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Been using 50 mm backer rod in my rear for a bit but have just spunked £700 on a Mavic carbon wheelset so considering upgrading my rim protection to the Vittoria Airliner.
Interested in any user feedback, reviews etc.
Thanks
how did the backer rod work for ya?
Alright. Have had a puncture and would not describe it as run flat. Not convinced it provides much in yhe way of rim protection
Probably named the thread incorrectly as I'm not looking for a comparison, just experience of the airliner
I firstly tried the backer rod and found it gave no support at all, I then bought and tried the Airliner ' I needed something strong as I do smash the rims a lot ! Airliner is much more denser than the backer rod and offers more support and does actually act like a run flat as I found out at this years Ard Rock when I slashed my rear tyre dropping into S3 and made it all the way down to the Finnish.
I'll continue to use it now as it does actually work
Are you using them front and rear beano68 or just rear?
Think I'll give them a go as I don't want to wreck my carbon rims. Swore I was finished with carbon rims having destroyed a few in my time but I was lured in with a keen price and sexy looks.
I saw these today. A lot cheaper than the Vittoria Airliners.
https://www.merlincycles.com/ptn-pepis-tire-noodles-pair-275-122800.html
Where's the logic behind spending £700 on Carbon rims then adding 160g to each one to "protect" it?
Does no one else just run an apropriate pressure in their tyres to stop pinchflats anymore?
I fitted a Vittoria Airliner in the back wheel of my hardtail a few weeks back. Been experimenting with lower and lower pressures and it’s been great. More grip, no bottoming out and feeling the tyre hitting on the rim, more comfortable and definitely more lateral support when cornering hard.
A worthwhile upgrade imo.
I saw these today. A lot cheaper than the Vittoria Airliners.
https://www.merlincycles.com/ptn-pepis-tire-noodles-pair-275-122800.html/blockquote >
Those Merlin ones look a lot like these......... https://www.amazon.co.uk/Meters-Extra-Strong-Insulation-Lagging/dp/B00KC09ELE
I saw these today. A lot cheaper than the Vittoria Airliners.
No where near as firm feeling though.
A friend has recently installed a Vittoria one, best thing since sliced bread apparently. Bagged a few KOMs due to be able to hit the rockier sections harder.
I do hear you geex but two things:
1) I was running backer rod anyway for puncture protection ( I've just weighed the sealant laden one I ook out my old wheel at 110g) so still a significany weight saving with new wheels 1600 g for the XA pro vs 2000 g+ for the Spank 345s
2) What the hell does logic have to do with buying bling new bike bits? 😉
Thanks all, I'm gonna give one a go on the rear (once someone buys my Quest pro tyres for sale over there >>>>>, I'm skint after the wheels 😉
I mean presumably because the weight is neutral - you had the backer rod in your heavy rims as well.
I don't remember ever pinching with 20/23psi in 29er tyres before - the main reason I like rod is that is prevents the tyre from rolling and burping. I hate the sensation of sidewalls slipping - really weird.
Nukeproof have entered the market too;