Mr Wolf Banger Tire Insert - First Ride

May 17, 2017
by Paul Aston  
Mr Wolf s Banger


Mr. Wolf first started appearing on my facebook feed a few weeks ago, a strange Stig-like man in a fake tux and a Tesla. At the Bike Festival Riva, the Banger was shown to the public for the first time. "Isn't that just a foam tube? Motocross riders have had those for years." It is, and it isn't, and at €249 for a pair, they had better be more than a pool noodle from the local baths.

First impressions at the show were interesting, and it did feel like it could do a good job, it's squishy to the touch but soft and almost malleable with controlled rebound. Mr. Wolf wouldn't tell us any more than this: It's a high-end, dual-compound polymer, and they have spent over five years researching and testing to find the perfect material and manufacturer.



Mr Wolf s Banger




Mr. Wolf Banger Details
• Dual-compound polymer 'mousse' designed to prevent punctures, rim damage and improve ride characteristics
• Weight: 330 grams (each)
• Sizes: 26" / 27.5" / 29"
• Four widths to suit tire and rim size
• MSRP: €249 (pair inc. valves and tubeless fluid)
• www.mrwolf.bike



Setup

The Banger is simple to install, adding a small amount of extra effort to fit a tire, but nothing compared to installing a ProCore system or CushCore. T-head tubeless valves are provided in the kit, to help the air pass around the foam for inflation.

The actual weight of the 27.5+ Banger was 330 grams, a horrific lump of rotational weight to consider adding to a wheel for some people. But, Mr. Wolf is determined to make a point that the Banger isn't only to protect against rim damage and punctures, but more importantly to improve ride quality, grip, safety, and speed. It's also claimed that only 20-30ml of tubeless sealant is needed per tire, I normally run at least 100ml, so that would offset some of that added weight.

Drop Test

by astonmtb
Views: 14,207    Faves: 0    Comments: 0


Without any air, the feeling of the tire with the Banger installed is said to be around 0.7 bar / 10psi, so not enough to ride on properly, but enough to continue along the trail in case of emergency. Mr. Wolf suggests the tires should be run at 0.1 bar / 4psi less than standard tubeless to gain a similar feeling.

There will also be a mobile app available, where riders can input their wheel and tire dimensions and be informed of which size they would need. The Banger is an oil-based product, but is 100% recyclable. Following our test ride and questioning about this, Mr. Wolf got back to me this week to say they are looking into a recycling program where they can use the material to make new Banger's and even give a discount to customers who return the old ones.

Mr Wolf s Banger
The correct-sized Banger should completely fill the tire's volume without being compressed.


Ride Impressions

Mr. Wolf came to visit last week for a short test ride. I did a number of runs, on an (electric) plus-tire bike, and on a standard 27.5" bike with 2.4" tires. There is a marked difference in the feel of the bike. During the initial rides, the bike seemed to track the ground better, the tires felt calmer in the really rough stuff and it was easier to hold a line and to track corners. Even though it added damping, and I was running less pressure, it also gave the feeling of more support, making the bike more playful and giving extra pop.

The Banger does heavily damp impacts against the rim, but using a 40mm rim and 2.8" with a square profile it was still possible to hear metal pinging on rocks, a couple of times, but the frequency of this was reduced. This is also more common with a wide rim profile as the tire provides less protection for the rim.

I couldn't burp the tire despite my best efforts. Although the risk of burping is diminished, I think there is still a possibility it could occur. Mr. Wolf argued that with the weight of the rider on the tire, the Banger will push outwards and help to keep the tire locked on to the rim.

We checked all four Bangers after the test runs and they were still intact, minus a couple of slices. It seems that it would be possible to cause lots of damage to the Banger, but still maintain most of the performance.

My initial impressions after that one day of riding are positive, and I am very interested to see how they perform in the long run. Of course, there are still questions that need to be answered: Will still it be possible to burp the tires? How long will they last against the limestone of Liguria? Will the tubeless sealant be able to flow freely enough to seal tire cuts? Will it be possible to use lighter weight tires and still have the required feeling and support? Hopefully we will have production Bangers in for long-term testing soon.

Drop Test. Tubeless with 5psi

by astonmtb
Views: 18,520    Faves: 2    Comments: 0


Drop Test. Tubeless with 20psi

by astonmtb
Views: 17,021    Faves: 2    Comments: 0

Drop Test. Banger with 0psi

by astonmtb
Views: 16,720    Faves: 2    Comments: 1


Drop Test. Banger with 20psi

by astonmtb
Views: 16,830    Faves: 2    Comments: 0



Mr Wolf s Banger
This Banger was sliced after a few runs down my extra rocky test track, but tire's stayed inflated and in one piece.


