• By Ryan Cook

  • Photos by Tannus America

  • December 11, 2024

There are few things in life better than riding a bike. These human-powered machines offer freedom, exercise, and a great way to unplug, well unless you’re riding an ebike of course 🙂. However, getting a flat tire during a ride can quickly turn a fun adventure into a stressful situation.

When I first started bike racing, I entered my local Cyclocross event. I vividly remember pulling ahead of the other riders in my category. I felt so proud of myself, with no one catching up to me as the finish line came into view. Then—pssssst—I got a flat. I then watched my victory slip away as other riders passed by. Having owned a bike shop and raced bikes for years, I’ve encountered every type of flat tire and solution out there. Over time, one brand has stood out for its innovative, flat-free technology: Tannus. With three distinct products:


They offer reliable solutions for every rider, from commuters to competitive cyclists. Let’s break down the differences and determine which flat-prevention solution is right for you.

TANNUS ARMOUR

Tannus Armour is a groundbreaking flat-prevention system made from a custom foam designed to shield your tube from punctures, covering it from rim to rim. Glass shards, thorns, nails, and even pinch flats are no match for this innovative technology. Developed by engineers experienced in high-performance foam products used in popular running shoes and football pads, Tannus Armour delivers lightweight durability with unmatched puncture resistance.

In addition to protecting against flats, Tannus Armour enhances ride comfort by absorbing vibrations and shocks from rough roads or trails. Riders often notice reduced fatigue in their hands and wrists, especially during long rides.

  • Who Should Use Tannus Armour?

    This versatile product is ideal for:

    • E-Bikes (Electric Bikes)
    • Commuters
    • Mountain bikers
    • Gravel riders
    • Kids' bikes
    • Casual bike path riders
    • Cruiser cyclists
    • Adaptive MTB BIkes (aMTB)
    • Adaptive Bikes
    • Trikes

  • How To Install Tannus Armour?

    Installing Tannus Armour is simple:

    1. Remove one side of your tire and take out the old tube.
    2. Insert the Tannus Armour liner.
    3. Replace your tube with one that matches the liner size (Tannus Armour reduces the internal volume of your tire, so a smaller tube is needed).
    4. Re-seat the tire bead on the rim and inflate to your preferred PSI.

    For a detailed step-by-step guide, visit our Tannus Armour Installation Guide.

SHOP ARMOUR

TANNUS TUBELESS

Tubeless tires are popular for mountain bikers and gravel riders, but even the best sealants can fail to patch large punctures or gashes. Tannus Tubeless Inserts solve this problem while enhancing tire performance. These foam inserts provide run-flat technology, rim protection during hard impacts, and improved tire stability at lower PSIs.

With added sidewall support, riders experience better grip and control, especially in technical terrain. This makes Tannus Tubeless Inserts a top choice for aggressive riders who demand high performance.

SHOP TUBELESS

Who Should Use Tannus Tubeless Inserts?

  • Mountain Bikers 
  • Downhill MTB
  • Enduro MTB
  • Trail MTB
  • XC MTB
  • Gravel
  • Cyclists looking to protect their expensive bike rims

TANNUS AIRLESS TIRES

Airless tires, also known as solid bike tires, eliminate the need for tubes or air entirely. You heard right, there is NO air in these tires.  Made from advanced lightweight foam, Tannus Airless Tires provide the durability of a solid tire with the comfort of traditional tube and tire systems, absorbing bumps and vibrations without the need for ongoing maintenance.

With no need to pump up your tires, replace tubes, or add sealant, Tannus Airless Tires are a true “set and forget” solution.

SHOP AIRLESS

  • Who Should Use Tannus Airless Tires?

    These tires are best for:

    • Road cyclists
    • City commuters
    • E-bike riders
    • Kid bikes
    • Recreational riders

    While ideal for urban and road cycling, airless tires are not designed for off-road or mountain biking.

  • How Does It Work?

    Airless tires replace your existing tire and tube. Installation involves measuring your rim’s inner width, selecting the correct size, and securing the tire with pins that lock it into place.

    To find the right size tire for your bike here’s our Guide on Airless Tire Size 

    For detailed installation tips, check out our Tannus Airless Tire Installation Guide.

