CushCore XC Tire Insert Set
Best performance upgrade for cross-country mountain bikers seeking smoother, faster rides.
Elevate your off-road experience with the CushCore XC Tire Insert Set. Engineered from high-density foam, this innovative system mounts inside your tubeless-ready or converted tires to dramatically absorb impacts and reduce trail vibration. Enjoy enhanced lateral stability for more controlled cornering and a faster, more comfortable ride. The unique design divides the tire's internal volume, optimizing air pressure distribution for superior performance. This set is compatible with tubeless sealants and includes everything needed for installation, ensuring a smoother, more confident ride on any trail.
$149.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
68
/ 2104
#68 in Components
Price vs Category Average
+45%
Above average
Who it's for
- Aggressive riders protecting expensive carbon wheelsets
- Racers seeking maximum traction and cornering confidence
- Cross-country competitors prioritizing weight-conscious performance
Who should skip it
- Mechanics frustrated by tight tire bead tolerances
- Weight-weenies sensitive to rotational mass and acceleration
- Budget-focused cyclists seeking affordable tubeless solutions
Performance breakdown
Impact Damping
High-density foam effectively mutes harsh trail chatter and square-edge hits.
Cornering Stability
Lateral support prevents tire squirm during aggressive, high-speed cornering maneuvers.
Installation Ease
Requires significant hand strength and patience to seat properly on rims.
Rim Protection
Acts as a reliable buffer against catastrophic rim damage on rocky terrain.
Weight Penalty
Adds noticeable rotational mass that slightly impacts rapid acceleration and climbing.
Sealant Compatibility
Closed-cell foam design prevents excessive fluid absorption during long-term use.
Key Specs
Fits tire widths 1.8" to 2.4"
Fits inner rim widths 22mm to 32mm
Includes
2 CushCore Inserts
Includes
2 CushCore Tubeless Air Valves
Includes
4 Rim Stickers
Model Number
70027
Features
- Absorbs impacts for a smoother ride
- Significantly reduces trail vibration
- Increases lateral stability for better cornering
- Compatible with tubeless tire sealants
- Includes a specially designed tubeless air valve
- Optimizes tire volume for enhanced performance
- Designed for tubeless-ready or converted systems
- Provides a more controlled and comfortable ride
What customers say
Customers highly value the CushCore XC Insert Set for its performance enhancement and protection. The primary focus is on improved ride dynamics, specifically enhanced damping and stability. This allows riders to run lower tire pressures, resulting in superior grip and better cornering control, which notably reduces fatigue on technical terrain. Users confirm the XC version offers an excellent balance of necessary rim protection against impacts and minimal weight, making it suitable for racing. While installation requires patience, the consensus is that the significant handling gains and insurance against costly rim damage fully justify the initial investment for serious cross country riders.
Know before you buy
The CushCore XC set is designed for rims with an inner width between 22mm and 32mm and tires ranging from 1.8" to 2.4" wide. Please verify your rim and tire specifications before purchasing to ensure compatibility.
No, the inserts are fully compatible with standard tubeless tire sealants. You can continue using your preferred brand without any issues.
While the inserts do add a small amount of rotational weight, most riders find that the benefits of increased impact absorption, vibration damping, and cornering stability far outweigh the slight weight penalty.
Yes, the system is designed for home installation on tubeless-ready setups. The kit includes two specially designed tubeless air valves that allow for proper airflow, which is essential for the installation process.
The XC model is specifically engineered to be lighter and more streamlined for cross-country riding. It provides the essential impact protection and lateral stability needed for faster, more efficient trail riding without the bulk of heavier downhill-focused inserts.
Because the inserts occupy some of the tire's internal volume, you may find that you can run slightly lower tire pressures than usual. This can help improve traction and comfort, though you should experiment to find the pressure that best suits your riding style.
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