Raced last year with Cush Core inserts on Pathfinder 42. No flats…. this year, I’m on a new bike and planning on racing 2.2 Race Kings. With those size tires, are people still using inserts? I am leaning on not using the inserts because of the weight savings and the hassel of installing them. It also seems there have been less flats in recent years.
I wouldn’t. I run pathfinder 42’s with just air and orange seal. Raced multiple times and had no flats. Heck, ive droped MTB’s on downhills at rule of 3 in the front group with that set up. No problems. I think cush core is only good to keep you going until the next oprotunity to fix it, or to keep a rim from breaking. Which, if 2.2 race kings caint do……
Its a good question - FOR GRAVEL, when you go to a MTB tire, you typically don’t need the inserts anymore assuming you are comfortable running the right pressures (wolftooth pressure calculator is best). If you want to run low pressures, then you will want the cushcore to provide stability to the tire and reduce the likelyhood of a flat from the tire bottoming out on a rock - especially at this race. This is what the internet says and I have been messing with this stuff for years now and I agree.
This race is a bit special with all those sharp big rocks - I ran cuchcore and really heavy tires and was really happy with that decision when I saw dozens of folks getting flats. If you are truely racing, I wouldn’t go with the cushcore, if you are just trying to have a wonderful day, add the cushcore.
I personally don’t think an insert makes sense for mtb tires either way, but it seems like racing would make a stronger case. When racing in a big pack, you often have limited line choice/visibility and might run the risk of hitting something big enough to pinch flat. If approaching the event as a fun ride day and not pushing the descents, a pinch flat should never happen since you control your line. Regardless of how you approach the event, cuts and sharp punctures are a risk, but inserts aren’t going to prevent those (in my opinion).
Valid view! You can take this both ways. I was thinking this course is so up and down, with lots of accelerations that you would be more willing to risk the lower weight if you were racing and looking for a result.
So much goes into this - if you are big rider, with lots of power and you are skilled enough to carry lots of momentum, then the extra weight from the inserts hurt you less and might even be helpful! On the flip-side, if you are a small punch rider the weight savings could be more helpful. UNLESS! you need extra help on the descents to not get dropped, then insurts and lower pressure would be good. It all depends…..