Expanding on their ‘tire suspension system’, CushCore is eyeing some lighter weight bikes in the future. Naturally, for a lighter weight wheel and tire, CushCore has developed a lighter weight tire insert designed to offer a smoother ride with more traction, better cornering, and increased tire and rim protection.
Using the same idea as previous CushCore designs, the XC and Gravel inserts sit inside the rim channel inside the tire and divide the tire volume in half. The upper half turns into a ‘tuneable air pocket’ while the lower half functions as a damper, supports the sidewall, and protects the rim and tire in impacts.
The new XC insert removes a lot of material on the rim-side, and is meant for tire widths from 1.8-2.4″, and inner rim widths of 22-32mm. To be offered in 27.5 and 29″ versions, claimed weights will be 140g and 150g respectively. CushCore points out that this won’t offer quite the same performance of their Pro tire insert (2.1-2.6″), but it also cuts out 100g per rim. XC inserts will sell for $149 a set with 29″ shipping now, and 27.5″ shipping soon.
CushCore was also showing a Gravel/CX insert that is meant for 19-26mm inner width rims and 33-46mm tires. Designed for 700c rims, the insert has a claimed weight of 110g, and will sell for the same $149 per set. The same goes for their Plus insert which covers 2.6-3.0″ tires on 32-45mm inner width rims. As you would expect, the weight on these is increased at 290/330g for 27.5/29″. Both are coming soon.