• 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...

  • The Ride Before Christmas

    The Ride Before Christmas

    On a quiet Christmas Eve at the North Pole, Santa sneaks out for a peaceful fatbike ride through the snowy pines, enjoying a rare moment of calm before the big night. When a flat tire stops him in his tracks, what follows is a warm, humorous reminder that even Santa needs a little help sometimes. Blending classic holiday charm with playful adventure, this story captures the magic of slowing down, problem-solving, and finding joy in the unexpected moments that make Christmas unforgettable.

  • How Tannus Helps Winter Commuters: A Practical Guide for Staying Flat Free When the Temperature Drops

    How Tannus Helps Winter Commuters: A Practical Guide for Staying Flat Free When the Temperature Drops

    Winter commuting breaks down when tires become unreliable. Cold air lowers pressure, debris piles up, and flats happen fast. This guide explains why winter causes more flats and how Tannus Armour, Tubeless Inserts, and Airless Tires keep commuters riding confidently all season long without downtime.

  • Year in Review: The Bike Trends That Shaped 2025

    Year in Review: The Bike Trends That Shaped 2025

    2025 reshaped the bike world in steady and meaningful ways. Riders leaned into e bikes, cities invested more in bike friendly commuting, and the industry shifted toward reliability and real value. It was not the easiest year, but it was an honest one. People kept riding. They explored new places, found new reasons to get outside, and pushed brands to build products that actually hold up. This is what the year looked like and why it matters moving forward.

  • Best Winter Rides in Arizona: Why Winter Is The Season To Hit The Trails

    Best Winter Rides in Arizona: Why Winter Is The Season To Hit The Trails

    Winter riding in Arizona gives cyclists a real advantage. While most states freeze up, Arizona rolls out warm dirt, long trail systems, and wide open gravel routes that stay rideable all season. From Sedona’s red rock flow to Phoenix’s endless desert singletrack and Tucson’s big gravel days, the state delivers some of the best winter mountain biking and e-biking in the country. Riders using Tannus Armour or Tannus Tubeless Inserts get even more freedom with flat protection built for sharp rock and cactus terrain. If you want dry conditions, steady sun, and miles that keep coming, Arizona is the place to ride through winter.

  • Riding Through the Holidays: Keeping Your Bike Time Alive When Life Gets Busy

    Riding Through the Holidays: Keeping Your Bike Time Alive When Life Gets Busy

    Riding through the holidays is never about perfect training plans or long windows of free time. It is about finding small moments that keep you grounded. This guide breaks down simple ways to stay on the bike during the busiest season of the year, from early morning spins to winter friendly bike setups that prevent flats and make cold rides easier. When your bike is ready and your expectations stay flexible, holiday riding becomes something you look forward to instead of something you struggle to fit in.