The No-B.S. Guide to Tire Inserts for Mountain & Gravel Bikes

A simple crash course for riders who just want fewer flats, more grip, and smoother rides

Here’s the thing: tire inserts (especially for tubeless mountain and gravel bike tires) aren’t just a pro-level accessory. They’re a confidence boost, a flat-reducer, a smoother-ride maker. Whether you’re bombing singletrack or cruising washboard gravel roads, inserts just make biking better. 

And don’t worry, I’ll keep this friendly for all experience levels. If you're still figuring out the difference between Schrader and Presta valves, you’re definitely in the right place.

What Even Is a Tire Insert?

Let’s break it down like humans, not bike tech manuals.

A tire insert is usually made of high-performance foam or plastic. It fits inside a tubeless tire, tucked between your tire and your rim, (and YES you still run air and sealant in a tubeless tire and with the tubeless insert.) Think of it like a shock absorber or a bodyguard for your wheel.

And while you’ll never actually see it once installed, you’ll feel the difference every time you ride. Here’s what a quality mountain or gravel bike insert actually does:

• Protects Your Rims: From nasty rock strikes, root edges, and “oh-crap” trail craters.
  
• Boosts Grip & Control: By letting you run lower tire pressure without the risk of pinch flats.
  
• Supports Your Sidewalls: So your tires hold shape better when cornering or hitting rough lines.
  
• Reduces Vibration Fatigue: Less chatter = happier hands and arms = longer rides in that sweet, sweet flow state.
  
• Ride Flat: Allows you to still ride even if your tire goes flat. Giving you the ability to get to a better location to fix your tire and get back to the ride. .

Not bad for something that hides inside your tire.

Let’s Talk Options: Tannus vs. the Industry

Not all tire inserts are built the same, and here is a quick rundown of how they all stack up to each other in the bike industry. 

Here’s a quick lineup of what’s out there:

CushCore

• Pros: Excellent rim protection, amazing sidewall support, big fan base among aggressive trail riders.
• Cons: Heavy, tough install, and yeah…your wallet’s gonna feel it. It can transfer impacts to the rim bed, and you have to use their special valve.
  
  

Vittoria Air-Liner

• Pros: Lightweight, decently supportive, easier install.
• Cons: Tends to soak up sealant over time. Some riders report movement inside the tire under pressure.
  
  

Rimpact

• Pros: Balanced weight and performance, solid for trail and enduro use.
• Cons: May still allow rim strikes on big impacts depending on setup. Which in simple terms, rim strikes are to the rim bed…which typically means the rim breaks.
  
  

Tannus Tubeless Inserts

Okay yeah, I work here…but this isn’t just hype, this is real.

• Pros: Incredibly lightweight, won’t absorb sealant, easy install, and doesn’t compress under pressure like most others.
• More Pros: Tannus has inserts for every riding style. Our inserts don’t sit on the rim bed, so it doesn't transfer impacts to the rim bed. Our hollow design allows the tire to flex naturally giving you the best grip.
• Bonus: The insert stays the same weight forever. No sealant-soaked sponge effect here.
• Extra Bonus: Pro rider Keegan Swenson literally called it his secret weapon. The guy wins… a lot.

Do You Really Need Tire Inserts?

Short answer: If you ride rough trails, shred gravel, or simply hate flats, yes you do!

Long answer: Tire inserts give you the freedom to ride lower pressures without stressing about rim damage. You’ll get better grip, more comfort, and a bit of armor under your tread. And let’s be honest, anything that helps you ride longer without a mid-trail meltdown is worth it.

If you’re new to mountain or gravel biking, inserts offer peace of mind while you’re still learning the ropes. And if you’ve been riding for years? You’re probably already drooling at the idea of fewer flats and dialed-in handling.

Need help installing them? We’ve got plenty of step-by-step install videos on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok or just  stop by your local bike shop or Tannus dealer and they’ll get you set up.

Final Thoughts from Someone Who’s Been There

What impressed me most about tire inserts was how something you can’t even see can completely change the way you ride. Better grip, quieter performance, and more control when the terrain turns rough, without the nagging worry of a flat derailing your day.

That shift alone, from riding defensively to riding freely, makes all the difference. And it’s exactly what Tannus Tubeless Inserts are built to offer.

Whether you're curious about inserts or just tired of flats ruining good rides, our lineup has you covered. Three models, built for different riding styles, terrains, and budgets, each one designed to give you more ride time and less worry.

Because confidence on the trail shouldn’t be an upgrade. It should be standard.