Gravel tires have been a big player at the last few Sea Otter Classic shows, and this year was no different. This year we spotted tires, but also a number of products to help keep your tires running smoothly.
Today, we take a look at new tubeless tires from Continental, Tubolio TPU tubes, Cushcore insert and a Ryder Innovations Nut Cracker.
Use the next button to scroll through the products.
All of our coverage of new bikes and products is available in our 2019 Sea Otter Classic archive. Andrew Yee and Cliff Lee contributed to this report.
Cushcore Insert
If you are already riding tubeless, perhaps you can improve your tubeless experience with Cushcore.
Cushcore is a closed cell foam insert that fits into the tubeless tire to fill some of the volume normally taken by air.
Cushcore demonstrates how the insert fits the rim. Cushcore Gravel Tire Insert, 2019 Sea Otter Classic. © C. Lee / Cyclocross Magazine
The Cushcore insert fits snugly against the rim, the tire is mounted around the insert and then sealant is added through the included valve stem that has side openings for the sealant to flow out under the insert. The Cushcore insert has a few grooves to allow the sealant to flow relatively freely within the tire.
There is a groove in the insert to allow sealant to pass through. Cushcore Gravel Tire Insert, 2019 Sea Otter Classic. © C. Lee / Cyclocross Magazine
Cushcore has proven itself in mountain biking to offer several advantages to the tubeless user. Air pressure can be run ever lower since bottoming out will be avoided. The side walls are supported for more predictable handling when cornering hard. An irreparable flat tire can be ridden.
The company demoed how the Cushcore insert fits the tire. Cushcore Gravel Tire Insert, 2019 Sea Otter Classic. © C. Lee / Cyclocross Magazine
Cushcore for gravel and cyclocross-width tires has been in development. The challenge has been the smaller volume of gravel and ’cross tires and riders in this category are more weight conscious.
The details have been worked out and delivery will be later this year. The insert will be for 33-46mm tires and the weight will be around 110 grams per wheel. A two wheelset of inserts with special alloy valve stems that have the side openings will cost
One of the Cushcore inserts fits gravel tires 33-46mm wide and weighs 110 grams per wheel. Cushcore Gravel Tire Insert, 2019 Sea Otter Classic. © C. Lee / Cyclocross Magazine
We look forward to putting Cushcore inserts and plying the gravel roads and trails in our review.
More info: cushcore.com