Posted In:
Reviews and Tech First Looks First Rides


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231 Comments

  • 500 3
 ONLY Two Hundred and Forty Nine Euros? AND an app to tell me my wheel size?! Where do I sign!!! what a time to be alive. *loads gun
  • 9 0
 And how long will it last?
  • 273 0
 Yeah.... but like you save 70ml of Stans sealant per tyre...... practically pays for itself after 125 tyre changes
  • 87 0
 holy crap i was thinking $50. that is kind of an insane pricepoint
  • 33 5
 @vinay: who gives a shit, they just took 249eur off you for some pipe lagging.
  • 21 1
 we want cheaper inserts . not moar monies
  • 18 2
 @driftmonster: I might make these and sell them for way cheaper so riders can actually have these in there wheels
  • 21 1
 @nickkk: couldn't say it better myself! The bike industry must think we are all stupid who will pay for anything!? How can they charge that??? Is this late April fools day?
  • 11 1
 @vinay: if it's anything like the MX ones not long 249e what a rip off. labeling a product for mountain bikes seems like licence to print money. ever feel like a cash cow
  • 32 2
 this is DOUBLE the cost of your direct competitor and whom you took this idea from - Flat Tire Defender. a product, which i might add, has already been race tested at the highest level. sorry guys, does not matter how good your results are...you do not have a product that you can sell to MTBers
  • 64 2
 Huck Norris would sh#t on the price and weight of this and then roundhouse it into the stratosphere.
  • 5 1
 @nickkk edited his original post so my comment is slightly less in line with what he originally posted. But basically I think the cost should be related to how long it lasts and maybe also to how the service life of adjacent components is extended. From what I read here in the comments, it isn't likely to last long. I was kind of expecting that already, seeing that it starts to tear within your first ride. If you're running insanely expensive rims as seems to be in vogue right now and this extends its service life considerably, it may also be worthwhile. If it saves your day on a very expensive trip or day, that's worth something too. If it adds up nicely, no not for me. I'm not going to talk for others. Sure if your name is Aaron Gwin and this type of insert saves your race, 250 euros is nothing. But if that's what they cater for, people like Gwin or people in a similar position, I believe those five years of development time is wasted. But yeah as with anything, let the wallets decide.
  • 11 0
 @WasatchEnduro: even that is still £60 for a thin strip of camping mat. The entire mat would cost £10
  • 3 3
 @gregwari: i dont know how long i will take to replace 125 tyres.
  • 4 0
 @piersgritten: yeah Huck is $70 here and that's waaay cheaper than the next closest competitor and easier to install and lighter than systems like this. I'm considering it, especially as I like to smack around rear rims and am running carbonium at the moment. More dense than a camping pad but I hear ya, it's just foam.
  • 16 1
 oNly tWO hUndErED aNd fOrTY nInE eURos fOr fOAm
  • 1 0
 Despite the criticism it got for being too "I coulda done that" now the Huck Norris seems like a steal. Procore at 200 something and these 200 something... and the version AG1 uses at 200 something. Huck Norris under 100 with shipping. @driftmonster:
  • 20 0
 So I have 250 USD to spend.

Choice 1: Mr Wolf banger, 250 USD.

Choice 2: Xfusion manic dropper + remote : 200 USD + 1 huck Norris set bought with a mate (you only need one for the rear wheel) : 50 USD

Not so difficult...
  • 13 1
 Somewhere theres a dentist getting ready to pull the trigger on this product. Everywhere else there are people waiting for the clearance sales to hit.
  • 4 0
 @vinay: I would agree with that. Also worth remembering, if you are Aaron Gwin, you wont be paying out of your own pocket for your pool noodle. You'll have a pool noodle guy who will get one for you FOC. I have no idea how they can justify the cost of this to the common man/woman/ebike rider. It seems hugely extortionate. particularly given the lukewarm review.
  • 21 0
 First time i saw this product in went straight to lowesdepot and picked up the smallest size pipe insulation they had. Ductapped the ends together to for a patent pending Enduro-loop© shape and cut a lil notch out where the valve is for air flow. Put it in my wheel like a tube. Added some sealant and air and wow am I ever impressed. And it only cost me $2.50
  • 3 0
 @nickkk: yup pipe insulation works amazing
  • 1 0
 @nickkk Good sir. you just made my day
  • 2 0
 @WasatchEnduro: Definitely recommend it. Even if you just buy one for the rear wheel you can definitely drop enough psi to the point where the rolling resistance makes you add more.
  • 11 0
 @nickkk: To be honest I just went beyond the stage where I was surprised by the kind of money people spend on stuff. 700 euros for a non user servicable cellphone that may only last you a couple of years. And you're going to carry that vulnerable piece of equipment with you? Hundreds of euros for wear parts like a cassette. We've reached the point where the price of a Chris King hub is nothing compared to that of the rim laced to it. It used to be the other way around. Carbon brake lever blades that add tens of euros to the price for like 8g weight shaving. So now you can spend 250 euros for a foam insert in your tire. I expect this will sort itself out. But I'm prepared to be surprised again. Most likely though, the likes of Superstarcomponents will offer you a pre-cut and pre-bent piece of foam for the kind of money that makes the average rider accept that the effort it saves them is worth the money. But it takes an Italian company to spend five years on a concept like this they most likely won't ever see any return on.
  • 2 0
 @vinay: indeed. well said.
  • 1 0
 I lol'ed for a good 2 mins at that
  • 2 1
 I don't know what all the complaining is about. It's less than €1 per gram! I think it's a great price if you want to increase bike:rider weight ratio. Your wallet will get a few grams lighter, too!
  • 2 0
 @Gasket-Jeff: Was thinking of doing the exact same thing.... has to have SOME benefit..
  • 1 0
 @Gasket-Jeff:

hahahahahahahaha
  • 1 0
 @Andrewwebb: I look forward to their lawyers reaming you for patent infringement...
  • 1 0
 @nickkk: Yeah sure - because these are EXACTLY the same as pipe-lagging.
  • 1 0
 Seriously, for a foam insert? That's robbery!
  • 1 0
 @gregwari:
  • 2 0
 It is almost $1 for 2 grams of this sh*t. I wonder if you get high when you snort it.
  • 6 0
 Everybody save your hard earned cash and buy some proper tires with strong sidewalls and use the savings for gas money and beers - and please dont let friends E-bike
  • 1 0
 @ccolagio: I sent FTD an email asking about 26" protection. FTD told me they would have 26" models out by summer/fall 2017. And, and, was told that when the 26" model releases prices of all models will drop a little.

