[News] Vittoria launches completely redesigned Air-Liner tire inserts

Vittoria is one of the few tire manufacturers that makes its own insert, treating the two as a cohesive system. To further cover its bases and offer a wider range of utility, it has designed a completely new insert - the Air-Liner Protect - with two variants, Enduro and Downhill.

Both should offer better protection for the tire and rim, reduce the weight of the overall system and look more like a typical air-filled tire than the previous Air-Liner MTB model. Some people may not agree with this last point, as some seem to prefer the feel of a cushioned insert-filled tire, but now you can choose between the options. 

There is variable feedback on the usefulness of inserts. Despite this, foam fans will probably remain loyal to the lower pressures and greater tire support they can achieve with them.

The new Air-Liners are available in two variants, two sizes and one price: €69.99. You can mix and match the two different densities and sizes to your liking, allowing for fine-tuning of the overall tire-inflation-foam system.

More on these different densities, as this is the main difference between the two options. The Enduro insert uses a lower density foam, for lighter weight and faster rebound. The Downhill model uses a higher density foam, which slows down the rebound and offers more protection at high speeds. The latter has a penalty of around 50 grams, with the total weight range of the inserts varying between 125 and 185 grams.

Both use the T-shaped profile and are optimized for rims with an internal width of 25-30 mm. Unlike the previous model, the new Air-Liners are a continuous loop, with no sizing or closing required. It is hoped that this will also help prevent the inserts from stretching.

For more information visit vittoria.com.