CushCoreXC Set - Includes (1) Tire Insert, (1) Presta Valve & (1) Rim Sticker, Easy at-Home Installation, Bicycle Tire Inserts, Helps Improve Ride Quality, Fits a 1.8"-2.4" Tire (Single, 29”)

In the last 10 years or so since bikes have gone tubeless, I've VERY rarely had flats on a ride from a traditional puncture ( thorn/glass) in the tread, but I have had several tires cut on the sidewall from a hard impact getting pinched between the rim and the offending object. This is a minor disaster since you cant really repair a side wall cut. Yes an innertube may get you home but the tire is toast long term and it has happened twice in races and ended my day.Cushcore puts a lightweight, flexible foam cushion inside the tire and prevents the rock-to-rim impacts. Some people claim it makes the bike corner better, but I haven't felt much difference. There is of course a weight penalty, but I carry my own weight penalty and the extra few ounces is pretty minor for most riders.The real question is installation. I've mounted many tubeless tires, so I'm above-average on tire competency, I would say it made things 25-50% tougher, but I got it mounted in 15-20 minutes and it sealed first try. ( Bontrager Kove30 carbon rim and Maxxis Recon tire). Watch the 5 minute video on Cushcore.. it was helpful.Mount the Cushcore first, then seat one bead at a time of the tire ( don't forget the CC specific valve). Per the instructions, I didn't put any sealer in at this stage. I put the wheel flat on a bucket, then used a tire lever to push the bead down into the center channel for maximum slack, then flipped the wheel and worked the 2nd bead in. I had to use tire levers and a little sealer as lubricant. Then air the tire up with a compressor until the bead snaps into place, let the air out again, remove the valve core and add the sealer, replace the valve core , air it up and you're done

I put this on a hardtail 29r and I was impressed with the improvement. It does feel like it provides some added suspension and play to the rear wheel and I have also noticed an increase in traction and was able to decrease my tire pressure ~3-6 psi. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised and impressed with the increased performance and would recommend trying it out.