So when that happens I will spring for 27.5 & 26 inserts for about $230. That's $230 for four wheels!
  • 347 1
 Rubber around a noodle for protection ...interesting idea....I doubt the ride would feel the same. I'll run the idea past my pregnant wife and see what her opinion is.
  • 13 0
 this comment is winning
  • 52 1
 Your noodle must have leaked some sealant.
  • 4 1
 @colemanb:

Just like Charlie Sheen.
  • 1 0
 hahaha! pwned this shit!
  • 18 0
 But did you really Banger? Or was it a noodle from a direct competitor?
  • 1 0
 i got 5 kids to feed

www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMAtGaTl6WA
  • 153 2
 Moutain bike maths:

Own a £400 set of wheels but weighs 1800g.... justifies spending £1400 on new Enve rims to get weight down to 1500g
....worried about damaging Enve rims so spends £250 on some foam ring that weights 300g
.... goes riding having happily spent £1700 for a new wheel set & latest tech with no weight saving over stock wheels.
..... still, looks trick...
  • 17 72
flag fair-weather-rider (May 17, 2017 at 12:51) (Below Threshold)
 carbon wheels have nothing to do with weight in enduro. It's about stiffness, vibration reduction, and a wider rim for a better tire profile and lower pressures. ENVE enduro are the same weight as DT swiss' top aluminium. it's like saying there's no point getting a carbon frame and putting a 1kg water bottle in it. It's still lighter than an aluminium frame with water.
  • 35 1
 @6inchisnotdead: cool - thanks... wasn't be literal. Just an observation on a general willingness by bikers to p!ss money away on daft upgrades... me included
  • 38 2
 @6inchisnotdead: vibration reduction? Ever ridden a carbon rim?
  • 7 1
 300gr... x2!
  • 1 0
 @6inchisnotdead: bollocks. weight is massively important.
the way i see optimal carbon wheel - rim 27 mm internal , 350grams rim + bladed spokes + huck norris rim protector + 900-1100g tyre
  • 13 0
 @6inchisnotdead: elated to hear that your 6 incher is alive and working
  • 5 0
 @me2menow: username hotter than inteded
  • 3 1
 @Schlafmutzli: actually carbon is better at dampening vibration opposed to aluminum. Many aluminium road bikes spec a carbon fork and handlebars for this very reason. my enve handlebars did make a noticeable difference as opposed to my spank spike alu. bars.
  • 3 0
 @Schlafmutzli: Enves are kinda stiff. Other brands are pretty shock absorbing.
  • 7 0
 Exactly this! All these expensive, heavy solutions to the problems of light wieght tyres...... Just buy good, dual fckn ply tyres!
  • 2 0
 @nojzilla: ditto, I just took an e13 tyre off after a year of smashing gnar and expected all the sealant to be dried up and loads of small cuts....not a single cut and the sealant was like new....no foam noodle or even sealant required!
.....and it was a rear tyre
  • 76 0
 So it costs a ton, weighs a lot, and is starting to break down (sliced) after the first day of use..... um.... I'll pass. Not sure how the review could be at all positive given all that. Unless the improvement to the ride, traction,stability, etc. was absolutely game changing..... but "it felt more playful and more pop" doesn't give me the impression of game changing. Another faux tube in the tubeless game. I may have to stop coming on here and reading all this garbage.
  • 93 6
 Pinkbike does not do reviews: they do commercials!!!!
  • 3 1
 @duzzi: thats so true tho
  • 2 0
 This is exactly what I was thinking. Hard pass.
  • 51 2
 Sheldon Brown on airless tires: "Airless tires have been obsolete for over a century, but crackpot "inventors" keep trying to bring them back. They are heavy, slow and give a harsh ride. They are also likely to cause wheel damage, due to their poor cushioning ability. A pneumatic tire uses all of the air in the whole tube as a shock absorber, while foam-type "airless" tires/tubes only use the air in the immediate area of impact.

Pneumatic tires require pumping up from time to time, and can go flat, but their advantages overwhelm these difficulties.

Airless tire schemes have also been used by con artists to gull unsuspecting investors. My advice is to avoid this long-obsolete system."
  • 18 3
 Yea I'm not sold on these expensive foam inserts yet, but to be fair, this is not an airless tire. It's a pneumatic tire with an insert. Also -Sheldon Brown, and this is in no way meant to be harsh, passed away a decade ago. A lot has happened since then in regards to mtb technology.
  • 23 1
 @DARKSTAR63: I agree it's not completely airless, but just look at it. Volume of air in this system is negligible and so are it's effects. I think Sheldon's ancient text is still very relevant and revealing
  • 1 1
 @xyrion: "Volume of air in this system is negligible *and so are its effects*"

Clearly not true - read the article.
  • 43 2
 I'm going to cut down and stick some pool noodles in my tires. Wait for my review article, Pinkbike.
  • 7 1
 Life hacks.
  • 6 0
 Pool noodle with a road tube through the center and normal tubeless tire and sealant. Life hack
  • 2 0
 @johannensc: You're on to something. Foam pipe insulation (already has the hole in the center). Road tube. Might need a valve extender. I'm all over this. Big Grin

Edit: Haven't looked a pool noodle in a while. Some have holes too. So choose your density!!!!

