Rimpact Launches Updated Original & Pro Inserts by rimpactmtb

70 Comments

387 3

excel (Nov 17, 2022 at 5:55)

My partner has asked me to make all the same key improvements this year or else it's game over.

11 22

HukClothingCo (Nov 17, 2022 at 5:58) (Below Threshold)

under appreciated comment

oneheckler (Nov 17, 2022 at 6:38)

:-)))))

13 7

blowmyfuse (Nov 17, 2022 at 6:41)

100% comment of the year!!!

jesse-effing-edwards (Nov 17, 2022 at 6:53)

"Less shrinkage"

13 0

pioterski (Nov 17, 2022 at 6:56)

I think improving tightness on the rim is the key key improvement and will get you sorted.

11 0

DizzyNinja (Nov 17, 2022 at 6:58)

I'd say it's low hanging fruit but she also doesn't like that

alwayslivingthedream (Nov 17, 2022 at 7:21)

@DizzyNinja: It could be a He

rodres FL (Nov 17, 2022 at 7:33)

Comment of the year

noapathy (Nov 17, 2022 at 7:37)

@blowmyfuse @rodres: I think it should get a trophy, too, because it's special, just like every other comment.

(it was quite funny though)

wobblegoblin (Nov 17, 2022 at 8:42)

I made all of the “key improvements” and my wife is about to leave me: I now cost more to maintain, I’m much heavier (although much weaker), and of course much slacker.

dldewar (Nov 18, 2022 at 23:24)

Good luck with Shrinkage!

68 0

kcy4130 (Nov 17, 2022 at 5:42)

Original V2 is the most confusing model name.

13 1

mtbthe603 FL (Nov 17, 2022 at 5:33)

Been ultra happy with these. I run an original front and pro rear in my enduro bike. Well worth it.

glasvagas FL (Nov 17, 2022 at 7:17)

Me too and love that set up.

Richridesmtb FL (Nov 19, 2022 at 13:06)

Been banging on about this combo for years

glasvagas FL (Nov 21, 2022 at 2:41)

With a DH casing maxxis in the rear and a DD on the front.

jray152 (Nov 17, 2022 at 6:37)

Inserts came about seemingly to help racers get to the finish line, and even then, it seems the start list is still split on using inserts. Inserts for casual trail riding is becoming less popular it seems, the price and install is a deterrent. IF you run an insert AND you destroy a brand new $100 rear tire... *rage*

wda1wustl (Nov 17, 2022 at 6:56)

It is unfortunately common to ruin the bead of some tire brands while installing/removing them with inserts in place.

I have had good luck with tires not being damaged while on trail with inserts, but in my garage I have had multiple sidewalls of Maxxis tires get ruined.

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excel (Nov 17, 2022 at 7:05)

I kill rear rims much faster without an insert. I also want an insurance policy on rear rim protection, and I think the ride characteristics with running one are better than without. Cushcore is the worst install (the rest I tried are MUCH easier), but honestly easier and less frustrating than doing a full tailored Ride Wrap install.

butters1996 (Nov 17, 2022 at 7:33)

@wda1wustl: huh I install them at least a few times a week and Ive never had to use so much force I damage the bead of a tire.

Now Maxxis in general recently has had a ton more tires coming with warped casings so I assume that is what's happening to you.

IsaacWislon82 (Nov 17, 2022 at 7:46)

To be fair to Rimpact, I have DH Casing/Cushcore on my DH bike and DD Casing/Rimpact Original on my enduro bike (same wheelset), and the Rimpact is massively easier to install, a much bigger difference than what you would expect between DH and DD casings.

wda1wustl (Nov 17, 2022 at 7:58)

@butters1996:
Possibly, but my LBS has told me they have had issues with them while mounting. Also, I have noted that wide rims with offset spokes are harder to mount tires in when inserts are involved

olafthemoose (Nov 17, 2022 at 12:14)

@wda1wustl: don’t use tire levers

rjmogul (Nov 18, 2022 at 10:47)

beyond being able to ride flat and protect the rim - inserts (especially cush core) dramatically change, dampen and cushion the ride feel, riding a few pounds less pressure dramatically increases traction also

codfather1234 FL (Nov 17, 2022 at 5:24)

I'm not sure you can call it "Original" if it's updated, new and different. /s

scary1 (Nov 17, 2022 at 7:31)

I gave up and just went back to dh tires

peterman1234 (Nov 17, 2022 at 9:42)

I've found Exo+ with an insert to be the sweet spot for me. Not running inserts just requires more air pressure and a resulting feeling of the tires bouncing off everything. But I also dread the day I get a puncture that wont seal up out on the trail

olafthemoose (Nov 17, 2022 at 12:19)

@peterman1234: dh tires do a good job of fixing those issues

AussieinVT (Jan 9, 2023 at 13:33)

I ran the originals for about 5 weeks, went to change tires and all the sealant had dried into a solid chuck of rubber that was bouncing around inside the tire. The front which did not have an insert was fine, and I have never had an issue with sealant (orange seal) drying up like that before. The insert appeared to have soaked up part of the sealant leaving the solids behind.
Really wanted to like them, but if they are soaking up all the sealant then risk of not having a flat repair is too high.

