Bike Packing Cathedral Valley, Utah

July 7, 2021

Branson Kendall July 7, 2021

The Cathedral Valley loop is 70 miles of beautiful rock formations and landscapes. We ventured into this harsh, desert environment to test the All-New Tannus Gravel Tire Insert.

We chose Cathedral Valley as our testing ground for three important reasons: The Sand, The Distance, and The Rocky Descents.

What we brought: Each rider brought nearly 6 liters of water, food for two days, repair kits, a tent, a sleeping bag, and a blow up sleeping mat. We tried our best to mount as much as we could to the gravel bikes and save our backpacks for water and food.

Day 1: We started our journey a couple miles out of Caineville, Utah. After a quick 6 mile ride along Utah State Route 24, we jumped onto a gravel road with a small river crossing. Once our feet were dried, we spent the next 6 hours grinding through sand and an aggressive headwind until we reached our campsite at the cathedral valley campground. We finished the first day with about 40 miles of riding and 3,000 feet of elevation gain under our belts.

Day 2: We woke up around 6:30 am and quickly broke down camp. Our goal was to get as much riding done as possible before the temperatures soared. After leaving camp, we quickly started our descent into Cathedral Valley. As soon as we hit the valley floor we noticed the beautiful rock formations all around us.

This trip was difficult, beautiful, and fun. At the end of the trip we had ridden a total of 70 miles with 4,500+ elevation gain. Running the Tannus Armour allowed us to run low tire pressures without worrying about flats or rim damage.

This trip is a must for any bike packing enthusiasts.

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Tannus Armour Review: 7 Things Riders Should Know Before Buying

If you have been researching Tannus Armour, you have probably come across some different opinions about what it does, how it installs, and whether it is worth it. Most of that confusion comes from riders comparing completely different bikes, riding styles, and expectations.

Tannus Armour is built for one simple purpose: helping tube-based bikes prevent flats before they happen. That means commuters, e-bike riders, kids’ bikes, mountain bikes running tubes, city bikes, and everyday riders who are tired of dealing with punctures, pinch flats, and roadside tube changes.

Let’s walk through the biggest questions riders usually have before buying.
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Why Tannus Armour is the Best Flat Protection for E-Bikes: A Deep Dive into Tire Reliability

E-bikes have revolutionized transportation, but their weight and speed make them "puncture magnets." In this deep dive, we explore how Tannus Armour solves the unique "physics of the flat" that plagues heavy e-mobility. Featuring a 3,000-mile cross-country case study and a technical breakdown of the patented Aither micro-cell polymer, we show how a 15mm foam shield can eliminate 90% of punctures.

Learn why standard tires fail under e-bike loads and how Tannus Armour provides a critical "run-flat" safety net for commuters. We also share expert installation pro-tips, including tube sizing and the "rebound rule" to ensure your ride remains smooth, stable, and, most importantly, unstoppable. Whether you’re a daily commuter or a coastal cruiser, discover the "fit and forget" secret to total tire confidence.
The End of the Flat Tire? Airless vs. Pneumatic: What You Need to Know

Tired of the "dreaded hiss" ruining your morning commute? This guide breaks down the high-tech shift from traditional air-filled tires to the Tannus Airless revolution. Using patented Aither 1.1 micro-bubble polymer, Tannus has engineered a tire that is 100% puncture-proof, thermally stable from -20°C to 60°C, and lasts up to 10,000 km.

We debunk common myths about weight and grip, while highlighting why airless tech is the ultimate "fit and forget" solution for E-bikers and urban cyclists. Whether you're looking to save time on roadside repairs or reduce your environmental footprint with 100% recyclable materials, find out if making the switch to airless is the right move for your ride.
Why Tannus Armour Requires a Smaller Inner Tube

Installing Tannus Armour for the first time can feel counterintuitive, especially when the instructions tell you to run a smaller inner tube than your tire size. But that size-down rule is exactly what makes Armour work. The liner takes up space inside the tire, changing how the tube inflates and how the whole system behaves on the trail. A smaller tube prevents folds, friction, bead issues, and the mysterious flats riders sometimes blame on the insert itself. When the tube matches the reduced internal volume, Armour can do its job: absorbing impacts, blocking punctures, and keeping the ride smooth and predictable. If you want easier installation, better flat protection, and long-term reliability, choosing the correct tube size is the key to making Tannus Armour perform the way it was designed to.