My tires are fine the way they are, but for some reason I want to try this.
  • 38 1
 I just don't get bike industry nowadays :
Let's make high volume air shock cans then we fill them with spacers so you can replace them fast with coils metrics
Let's set a new standard with 650b then throw it in the dumpster after only a few years for bigger it's better lame thing
.... and now :
Let's go tubeless for some weight saving then we put crap inside them to make them heavier than before
  • 26 0
 330g a wheel. That's a lot of rotational mass. With a standard tubeless setup I can't honestly say I puncture enough to even warrant considering such a heavy layer of protection.
  • 70 0
 These inserts may be really heavy......but they are expensive!
  • 18 0
 @jerrytek: act now while supplies last! First 300 callers will receive this free neck basket to hold all your trail tools!
  • 2 1
 the say from 180g to 350g depends on model thats is very heavy but if it works great.
  • 5 1
 With a standard TUBE setup I can't honestly say I puncture enough to even warrant p*ssing round at all Smile
  • 3 0
 Been using Huck Norris for a while now. I'm running atleast 5-7psi less than I normally could without dinging the rim and I've never lost any air or felt the dinging sensation you normally get on the rear end of a hardtail. 70g per wheel and around $35-40 individually. And you get a mudguard with it too!
  • 11 0
 @NotDannyHart: perhaps Mr Wolf is Huck Norris in disguise. He's made this to make Huck Norris comparably cheaper and lighter.
  • 2 0
 I don't even see how these would prevent punctures...
  • 29 0
 yeah lolwut
  • 17 0
 Actually, this comment sums up the whole product pretty damn well.
  • 27 0
 One day someone will invent a tube that is filled with air and these heavy foam inserts will become obsolete.
  • 25 0
 Does that say two HUNDRED.... ahhhhhhhahahahahahahahaha!!!!!


(goes back and checks again) ahhhhahahahahahahahahaha!!!
  • 23 0
 If there isn't a missing decimal in that price, 95%: of people are gong to chuckle and move on. I realize you can make a living catering to the 5% but damn, dudes.
  • 22 1
 This is literally closed cell foam tube insulation. It's about 9 buck CAD for a 4 ft section at Crapy Tire. At 330g per wheel, just fucking let the rim explode and replace.
  • 3 0
 LOL!!
  • 18 1
 This looks exactly like the Armaflex foam pipe insulation I purchased at lowes last week. It's a spongy slow rebound foam.
$7.63 for a 2.125" OD version. I think there's larger versions available.
www.homedepot.com/p/Armaflex-1-in-x-6-ft-Rubber-Self-Seal-Pipe-Wrap-Insulation-HST11812/100569382
  • 6 0
 But, "they have spent over five years researching and testing to find the perfect material and manufacturer!"
  • 1 4
 Let me guess, you also use that foam and a rubber band that holds it in place as a knee pad, right? Saves a lot of money over that ridiculous D30 stuff....
  • 3 1
 @FuzzyL: No - I'm just not foolish enough to buy something I could make for under $10 vs €250. The upcharge on foam here is disgusting. How can you argue this? If your inclined to payout €250 for heavy foam tubes then go for it. I'm sure they will be a nice compliment to your Redalp ; )
  • 1 2
 @dirtdiggler: MTB frames these days are often made from carbon. Do you know what a bag of bbq coal costs? And here at IKEA, I can buy a chair that moves up and down, lever activated, for Euro 20, so how dare 9point8 charge me what they do?

My point is, you can always call a product "just foam", "just aluminum" or "just plastic". MTB stuff is, and always has been, expensive. And into some of this stuff has gone a lot of research, which also Mr. Wolf claims for their overpriced foam. Nothing wrong with complaining about a price that you consider to high, but all those pool noodle and home depot foam comments were funny only the first time.
  • 2 0
 @FuzzyL: Frankly, I didn't find the comments about pool noodles' funny' - I think they're sarcastic with a hint of honesty. I can appreciate the fact that Mr.Wolf spent 5 year testing (which I find very hard to believe) but that still doesn't reflect the material and mold cost. Even tires, good tries, that require extensive engineering and detailed molds w/multiple materials don't cost more than $50-$80 a tire. The mold for a smooth foam tube definitely will not cost as much as a tire mold. The closed-cell Armaflex type foam probably cost no more than $3.00 per shot. Heck even even it's $10 per part that would be $40 at retail, not 250 euro. No! I don't think a pool noodle is the same thing at all but I do believe that this material is very similar to the high density closed cell foam I posted that you can buy for under $8.00 bucks. It looks similar and rebounds very similar. Specific gravity also looks the same. Also, IMO the negatives of adding weight to your wheels totally negate the positive attributes. It's a huge compromise. In any case, people spend money on stupid thing all the time. It doesn't surprise me that someone figured out way to charge 250 euro for foam tubes.
  • 2 1
 @dirtdiggler: I do not argue, that the price is too high. I will not spend this kind of money on this kind of product.

But I can not understand, why a lot of comments here refer only to the raw material price. I've never seen that kind of critique, when Maxxis presented a ne tyre (where the cost for the rubber is probably close to the cost of the foam in this product).

