Vittoria’s Air Liner Protect Enduro tyre insert provides an affordable rim protection boost. Although Vittoria’s recommended installation method doesn’t work, installation by other means is easy. The insert boosts sidewall support and security while fending off even the harshest tyre bottom-outs. It’s a solid offering and certainly one of the best tyre inserts on the market, but limited sealant distribution can still end a ride.
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Vittoria Air Liner Protect Enduro tyre insert - Technical details
Vittoria’s Air Liner isn’t new to the market. It originally launched as a foam insert that the user had to make into a loop with cable ties. Now, the tyre insert comes as a complete loop. The enduro variant features a lighter density foam compared to the downhill model, which the brand claims ensures optimal shock absorption while boosting handling.
Unlike a number of tyre inserts, the Air Liner Protect forms a ‘T’ shape inside the tyre, and that is where a lot of its benefits lie. It’s said to improve lateral stability, as it pushes against the tyre sidewall without taking up much of the tyre volume. That T shape expands as the tyre is compressed, sitting over the rim’s bead to fend off pinch flats.
Vittoria says this enduro-specific insert can work with any tyre sealant. It’s available in 29-inch and 27.5-inch sizes and is suitable for use in tyres from 2.4in to 2.6in in width.
It’s claimed that a single 29-inch insert weighs 135g – I weighed it at 132g. There’s also a pair of tyre insert friendly valves in the box.
Vittoria Air Liner Protect Enduro tyre insert - Performance
I began by following the instructions on the box that suggested I soak the insert in soapy water, then push the insert in place with one of the tyre beads installed onto the rim – this wasn’t possible, and only led to an ungodly amount of swearing.
Left absolutely defeated, I changed tactics. I removed the tyre completely, put the insert in place and reinstalled the tyre, making sure that each bead was sitting underneath the insert. This method was much easier, so I recommend initially trying the Vittoria way and if that doesn't work, try my method.
To properly test the insert, I installed it onto an e-mountain bike and rode the chunkiest bike park trails I could find.
It held up well and did exactly what it was meant to do. I ran slightly lower pressure than I usually would and I was rewarded with a healthy boost in grip. That was all without sacrificing tyre stability, and the T shape supported the sidewalls, making up for the lack of pressure.
The Air Liner Protect Enduro rides very naturally, too, even as tyre compresses heavily under impact or compression, and, because it’s not particularly heavy, there’s little impact on rolling or when pedalling. It’s only when bottoming out the tyre on the rim that I felt the difference. The impact was noticeably less severe as feedback to the hands was effectively damped, and my rims were left perfectly circular.
I did find one downside, however – sealant distribution is limited. Although I had sealed the tyre before installing the insert, my wheel was losing pressure through a gap near the valve. Because the inside of the insert is flat, it effectively seals the rim bed, preventing sealant from reaching the valve to seal the leak. The shape of the insert could also impede the flow of sealant higher up on the sidewall, and we all know that those types of punctures are the toughest to repair – granted, they won’t be as common as they usually occur when pinched.
Vittoria Air Liner Protect Enduro tyre insert - Verdict
At £55, Air Liner Protect Enduro inserts are competitive against rivals such as CushCore, which cost £90 each. These use denser foam; they’re tougher to install but come with cutouts to better encourage sealant flow.
Tubolight’s Evo HD tyre inserts are lighter at 90g and cheaper still at £40. I found them easier to install, and while the Vittoria’s ride feel is very natural, the HD tyre inserts are even more so. They don’t come with valves either.
For a boost in support, the ability to run lower pressures and excellent rim protection, Vittoria’s Air Liner Protect Enduro tyre inserts fit the bill. Although the brand’s fitting instructions aren’t great, and the insert limits the flow of sealant to the top, it’s a protective insert that will please most riders.
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