Get a flat but finish the race without stopping? Yeah, that used to be a badge of pride for cyclocross racers, now it’s something anyone can do on their road bike.
Vittoria’s original Air-Liner Light Road added their same “run flat” technology to tire inserts for skinny tires, and now it gets an upgrade that makes it easier to install and have less impact on your sealant.
But first, here’s why you should care about these inserts at all: It uses a semi-closed cell foam that works by slowly absorbing the air pressure in fully inflated tires. Then, when you puncture, the rapid release of air from your tire causes them to swell up and fill the tire, keeping you riding on air…almost like normal.
We’ve tested them on the trails, and the tech works. But there’s more to it. Not only does it work to keep you rolling when you flat, it changes the ride quality for the better.
The Air-Liner Light inserts let you run slightly lower pressure for better traction and a smoother ride. This works because there’s a foam insert to mitigate the hits and provide support in the corners.
Now, the new Air-Liner Light Road uses a better material and extrusion process, making it easier to slide into the tire during installation. That material’s surface is also less likely to hold sealant, meaning you can use slightly less (they still recommend at least 10ml per tire).
Combined, the sealant plus insert lets you ride up to 50km (~30 miles) after a puncture. The insert gradually releases its air, so you won’t get that dangerous blowout, and even when it’s “flat”, it’s still equivalent to roughly 1 bar (14.5psi) of air pressure. It’s enough to get you home…or across the finish line.
They add just 30-40g per tire (depending on size), which isn’t enough to stop EF-Education First riders from using it. MSRP is $77.99 per wheel.