I have no idea if Mr. Wolf did or did not spend five years for testing. I do not know if this foam has any of the advertised characteristics (I can only take this Pinkbike review as reference that it seems to basically do what it is supposed to). I do not think, there is a market for this, and if there is, it will be very small, someone wanting to ride their expensive Enve wheels on days at the bike park maybe...

But I won't make comments that any of the products shown here are overpriced, based only on their raw material cost.

Maybe I've just been around for too long and still remember the days when spending a ridiculous amount of money got you only ugly anodized aluminium parts that would fail horribly after a few runs and frames some overhyped welder had assembled from scrap metal in his shed after his friday night six pack of beer and no research at all went into a product, but people where still happy to spend their last buck for their hobby.
  • 2 0
 @FuzzyL: I agree with most of what you have to say here except for the part about the price being acceptable. I really think the price is way too high for such an un-unique product. There's nothing about it that is really new or special and it also add significant weight. Huck Norris and Pro-core are both a lot LIGHTER and much cheaper. I just don't see enough ingenuity in this idea to justify the huge uncharge in foam. If you are comparing this to the high cost of CF frames there is very little comparison either. CF molds are a HUGE investment in tooling and the amount of finishing work by hand is quite extensive compared to aluminum. Here is a good link for you: www.ibiscycles.com/support/technical_articles/all_about_carbon
It's not just material cost, it's the entire process. Lots of manual work. Let's do a simple 1/4 MSRP cost analysis. A $2000 CF frame might cost $500 to produce ($2000/4). Does $500 seem fair to you for the $60-90K amarotized mold cost, engineering, hand layup, sanding, painting and QC? Seems more justified to me! By that generic example, how do we get to €62 (1/4 of €250) to manufacture (crap out) a piece of closed cell foam tube?
One thing I can agree with you on is that people in our industry spend a ton of money on their passion. I definitely do! I'm sure there's an audience for this expensive product as already proven by their kickstarter.
  • 2 0
 Solid R value for winter riding!
  • 17 0
 250 euros and back to the weight of a tube plus fluid or more??? F'ing ridiculous
  • 47 0
 I think putting 249 euros actually inside your tire would weigh similar, and sound really unique if using coins!
  • 49 1
 I use a continuous length of bratwurst for best possible combination of rebound consistency and post-ride deliciousness.
  • 3 0
 @bishopsmike: You made me laugh out loud at my desk, well done!
  • 17 1
 For anybody that's serious about purchasing these I have a bridge to sell....
  • 1 0
 LOL
  • 5 1
 And some ocean front property in Arizona...
  • 15 0
 "excuse me, wolf banger, do you NEED assistance?!"
  • 6 0
 seems like more of a game warden issue.....
  • 13 2
 I'm going to get two sets for my different tyre width/rim width combos.
Maybe three sets in case I get it wrong or I loose one.
No four sets as I need back up for option one.
Stuff it. 6 sets. Then I gave back up for my different tyre widths and two sets for the display cabinet and as a future collectors item.
Now I just spent £1494 or $2606aud on rubber I can't afford my new bike to put them in. Then again last time I didn't buy any rubbers I had two children, and that worked out awsome. I think I will now pass.
  • 11 0
 Looks like a $300 version of this
www.walmart.com/ip/UBO-Bell-Solid-Tube-NoMorFlat-Bicycle-Inner-Tire-Tube-26-x-1-75-USA/522098711?
  • 6 1
 Yeah, but that's for 26. 26 is dead.
  • 4 0
 @TheR: Perfect for my brand new 26'' Hyper Havoc. (www.walmart.com/ip/26-Hyper-Havoc-MTB-Men-s-Bike-Black/16531397?variantFieldId=actual_color) Plus I just saved $37.32
  • 1 0
 LOL, about 10+ years ago did buy those for a commute bike so didn't have to worry about flats. Weighed a ton, but never had a flat...
  • 8 0
 Is the normal rider getting that many flats with a tubeless setup? I've had two in the last three years. Once I burped a tire that I didn't check the air pressure in before riding, and then when a valve core started leaking.
  • 2 0
 Same here, Pinkbike authors might be thinking we're all Jesse Melamed at Madeira EWS.
  • 12 1
 You lost me at "Electric Plus-tire bike"
  • 1 0
 Electric Plus-tire bike!!!
  • 7 0
 I have to run double casing rear tires for where (the Rockies) and how (aggressively) I ride.

Maxxis DD and WTB Enduro casing tires may be heavy, but they're bombproof.

This style of foam insert does nothing to protect the casing of a tire from getting sliced (granite or shale in these parts) so I'd still have to run 1000-1200 gram tires AND one of these?

No thanks.

What I want to see is a reasonably light bead-to-bead breaker ply on a tire that will resist carcass cuts from rolling over pointy rocks at speed.

Maybe a product like this makes sense for the full-on DH crowd, but I see no way that adding 660 grams to a wheelset (that's about 1 1/2 fricking pounds!!) makes sense.

Finally-rolling resistance is caused by hysteresis (friction translated to energy loss as heat). Ain't no way this thing is doing anything but adding rolling resistance. Any claims of reduced rolling resistance are patently false.

I'll keep filling my tires with air and Stans-pass on the snake oil.
  • 6 0
 > This style of foam insert does nothing to protect the casing of a tire from getting sliced (granite or shale in these parts) so I'd still have to run 1000-1200 gram tires AND one of these?

