Best of Both Worlds

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

CX Gravel 700c

Aside from the weight penalty, which is negligible, these have become one of the most amazing upgrades on the gravel bike. I was never a fan of running low pressure because the bike would wallow and squirm and the potential for flatting was high. The Cush Core inserts stabilize the sidewall of the tire and eliminate the issues above. The insert presses the bead into the rim, securing it from burps, and it extends beyond the rim to essentially mimic a wider rim. I reused some tires I was running before and they had a pronounced narrow profile. After installing the inserts, the profile became much rounder - for what that's worth... Installation was a bit difficult, but patience and sound technique pay off. I think the inserts aid in setting the bead on initial inflation. The bike has a more solid feel now. Like going from a VW to an Audi. I love it.

Patrick Carroll