Cushcore is great and all, but a huge PITA if you still get a slice while on the ride! Running a thicker casing tire like a Double Down or Black Diamond offers similar results without the BS of Cushcore IMHO.
You should have watched the video. His method was perfect (the effort will depend on the thickness of your sidewalls) and gave several examples of when Cushcore would be useful. I would never use EXO tires for the type of riding I do. EXO+ minimum. I have never tried Cushcore on DH tires wire beads. You will find there can be a lot of people who think they know what they are talking about about on these forums and maybe they do but they often neglect to give any context to their style of riding. Your desire to improve your ride should not be limited by a little research and a bit of work. People ride different trails and for different reasons. You must have had a reason to want to install Cushcore on both front and back wheels in the first place.
Could you be more specific what was the issue?
I'm surprised you find that. The base exo seems too pliable for emtb use, especially on the rear. They are so pliable (light walled) that they need higher pressures to protect the rim and sidewalls. I use exo with a tannus insert on the rear - that combo feels much better. If I didn't use a tannus, I'd want stiffer sidewalls. I see exo as something designed for mtb, not emtb. I do run exo on the front though. I'm no big hitter; I ride a 140 /130 mm trail bike. I am learning smaller jumps and drops though.
I think exo is awesome with an insert. They are light weight and don't need the heavy sidewalls with an insert. I thought you were preferring exo without inserts. I just re read your post - yes, I agree with you of course. The other bonus is exo are cheaper and it's probably more environmental not throwing away as much rubber etc when the tyre is worn out. My insert will outlive quite a few tyres.
Once again, start of with your intended purpose (XC or Enduro?) and type of terrain you will be riding (rooty loam, chunky lose sharp rocks or single track) pick a tire based on that. I run Minion DHR II EXO+ Maxxterra with Cushcore on the rear with an Assagai 3C DD MaxxGrip with Cushcore on the front at 22/20 PSI. I ride a mix of rooty and rocky on loam, and long slabs rocks type trails in Squamish and Whistler. What wheelset did you order?
We have a similar wheel setup on our Levo SLs and have had no issues (EX511 front and rear). Some would argue there is no need for a 12 speed setup as it just adds to the cost. Enduro vs, All mountain implies the emphasis is on the DH part. I probably only use 7 gears on my bike but I don't do XC. Depending on which bike you are riding, how much you weigh, which trails you are mostly riding, how aggressive you are on the bike and what tire pressure you prefer, some would say to put a Assagai DD MaxxGrip on the front without Cushcore if you are changing tires a lot and find it frustrating. It does get pretty easy after you have done it a bunch of times!
they come in exo+ Minion DHR II
I just noticed your pic in this post. What bike is that? Looks amazing.
Thanks! Its a mulletted Kenevo SL in stealth mode. I am still not convinced I can ride it $6,000 better than the Levo SL I have been riding for the past couple of years but as I keep telling my wife, the more I spend on it, the better IT has to get!
I thought the frame looked familiar and too straight for a knolly. I hadn't heard of knolly going eeb yet, but I did get excited for a moment.