Yet so many of these foam insert manufacturers are recommending running a lighter tire to offset the weight gain.

We won't tell people not to run one of these but try to do our part with DD and DH casing tires to ensure that they're not a requirement but more of a tuning option, like volume spacers in your suspension.
  • 1 0
 Also in the Rockies in CO - since moving out here only flats I have gotten are from cuts which all these products don't protect against - this drove me to run double ply DH tire for trail riding. Since wearing out the last set I have had great success with the e13 tire (vastly underrated in my opinion) and the newer Michelin Rock series with the reinforced casing. Both of those are heavy but still lighter than a full on DH tire and hold up well - just one cut on the e13 and none so far on the Michelin's - additionally if the tire does get cut big enough meaning a tube has to be used I wouldn't want to try and also carry a sealant cover insert for the rest if the ride.
  • 1 0
 @Maxxis Some of your top national level riders run foam inserts at all events with great success! You have got to know this . . . . . . .
  • 8 0
 Well guys/gals it took them 5 YEARS to come up with just the right compound, so they've got a lot of R&D costs to make up.
  • 8 0
 The only real reason I would buy a product like this is for rim protection, but at that cost I could just buy new rims.
  • 10 1
 Worst new product of 2017? Yep, worst new product of 2017.
  • 5 0
 You're rushing things, just wait to see the new standards
  • 8 0
 LOL, "...controlled rebound". Great marketing BS.
  • 6 1
 Costs too much and weights too much. I would go for pepi's noodle. Weights max 90g and the price is more than fair >>> www.bikesuspension.com/ptn-pepi-tire-noodle.html?___store=en&___from_store=it
  • 1 0
 Or get a Q-tube since they have a removable core and put sealant in the tube.
  • 6 0
 i'll just repeat what i've said on bikeradar, fricking 250 euro for a bloody pool noodle, no way on earth could a few meters of urethane foam cost near that.
  • 8 0
 Who in the name of fuuuuk is coming up with this shaaat?
  • 1 0
 Exactly!
  • 6 0
 Seriously...... What the actual F**k?

The price and weight would be better suited for an April 1st Pinkbike article. I'm done for the night.
  • 3 0
 I looked at this on kickstarter.... I'm rarely tempted on there.. And I took a while.. To realise the cost of the product is more than the cost of a rim, that the sealant able to be in the tyre cannot get to tyre will no way be able to plug thorn type flats and that it's massively heavy. I did not pledge. prove me wrong.... when these are used in real numbers... give us a real review!
  • 5 0
 375 aud for this? Honestly, you could buy a whole new rear wheel for that much,Hope hubs and all, and maybe even a nice pair of socks along with it.
  • 2 0
 Fucken hey you could. Fucking whole wheel!
  • 4 1
 Dear pink bike. Stop posting these reviews of products that are overpriced to the point of destroying our sport. Shame on you for taking your cut of marketing nonsense. A better title for your review would be. Facilitating the separation of money from the gullible under low pressure. You honestly can't tell us that foam is worth more than machined technology (which BTW is already ridiculously overpriced) makes me want to moto. AND I NEVER THOUGHT MOTO WOULD BE CHEAPER THAN RIDING A PEDAL BIKE!!!!! SHAME SHAME SHAME.
  • 6 0
 Looks like something Hatchet Harry would own.....
  • 2 0
 Everyone wants their piece of the pie, so it only makes since in the land of $3000 dollar wheel sets and 12 million dollar ti bolt kits that a $300 rim tube makes since.. Well at least to MR Wolf banger that wants in to our ridiculously priced sport.

I just want to ride my bike not spend more on what sane people spend on a whole bike just for some foam tubes.

If I wanted tubes I would got get a pair for $20 bucks and stop worrying about sealant, leaky valve stems or pumping my tires every time I hop on the bike..
  • 2 0
 I'm game for these kinds of solutions but at this point weight is the big issue. Show me something like Cushcore that's 100g/wheel and costs under $150/pr and I'm in. These heavier options might be ok for DH bikes but an AM/Enduro rig can do with less protection.
  • 3 0
 PTN perfectly fits your description
www.bikesuspension.com/ptn-pepi-tire-noodle.html?___store=en&___from_store=it
  • 1 0
 @BergamascoPlanante: let's get a review of this product!!
  • 1 0
 @TheDoctoRR: I don't know if there are review about the PTN, it has just been released to the public. I've a couple of this rings fitted in my tires and in my opinion they are great. Great rim protection, good support and burping protection (they are very tight on rims).I can't say anything about durability because I only had a couple of rides on them, they are "race oriented" and very light so I don't expect them to last that much, but they are still half the price of the cheapest foam insert on the market. Not an absolute game changer but a good improvement, definitely worth a try.
I know for sure some italian gravity atlethes are using them, if you google "Pepi's Tire Noodle" and "Bike Suspension Center" you'll find something more.
  • 1 0
 @BergamascoPlanante: Thats great @BergamascoPlanante, thanks for the info, I might give these a try. At a reasonable price it's worth giving them a whirl and if they aren't a paradigm shift you aren't out 3 or 4 hundred bucks...
  • 1 1
 Pepis Tire Noodle is nothing else than pipe insulation. I bought it from an online shop for insulation materials. 3.60 € for two wheels.
  • 3 0
 How about assembly? Can't believe there isn't a single word about that in the article.
If it's as easy as mounting a tire with a semi-inflated tube,that's ok,but I guess it should be way harder.
  • 3 0
 Well these are really gonna save the problem I've been having with.....
no wait what? What the f*cks the point in this over priced crap?
5 years developing a "complex polymer foam" my arse.
  • 3 0
 Put a fat tube, inside my tubeless tires. K.... All the weight saved by going tubeless, now gained by putting said fat tube. K....
  • 5 0
 sing me up for that black long dong!
  • 5 0
 On my way.
  • 5 0
 I had to check my watch,,,,,,not april first.
  • 3 0
 now I get the feeling brits have when they hear something be called "growler".... Mr.wolf banger just does not sound right all in one .....
  • 5 0
 Has everyone lost their goddamned minds?
  • 2 0
 Well shit, those things that Gwin was running looked interesting but more $ than I wanted to spend. More competition is supposed to drive the price down, not up. For this price Ill just buy 50 tubes instead.
  • 1 0
 www.kickstarter.com/projects/mrwolfsolve/anti-flat-system-for-mtb-and-ebike-banger-by-mrwol --Somehow they got 53K for this... Just call it what it is, a way for racers to finish their race runs. 5 years before they went to the plumbing section at any hardware store to develop.
  • 2 0
 Anyone know what the tubing I need to buy is called so I could do this for under $10? And also they ripped off the wally world special