AlexBreck (Nov 17, 2022 at 6:11)

Can't imagine installing a version of these that are wider and tighter on the rim. They are already the hardest insert ever to install. I left a wobble in my front tire for months because I dreaded reinstalling these so much. That said, they really are awesome.

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JonnyTheWeasel (Nov 17, 2022 at 6:32)

These are actually really easy to install. Wym??

Gray2424 (Nov 17, 2022 at 7:30)

@JonnyTheWeasel: Tell me your secrets. Also tell all the non-broken tire levers it's going to be ok.

3 12

butters1996 (Nov 17, 2022 at 7:35) (Below Threshold)

@Gray2424: get some pedros downhill metal tire levers and never break a tire lever again. Hands down the best tire lever there is.

10 0

FuzzyL FL (Nov 17, 2022 at 7:39)

@Gray2424: Install some Cushcore inserts, afterwards installing Rimpacts will feel like a walk in the park.

That said, I‘ve experienced that the rim/tire combo and width matter a lot when installing any insert.

nickfranko (Nov 17, 2022 at 7:49)

@butters1996: The whole point of them being plastic is to not damage things. Hell, I could just use a screwdriver at that point.

13 0

JonnyTheWeasel (Nov 17, 2022 at 8:22)

@Gray2424: Push the tire bead all the way in to the middle of the rim. You won't get the tire on if one side is already seated in the rim.

peterman1234 (Nov 17, 2022 at 9:32)

@JonnyTheWeasel: not totally sure what they mean either. Having installed and removed both CC and rimpact a dozen-ish times, installing rimpact is easier but removing it is insanely difficult, with my rims anyway (i9 Enduro S). I 1000% hope to never have to remove a tire with rimpact out on the trail. I carry extra tire plugs and even a small Stans bottle for insurance.

FlorianTHT (Nov 18, 2022 at 1:50)

@AlexBreck What wheels do you have? e.g on my Bontrager Line Carbon it's super difficult with Maxxis Tires & Rimpact inserts, while it's super easy on my Newmen SL.A 30

Some combinations just don't work

rjmogul (Nov 18, 2022 at 10:44)

@FlorianTHT: I have bontrager line carbon as well - SO hard to do cush core- the techs just remove that plastic rim liner insert, and tape the rim which results in a deeper channel. Rimpact are ALOT easier than CC

pgomez (Nov 18, 2022 at 12:00)

@JonnyTheWeasel: this is true in theory, but much harder to do with wide (33-35mm internal) rims that have a shallow profile.

TheChrisAndrews (Nov 18, 2022 at 0:40)

I am running Maxxis tires DD front and rear, both with a bad wobble in the casing. they were installed along with Rimpact pro's from new. Now starting to wonder if they would have had the wobble if I had installed them without the inserts.

funboi-parisi (Nov 18, 2022 at 9:27)

Anecdotal, but the first ride I did on Rimpact Pro after CC, I destroyed an EXO+ on a rocky trail. Frustrated, I went to a DD on my rear, sans inserts (hoping to avoid flats, but want to avoid weight), but now I’m breaking spokes. I’m thinking my WAO is a strong rim, but the forces without an insert allow transfer to the spokes which can’t take it. I am heavy - 200lbs, so maybe I just have to ride CC inserts and live with it

PaulieAU (Nov 21, 2022 at 2:52)

Never had a problem installing rimpacts. Work so well on my enduro bike I didn't realise how much I was holding back out of fear of flatting or ruining a rim. Only killed tyres in genuine nasty situations that would have slashed anything. Considering a original for the back of my downcountry bike.

LDG FL (Nov 17, 2022 at 5:40)

Rimpact Pro are awesome for the weight!

jesse-effing-edwards (Nov 17, 2022 at 6:54)

man those are complicated foam rings.

Tigergoosebumps (Nov 17, 2022 at 17:24)

No thanks. Glad to be a casual rider and not escalate the already unpleasant process of tubeless setup.

SendItEveryday (Nov 18, 2022 at 12:53)

sounds like they're going to be a lot harder to fit, "rimpact, now featuring viagra"

SunsPSD (Nov 17, 2022 at 6:15)

I love these and they have ended up on 3 bikes in the garage now.

ghill28 (Nov 17, 2022 at 8:45)

When they come out with a version that doesn't destroy expensive tires on install (warping an otherwise un-warped casing), I'll give them more money. Until then, this is a super cheesy product. Been through two sets of these and they've been problematic with no real help from Rinpact.

i-like-toytles (Nov 17, 2022 at 8:51)

What tires have you run with these? Just curious as I had really good luck with them on one set of tires and less luck on another set of tires...

ghill28 (Nov 17, 2022 at 10:58)

@i-like-toytles: Various Maxxis casings, EXO, EXO+, DD. Rimpact will point the finger at Maxxis all day long, even though I have verified that the tires go on straight and true every single time before installing with an insert.

i-like-toytles (Nov 17, 2022 at 12:08)

@ghill28: interesting. I actually had really good luck with my EXO+ tires (multiple different models and widths) but recently started trying out some Teravail Kessels and they haven’t played as nicely with the inserts.

mattmatthew (Nov 17, 2022 at 9:18)

Installing these are always such a painful rim job

14pslope (Nov 18, 2022 at 5:13)

just ride tubes

BigKahunaASE (Nov 17, 2022 at 7:11)

Foam Pool Noodles for the WIN!

