CushCore
CushCore Pro Tire Insert Set
CushCore Pro is a foam-based tubeless tire insert system designed to reduce pinch flats, protect rims, and improve ride quality on mountain bikes.
### Overview
The original full-performance version of CushCore's lineup, the Pro Tire Insert Set is designed to push the limits of your tires and suspension to new levels. It's an engineered foam insert mounted inside a tubeless tire, designed to absorb impacts, reduce vibration, and increase lateral stability — characteristics that translate to a more controlled, comfortable, and faster ride. CushCore is widely credited as the pioneer of tire inserts, and the brand name is often used to refer to the entire product category.
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### Standout Features
- **Dynamic tire suspension:** CushCore is based on the concept of "tire suspension" — pressurized air in the tire acts as the spring, while the CushCore insert acts as the damper. - **Rim protection:** Each insert is molded into a unique shape that helps secure the tire to the rim and extends well beyond the rim flange to protect against impacts from all angles. - **Bead-locking & anti-burp:** Burping tires becomes much harder — in long-term testing, reviewers couldn't rip a single tire off the rim with the inserts installed. - **Lower pressure capability:** The inserts do a great job of rim and puncture protection while improving grip by allowing you to run lower tire pressures. - **Cornering stability:** CushCore's special shape creates lateral force against the tire sidewalls, giving it the cornering stability and calm ride feel it's known for. - **Sealant compatibility & included valves:** The system is compatible with tubeless tire sealants, and a specially designed tubeless air valve is included with each insert, allowing air to move through without obstruction.
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### Who It's For
The Pro is considered the best choice for the majority of wheels, terrain, and riders. It is the heavy-duty variant in CushCore's lineup and is also the version the manufacturer recommends for e-mountain bikes. It's particularly well-suited to enduro and downhill riders who regularly encounter rocky, technical terrain and want maximum rim and tire protection without sacrificing ride feel.
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### Important Considerations
- **Weight:** At between 260–270g per insert, the CushCore Pro is one of the heavier options on the market, with some competitors coming in just over 100g. - **Installation difficulty:** CushCore has a reputation for being stubborn to fit, and it ranked as one of the hardest to install in independent comparison testing. - **Removal can be tricky over time:** Removing the inserts can also be difficult — over time, the insert can stick to the inside of the tire as tubeless sealant dries and becomes sticky. - **Price:** The CushCore Pro is heavier and more expensive than most other inserts on the market, so budget-conscious riders or those on lighter trail bikes may want to consider whether the Pro-level protection is necessary for their riding style.
Key features
- Tubeless tire insert system
- puncture protection
- improved ride control
A genuine upgrade for aggressive trail and enduro riding, where rim protection and flat prevention matter most.
What stands out
- Significantly reduces the risk of pinch flats and rim strikes on technical terrain
- Allows riders to run lower tire pressures without squirm, improving traction and control
- Protects rims from damage in rocky or rooty conditions
- Compatible with a wide range of tubeless-ready tires and rims
What to weigh
- Installation is notably more difficult than standard tubeless setups, often requiring effort and patience
- Adds meaningful rotational weight to the wheels, which some riders will notice
- Requires CushCore-compatible valves, adding a small additional consideration at setup
Great fit if
- Enduro and aggressive trail riders who frequently encounter rocky or rooty terrain
- Riders who have suffered repeated pinch flats or rim damage
- Those willing to trade some installation complexity for greater confidence on technical descents
Skip it if
- Cross-country or weight-conscious riders for whom rotational weight is a priority
- Riders on smoother trails where the protection benefits are unlikely to be realised
- Those who prefer a simple, quick tubeless setup and rarely encounter rim-strike terrain