How to Flat-Proof Your Gravel Bike

By Ryan Cook
Photos by Tannus America
November 25, 2024

Gravel cycling has taken the biking world by storm. I got into gravel riding about seven years ago after spending most of my life racing road and mountain bikes. From the very first ride, I was hooked. It felt like my road bike and mountain bike had a baby, and they named it "awesome."

Not only does gravel riding take you on roads you’d never otherwise explore, but it’s also safer. The dirt roads around my house see almost no traffic—usually just the occasional dude on a Surron. However, gravel biking isn’t without its challenges. Flat tires can quickly derail even the best rides, but the right gear can make all the difference.

Why Flat Tires Are the Enemy of Gravel Riders

Gravel biking demands tires that can handle sharp rocks, thorns, and unpredictable terrain. Traditional inner tubes are prone to punctures, often leaving riders stranded far from home.

When Flats Wreck a Ride

One of the worst moments I’ve had as a gravel rider was when a flat forced me to call my wife for a rescue. I was 80 miles away from home on a remote dirt road, with no cell service until I reached higher ground. By the time I got ahold of her, she had to drive for three hours on rough terrain to pick me up.

Fortunately, my wife is a saint, and she picked me up, and didn’t even make me sleep on the couch after that ordeal—but it was a wake-up call. I knew I needed a better solution. That’s when I started using Tannus Armour, and since then, I haven’t had to make another desperate rescue call.

Challenges of Tubeless Systems:

Tubeless systems can work well for small punctures, but they’re not foolproof.
Large gashes or punctures may still require a spare tube or complete tire replacement.

Garmin Unbound, When Tubeless Let Me Down

I signed up for and trained my butt off to do the Garmin Unbound race in Emporia, Kansas. I added extra sealant to my tires and brought a couple of bike tire plugs, but at mile 160, I got a flat that neither the sealant nor plugs could fix. Out came the spare tube, which got me to the next rest stop, where I luckily had another tire waiting.

That one sharp rock cost me at least 20 minutes. While tubeless systems are helpful, they’re not always the perfect solution for gravel adventures.

TANNUS ARMOUR

The Benefits of Tannus Armour for Cyclists

Tannus is an industry leader in anti-puncture solutions. They create inserts for nearly every type of bike and e-bike, using advanced foam technology to provide unmatched protection against punctures, snake bites, and sidewall tears (like the one I encountered at Unbound). After putting over 2,000 miles on my gravel bike with Tannus Armour, here’s what I’ve found:

Flat Protection: Never worry about flat tires on your gravel bike again.
Enhanced Durability: Perfect for long-distance rides over challenging terrain. I’ve got a tire with a 1.5-inch sidewall gash that I’m still using, thanks to Tannus Armour.
Comfort and Stability: Absorbs shocks for a smoother ride, even on rough surfaces. As someone with carpal tunnel syndrome, I’ve found the shock absorption to be a real lifesaver.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ARMOUR

Here’s how Tannus Armour compares to other flat-protection systems:

Flat-Protection Options for Gravel Biking

1. Tubeless Systems
- Works well for sealing small punctures.
- May fail for larger holes or gashes.
- Requires additional gear, like sealant, plugs, and a CO₂ pump.
2. Tubeless Plugs
- Effective for small-to-moderate punctures.
- The Stan’s Darts® have been my go-to option.
3. Tubeless Inserts
- Products like Tannus Tubeless®, CushCore®, and Vittoria Airliner® protect rims and improve ride quality.
- However, they’re more focused on performance enhancement and rim protection than flat prevention.

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