Below threshold threads are hidden

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Geochemistry (Nov 17, 2022 at 5:35)

Hated Cushcore for how difficult to install and remove. I have Tannus on the fat bike, but they are a different beast. Huck Norris work, but aren't as robust as Nukeproof ARD. The ARD ans similar inserts are truly the best all-around for function, weight and cost.

lkubica (Nov 17, 2022 at 5:59)

Installing CC is not that hard, you just need to figure out how to do it, YT is your friend here. CC performs best, last very long but are ridiculously pricey, that's a fact.

void (Nov 17, 2022 at 6:22)

@lkubica: CC was fine for a month(2 tires), then it stretched and was pain to install, later it stretched to the point where I was using 27.5 CC on 29 wheel.
Haven't punctured in years without instert, two punctures in one month running CC. No additional rim protection compared to no insert and 1-2 psi more.
Inserts are a scam.

void (Nov 17, 2022 at 6:32)

Sorry, not 2 punctures in month, but dents in the rim(ex471). Small dents where tire would seal to the rim no problem after removing CC but was leaking with CC.

void (Nov 17, 2022 at 6:36)

I guess the main problem was CC keeping sealant away from bead/rim interface resulting in excessive burping of air.

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mrift04 FL (Nov 17, 2022 at 5:18)

Neg props but these type of inserts will always just be swimming pool noodles compared to Cushcore.

JAK79 (Nov 17, 2022 at 5:23)

@mrift04 I think these or the prev gen pro ones were not. Check the PB test. Pepis Rock noodles were like swimming noodles. When I changed Pepis noodles to Rimpact pro inserts I have not had anymore problems with dented rims.

vinay FL (Nov 17, 2022 at 5:24)

This one offers more options to fit different rims. Deserves a mention in the article actually as most brands are a little limited in that respect.

mrift04 FL (Nov 17, 2022 at 5:47)

@JAK79: Its not about denting rims too much for me, teaches me to hold a better line. The main thing for me, and cushcore is the sidewall support it gives the tyre. For £90 for a set these are outrageous. Yes Cushcore is 160 for a set but you get valves and you get all that lovely support.

The way I see it is, cushcore makes your trail tyres feel like DH casing tyres but without the bigger weight penalty AND give you protection for the rims and dents.

DaneL (Nov 17, 2022 at 5:50)

Give the Rimpact Pro inserts a try. I won't say they're better than Cushcore, but they provide similar rim protection at a much lower weight. The biggest difference is the ride feel; the Rimpact inserts make it feel like your tires are filled with memory foam. It's great for traction and comfort, but it makes the bike feel less lively and you get less trail feedback. I personally own both, and expect to switch back and forth depending on conditions and what tires they're paired with.

mrift04 FL (Nov 17, 2022 at 5:57)

@DaneL:

RImpact: Weight: approx 180g per insert for 29", 170g approx for 27.5"
Cushcore roughly 250g per insert

Not a huge difference but I'll tell you what, the performance is a huge difference. If you compare the trail tyre weight to the DH casing, there is usually more then 250g in it.

Its not even about rim protection for me, its the support that Cushcore gives you, its far superior.

DaneL (Nov 17, 2022 at 6:22)

@mrift04: Yeah, sidewall support is definitely better on Cushcore. I don't burp tires with Rimpact, but they don't give the same firm cornering feel. Again, it depends on conditions. Where I live, it's usually loose, dusty trails with flat corners and lots of jagged rocks. For that, Rimpact is usually my choice (especially up front). If there's more traction, I might prefer Cushcore.

You also have to consider the fact that some trails require heavier tire casings regardless of whether you're running inserts (just to prevent cuts and punctures from sharp rocks). Once you're running a dual ply tire, most people won't require a huge amount of additional sidewall support. Instead, just having a bit of extra rim protection and a slightly more damped ride feel might be higher priority.

mrift04 FL (Nov 17, 2022 at 7:14)

@DaneL: This is true, it doesn't stop tyre slashes on thinner casings.

You can also run lower pressures on the Cush, you find the same on the Rimpact?

IsaacWislon82 (Nov 17, 2022 at 7:55)

@mrift04: I have both Cuschore and Rimpact Original, they are both great for different reasons.

Cushcore for all-out performance on the DH bike.

Rimpact for the Enduro bike. Lighter (100g vs 260g), much easier to install, cheaper, still works pretty well. P.S. Rimpact comes with Valve stems, and they're better than Cuschore's (4 side holes instead of 2).