www.walmart.com/ip/Bell-26-SOLID-NOMORFLAT/4805939
  • 6 1
 Fuck you E-bike pool noodle guy.... Get out of our sport.
  • 1 0
 This idea has been out there in one way or another for decades - they use them all over the developing world - you get them in different densities to simulate pressure - old idea, "but lets charge a lot more $ and folks will think it's new and great!"
  • 1 0
 I smashed a stans arch rim recently and it cost £100 to replace and rebuild at my lbs. That's the first rim I've broken in years so fitted a huck norris at £30 because there's a shop in the UK that sells them separately and a dd tyre at £30. I'm struggling to find any justification for spending nearly double that for an insert, how can it cost more than a premium alloy rim on both ends and what's the point given that it does?
  • 1 0
 Despite the stupid high price, I supported them on kickstarter. I like the product and the guys. As long as it is not mass-produced, I don't think they will earn much on it anyway. Reaction from the crowd was similar with the Huck Norris, now you see them in every bike shop in my area.
  • 1 0
 Wow, this product (and all the others iof this category) is beyond stupid.
Let me give you a quick rundown on what to do:
1. Buy a digital pressure gauge (i.e. Schwalbe or Toppeak)
2. Measure your tire pressure an get it right
3. ???
4. Profit
  • 1 0
 I've never gasped at the price of a product, so this is a first. 249 euros converts to $376 CAD!!!! Almost FOUR HUNDRED DOLLARS. My hope DH wheel sets were $525 CAD, I'd much rather just replace my hoops, hell I could replace the wheel sets for nearly the same price. Mr Wolf Banger, you guys are fu*"ing nuts. I hope every company in the bike industry makes money, except you guys.
  • 1 0
 I had big problems with rim punctures on my rear wheel as I'm riding very hard over rocks and roots on a hardtail (27,5+). So I decided to develope a foamsystem by my own for my rear wheel. The mainproblem was that the tire sealing always blocked up the valve cause of the foam theres no space for the sealant to flow like in a normal tubeless tire. You got the same problem also with only 20ml of sealant. I don't know how they solved this problem. On my question they responded you can also drive without sealant but that makes no sense for me cause you would lose air all the time (even if the rim is new) or maybe the special foam is closing the hole? For me this bangersystem would be too weak anyway as I was looking for a very strong protection. I'm riding almost every day and it took me two months and three tries to find the perfect solution. I tested the system extra hard, so I was jumping extra high into roots and rocks to see if it's possilble to get punctures on the rim. I paied around 10-15 € for the foam and it took around 1-2 hours to cut it. I don't feel any difference of suspension or performance. If there's a lot of interest I'll show pictures or even make a tutorial.
  • 4 0
 It's an expensive sheep in wolfs clothing
  • 3 0
 After reading the comments still confused about how people feel about a 300 dollar noodle.
  • 2 0
 When you have a race at 9 but got to do the plumbing at 10.
BUT
The good news is, every HomeDepot can be your LBS now ! goo.gl/b0DzvI
  • 3 0
 Oh cool they hired Lavar Ball as Director of Pricing...fortune favors the bold.
  • 3 0
 That looks exactly like refrigeration pipe insulation. Thats probably all it is.
  • 3 0
 I would rather replace my rim twice with 380 CAD instead of spending $380 on two pool noodles that add 1.3lbs to my bike
  • 1 0
 The price for this is absurd but pound for pound this costs half as much as Aussie retail on an XX1 build SC Bronson with Enve Wheels. The pricing of top spec bikes is out of control.
  • 1 0
 Cool that have now renamed what is pretty much an inner tube and are trying to convince people with tube less tyres that that need it haha ???? 250 quid Il have 3 for my rollamajigs
  • 1 0
 Don't normally comment but incase Pinkbike or Mr. Wolf were to read this, I have zero interests in this product and as a shop employee I will do my best to steer our clients away from these tire inserts.
  • 2 0
 Rubbing of the foam against the inside of the tire will cause the sealant to polymerize prematurely. You don't want to release your sealant until you have a waiting gash.
  • 1 0
 I've been told that if you weigh out the amount of money this will cost and compare it to the weight of these foam tubes it actually works out that you and your bike will be lighter!!
  • 1 0
 250 bucks and you ADD 600 grams to your wheels....the place where you notice it the most...um, no. How about instead of buying things that "protect" your wheels, you learn to ride at a reasonable PSI....
  • 1 0
 This is a bit rediculious Eek I mind as well buy the cheap moto ones and slice them in half since they're so wide and then I can use it in both my tires for around $200 less lol
  • 3 0
 strong like a gorilla, yet soft and yielding like a nerf ball
  • 1 0
 [checks calender] yep, April 1st came and went.. so WTF is the point of this article? I do however, like the pipe insulation idea!
  • 4 0
 Dr. Evil: "Innovation"
  • 4 1
 I just run inner tubes...
  • 4 0
 Vaginas
  • 1 0
 @paulaston: are you able to post the videos in slow motion to the article? It would be cool to see what's actually going on at 20PSI.

