I found to be the biggest challenge was removal of tires. The issue is that you lose leverage on the bead of the tire, which makes breaking the bead very difficult. Once the bead is broken, though, you can follow CushCore's instructions on removal fairly easily. What I found to help this process is to use a tire lever and rubber mallet to gently tap around the edge of the tire bead until it unseats. Some tires are easier than others, WTB and Maxxis have so far been the easiest to remove.I'll also add that it can compound issues with your rim tape. If you have holes in your rim tape, then the insert will cover them and prevent sealant distribution. It's really important that your rim tape is in good shape before installation.One added perk of this system is the valves: they are clog free. I've had a lot of issues with clogged valve stems and cores, but those all went away even using just the valve cores without CushCore.I've run these through bike parks and trail riding for a while now and I have removed them to see the difference, it is noticeable. The wide range of tire adjustments is really nice too. We got caught out in a downpour on a narrow, technical trail and I was able to drop 3-4 PSI out of my tires and roll through some wet root sections faster than I had when it was dry and conditions were good. The deadened feel of the tire also helps reduce fatigue and hand pain.The only other comment I'll make is to not be tempted to run this system rear only. I've tried that and you really lose the benefit of the system not having it in the front, where most of your cornering pressure and critical traction are. As CushCore says, it's a system and works best when used front and rear. You will lose many of the benefits by not running it up front.They have their hassles, but the tradeoff is a better feeling bike and is worth the hassle.

Rim & Flat Protection, Peace of Mind

After denting my rear rim earlier in the year and then cracking it I decided to give Cushcore a try for some extra protection. The installation is kind of tricky so I paid a local bike shop to take care that for me but after 3 rides I have to say that I have greater peace of mind and don't worry about my rims or getting a pinch flat nearly as much before. I feel like I have some extra dampening riding over rocky sections of trail also which is a nice bonus. I was a little worried about the extra weight on the climbs but I honestly don't even feel it at all.