Air-Liner Light XC Tire Insert
Insert system for rim protection and lower pressure confidence.
Why I Like It
The Vittoria Air-Liner Light inserts give me the confidence to run lower pressures without the constant fear of cracking rims — especially on rocky, technical race courses. I run them front and rear on my Epic 8.
While they don’t dramatically change ride feel, they let me get the most out of my tires. At rough events like Moab Rocks and the El Paso Puzzler, I felt like the inserts were quietly saving my wheels in the background — no cracked rims, no DNFs.
At the 2025 Silver Rush 50, I flatted with about 6 miles to go — and finished the race on the flat. The insert was totally beat up, but it kept the tire on the rim and let me keep rolling safely. That finish alone made it worth every gram.
🎥 Watch how the insert held up after 6 miles of racing on a flat:
The insert had seen better days — but it got me to the line.
Even when I’ve cracked a wheel outside of racing while running Air-Liners, the tire/wheel still held air and got me home safely without needing to install a tube on the trail.
Quick Specs
- Ultra-lightweight XC-specific insert
- Provides rim protection and run-flat capability
In My Setup
- I run Air-Liner Lights in both wheels, always.
- I target 12 PSI front / 13 PSI rear for smooth courses (Sea Otter, Leadville) using the Silca Tire Pressure Calculator as a starting point.
- Easy install — just pop them in before mounting the tire and adding sealant.
- Important: Use the Vittoria Air-Liner-specific valve stems — standard stems can get blocked by the insert.
Durability
- Inserts hold up extremely well — I’d estimate 10,000+ miles if not damaged by extreme conditions.
- After Silver Rush, I retired the rear insert I flatted on — it got shredded, but still got me to the finish.
- Be cautious with some sealants: after experimenting with Silca Ultimate, one of my Air-Liners degraded heavily. I recommend sticking with something like Orange Seal Endurance.
Who It’s For
- Racers riding rocky, aggressive courses
- Riders who like to run lower tire pressures for grip and comfort
- Anyone who wants peace of mind during a hard-charging ride or race
Notes
- These inserts aren’t just rim protection — they can be the reason you finish a race.
- Once you go low-pressure with inserts, it’s hard to go back.
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