Thanks!
  • 1 0
 I believe it is possible to run YouTube in slow mo
  • 4 0
 Looks like black pudding
  • 2 0
 $280 or so for a product that shouldn't be more than $50-60... this is everything wrong with the bicycle industry.
  • 2 0
 Are you supposed to run sealant because it dosent look like there's much room
  • 3 0
 By 2020 we should be rocking solid tires.
  • 1 0
 Mr wolf huffed and puffed and blew the house down but the 3 little pigs just kept riding away. Stupid wolf and his scheming.
  • 2 0
 omg... SOOOOOO LAME just run normal tire pressure and stop being so dam soft bike industry
  • 2 0
 HEY GUYS!! Let's go tubeless, but then, let's put a tube in and call it something weird !
  • 2 0
 I can see why the owner of this company didn't use his real name with prices like this. WTF
  • 2 0
 Looks just like solar pipe lagging except with 1000% mark up.

shit sounds like a buisness plan
  • 2 1
 Wtf are you guys smoking over there? There is no way a piece of foam can cost anywhere near that considering it probably costs about 30 cents to manufacture!!!
  • 1 0
 This is f*cking hilarious. It's not April 1st is it? Marketing BS wagon in full swing. Now who's stupidly insane enough to buy this?
  • 2 0
 not going to take a microwave sized rock at fortwilliam while traveling 40mph is it
  • 2 0
 I dont even want to know about these inserts anymore. Please stop this madness.
  • 2 0
 I have been riding tubeless for years in the rocky mountains...never a problem. Do you really need this?? Nope!!
  • 1 0
 I can't wait to buy a set of these and hang them on my wall next to my Spin wheels, hammershmit cranks, pneumatic shifters, and Softride frame.
  • 3 2
 Now i'm waiting for the drop test videos with a normal MTB. e-bikes are slightly heavier....
  • 2 0
 I guess I'm just not fast enough to need this.
  • 3 1
 @waki where are you nothing to say about noodles ?
  • 3 1
 Ugh, he is riding an E BIKE (Moped)
  • 2 0
 There is a joke here... I can feel it
  • 1 0
 So.....Bib Mousses for MTB without all the advantages. Just easier installation. I'll pass.
  • 1 0
 You can buy an entire rim for that cost! I'd rather waste my time putting in tubes than spend 250 euros boi.
  • 1 0
 why not just buy it at the foamstore for 40 bucks.... our greedy generation.
  • 1 0
 O.k so I run tubes. Would adding a foam insert to a tubless set up not make it loose the weight savings benefit?
  • 1 0
 Mr. WOLF says........really?

Maybe he should stop talking while he's ahead

Over priced not needed product.
  • 3 0
 Mr....Wolf...Banger...
  • 2 0
 i love it, want want want!
  • 1 0
 If you don't like it, take a knife and you can sell some dildos and earn again the $280 worst expended of your life...
  • 1 0
 Its more of a Shelbyville thing.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDOI0cq6GZM
  • 1 0
 WTF man... Tubeless but heavier than tubes?! No thanks, I'll just gonna stick with my tube.
  • 2 0
 Same same but different
  • 1 0
 If this works, airless tires is coming back.
  • 1 0
 A hunk of overpriced plastic, no thanks.
  • 1 0
 one minute silence of the lambs for mr wolf.
  • 2 0
 ripoff
  • 1 0
 Check that conversion factor. 0.1 Bar is definitely not 4 PSI
  • 1 0
 I don't trust anyone who drives a Tesla!
  • 1 0
 I remember my first ever bike, those colorful rubber-foam-like wheels.
  • 1 0
 250!! I could get 5, maybe 6 alloy rims for that............
  • 1 0
 So we are going back to Perma Tubes?
  • 1 0
 At this price point I truly hope it has big tits. At least.
  • 1 0
 So all I have to do is tear part a pool noodle and stick in my tire?
  • 1 0
 These will be perfect noodles for E-bikes!!!
  • 1 0
 Soooo...how is this different from a mousse?
  • 1 0
 lol little pricey for a cheap insert.....
  • 1 0
 What will they invent next? A steel rim as expensive as a carbon rim?
  • 1 0
 Take my money....right.
  • 1 0
 This is real?
  • 1 0
 This is bull...
  • 1 0
 No thanks. Next!
  • 1 0
 But is it BPA free?
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