SHOP AIRLESS TIRES
Durability

Winner: Tannus Airless Tires

With a 5,000 mile or 2 year warranty, Tannus Airless Tires are the ultimate low-maintenance solution. While Armour and Tubeless Inserts are highly durable, they require occasional upkeep.

Ride Comfort

Winner: Tannus Tubeless Inserts

The ability to run lower PSIs offers unmatched comfort and control. Tannus Armour comes in a close second, offering improved shock absorption.

Weight and Performance

Tie: Tannus Armour and Tannus Tubeless Inserts

Recent advancements in TPU and latex tubes have allowed Armour to match the lightweight performance of tubeless systems.

The Tannus Advantage


At Tannus, our mission is to keep people pedaling by preventing flat tires and sustaining the future by reducing waste. Whether you're a casual rider, a commuter, or a competitive cyclist, Tannus has a solution tailored to your needs. Our flat-free tire technology means less time fixing flats and more time enjoying the ride.


Each Tannus product has its unique strengths, catering to different types of riders. By understanding the benefits of Tannus Armour Tire Liners, Tannus Tubeless Inserts, and Tannus Solid Tires, you can select the best option for your ride. Ready to make flat tires a thing of the past? Explore our range of products and find the perfect solution for your cycling needs.

Additional Posts...

  • Keep It Public: The Fight for Our Public Lands

    Keep It Public: The Fight for Our Public Lands

    More than 3 million acres of U.S. public lands are at risk of being sold under a new Senate proposal and the outdoor community must act now. At Tannus, we believe public lands should remain wild, accessible, and protected for all. This isn’t about politics. It’s about preserving the trails we ride, the wilderness we explore, and the freedom to roam. Learn what’s at stake and how you can help stop the largest public land sell-off in modern history.

  • Winners Ride Tannus: Top Finishers at the 2025 Unbound Gravel Grand Prix Trusted Tannus Tubeless Inserts

    Winners Ride Tannus: Top Finishers at the 2025 Unbound Gravel Grand Prix Trusted Tannus Tubeless Inserts

    At the 2025 Unbound Gravel Grand Prix, three of the top five finishers, including winner Cameron Jones, rode with Tannus Tubeless Inserts. From full Gravel setups to lightweight Lite configurations, Tannus delivered race-saving protection and podium-level performance. Discover why top gravel racers are choosing Tannus for their tubeless bike tires.

  • Title: Keegan Swenson on Crashes, Comebacks, and Why His Bike Probably Hates Him

    Title: Keegan Swenson on Crashes, Comebacks, and Why His Bike Probably Hates Him

    What does it take to finish strong at Unbound Gravel 2025? According to pro cyclist Keegan Swenson: relentless resilience, sharp recovery, and the right gear choices, including when (and when not) to run tire inserts. In this exclusive post-race interview, Keegan shares how he overcame crashes, flats, and chaotic pack dynamics to secure a top-10 finish and maintain his lead in the Life Time Grand Prix. He breaks down lessons on race strategy, nutrition, positioning, and gear, including a no-fluff take on Tannus inserts, their role in gravel racing, and why he trains with them even when he doesn’t race with them. Whether you're an amateur rider or chasing marginal gains like a pro, this is your insider guide to what it really takes to thrive at Unbound.

  • National Bike to Work Day: Ride Like You Mean It (Without the Flats)

    National Bike to Work Day: Ride Like You Mean It (Without the Flats)

    This National Bike to Work Day, join the 870,000+ Americans who are skipping traffic and pedaling in. Commuting by bike cuts stress, saves money, and boosts wellness, but nothing kills the ride faster than a flat tire.

    That’s why smart commuters roll with Tannus Armour or Tannus Airless Tires, designed for e-bikes and traditional bikes alike. With 360° protection, shock absorption, and flat-proof tech, you can ride worry-free every day.

    No flats, no stress. Just the ride.

     

  • The Origin of Solid: How Tannus Took on the Flat Tire and Won

    The Origin of Solid: How Tannus Took on the Flat Tire and Won

    Flat tires used to be the cost of admission for bike riders until Tannus rewrote the rules. This is the true story of how one frustrated engineer turned a deflated dream into a high-performance breakthrough: the world’s most advanced solid bike tire. From the invention of Aither foam to a 3,000+ mile airless ride, discover how Tannus took on the flat tire and built a no-maintenance, no-compromise solution that’s changing how riders roll, whether you're commuting, riding an e-bike, or managing a full fleet.