Tannus tyre inserts

[aerodiamond]

The joy of autumn...hedge cutting. I just dug three blackthorn spikes out of my tyres and wondered if there was a better way.

Anyone used tannus inserts. They look good but there's got to be down side.

Nigel

 

[Dfriz]

We use them

 

[HandsomeDanNZ]

I've never seen them in the wild - only ever in ads being served up, but I am eternally curious. Would love to hear some real-world experiences fitting and using them.

 

[aerodiamond]

Newbie....forgot to search first. A good discussion already.

From what I hear they are sods to fit but excellent there after.

I'm going to give them a go as fixing pictures on muddy winter tracks no longer excites me.

Nigel

 

[aerodiamond]

Fitted them in my minion DHF/B 230 tyres. Abit of a struggle but not too bad.

On the road, I lowered the pressure as suggested but the drag was high so pumped them back to 30psi which gave a normal feel, battery usage was up on a ride by 5 to 10 % so I guess they're still a bit draggy.
Feel on the road a bit dead but once off road feel much more planted than usual. Especially over horse tracks and rough ground.

No punctures yet but I guess I'll never know how much they work on that score.

Nigel

 

[Pickle1970]

Had one in the rear for a few years now, been great. A bugger to fit but all inserts are I guess.

 

[Wadera]

We put them first time on our ebikes almost 5 years ago and... I've forgot what's flat tyre since then. I've actually forgot about it as well until I needed to change my tyres as they wear out!
When I've got my new bike this spring - I've put them back - whole season, 1500 km done and no single puncture.

I know - it's additional unsprung mass... Maybe it might make difference on ultralight bike, but to be honest on eMTB I can make no differences

 

[steve_sordy]

The joy of autumn...hedge cutting. I just dug three blackthorn spikes out of my tyres and wondered if there was a better way.

Anyone used tannus inserts. They look good but there's got to be down side.

Nigel

Just checking....
If you use sealants, why do blackthorns (even 3 of them) cause a flat? I've had as many as 24 punctures in my tyre and still no flat.

 

[Wadera]

From my experience - sealant is OK for a while. It's much better than nothing as it usually works quite well to come back home, but it's not long lasting solution. Sooner or later it will dry out or not seal properly or it will leak out trought the many many holes you made over hundreds of kilometers. If you rarely go next to bushes with horns - maybe they would work fine. If you going for competition riding - probably it's lighter and you'll need to replace tyres regularly anyway.

And it's overall messy process when changing tyres, refill tyre with sealants etc.

But for me - the safety of putting insert once and don't worrying about flats for thousands of kilometres is a big win (and as they are foamy even if you would get flat tyre - you can easily go back to safety on flat!

 

[Bobman]

They can be tricky to out in, but if you use a smaller volume inner tube you should be fine!!

 

[Walkea]

The joy of autumn...hedge cutting. I just dug three blackthorn spikes out of my tyres and wondered if there was a better way.

Anyone used tannus inserts. They look good but there's got to be down side.

Nigel

Tubeless versions can be difficult to fit depending on tyre used. Maxxis ,Michelin and Vittoria are no problem. Schwalbe and Pirelli can be tight but doable. If using tubed versions then important to get new tubes 1 size smaller then normal to allow room for the insert. Been running both tubed and tubeless versions on mtb, emtb and gravel for around 4 years with no issues.

 

[ptkatoomer]

I'm running the Tannus with tubes. I hate getting flats! Got a slice in the tire where the pink Tannus can be seen but no loss of air. No way Stan's could have handled that. I'll take the weight penalty for the peace of mind.

 

[713Fmhs]

I got two flats in the course of three months right after I bought my Levo Comp Alloy. I had my local bike shop install the Tannus inserts, (they charged me $10 per wheel off the bike so I figured what the hell, let them do it), and I haven't had an issue in the last year. I too was steered towards a sealant by others but wanted to try a set and forget it method. I think the inserts are worth a try.

 

[Joop E-Bike]

I tried them, they compress by the pressure of the innertube even after days when you have them out they never return to the original size they compress to 3 mm. I don’t think it’s worth extra weight.

 

[Pickle1970]

Did you get any flats when you tried them?

 

[Joop E-Bike]

Did you get any flats when you tried them?

Yes, but it was a piece of iron and also damaged my rim,

 

[steve_sordy]

When I first heard about inserts, it was in the context of fitting them into a tubeless + sealant set up. Now I see that some insert users prefer to fit an inner tube as well! If they use sealant, where does it go, in the inner tube or in the tyre?

If you don't use sealant at all, what is the benefit of the inserts, because punctures will still lead to a pressure loss. I grant that the insert will allow you to ride without damaging the rims if you go a bit easy.

I just don't see the benefit of insert plus inner tube. Enlighten me please.

 

[Wadera]

I'm currently using insets and tubes, no sealant. Before I started this method, my partner and I were running tubeless with sealant. On our usual trail, we dealt with punctures almost every week or two due to the abundant spikes. While the sealant on tubeless tires did help somewhat, it wasn't the perfect solution as punctures still happened, often finding a flat tire the next day. Fixing tires amid all the messy sealant was a nightmare for me.

Around five years ago, we switched to using tubes with inserts and the results have been drastic. Since then, neither of us has had a single puncture. It's been a relief not dealing with sealant, mess, or worry. I only need to remove my wheels for regular maintenance or to replace tires due to wear.

Perhaps I'm simply lucky, or possibly something changed on my trail. All I know is that this method works perfectly for me, so I felt compelled to share my experience.

 

[Pickle1970]

As above, no sealant just insert with lower volume tube. The insert completely protects the tube, stopping thorns and stuff, if you slash the tyre you should be able to get back to the car/van okay.

I don't feel the weight difference as my ebike already weighs a ton.

Wouldn't go back to tubeless on the rear.

 

[eCologne]

I use the Tannus (red version) with a tube and no milk.

Taunus is the third system I use and I'm so happy with it!
I bought a new bike and after 3 rides I had 2 flats next morning. Right away ordered two new pair Tannus again! With my first coffee in the morning. Now I have one set spare.

And -in my 2. EMTB- I use a set of Technomousse. They are stiffer and thicker. A bit hard to mount.

 

[Dave238]

I use the Tannus (red version) with a tube and no milk.

Taunus is the third system I use and I'm so happy with it!
I bought a new bike and after 3 rides I had 2 flats next morning. Right away ordered two new pair Tannus again! With my first coffee in the morning. Now I have one set spare.

And -in my 2. EMTB- I use a set of Technomousse. They are stiffer and thicker. A bit hard to mount.

Just curious why you don't use the Tannus on your emtbs also?

 

[eCologne]

On emtb #1 I use Tannus.
On emtb #2 I use Technomousse to test.
Technomousse is harder than Tannus and I hope to limp home on a flat.

 

[billwarwick]

I think there’s a thread or two on here already if you use search.
As for fitting them , like everything else itdepends what sort of day you are having . I have had Tannus go in first go and other times have had to struggle like feck for what seems like hours . Worth it though in my opinion. Higher pressure does flatten them somewhat.

 

[AF1]

The joy of autumn...hedge cutting. I just dug three blackthorn spikes out of my tyres and wondered if there was a better way.

Anyone used tannus inserts. They look good but there's got to be down side.

Nigel

Due to too many punctures, I fitted pair them in 2021 @ 25psi and had no punctures until this week. Removed inserts and found them completely flattened after only a thousand miles, from the original 15mm down to 2mm in centre. Removed them so they could "rebound" but alas they don't.

Tannus warranty is 7,000km

Tannus FAQ misleading in this respect "The Armour will compress some after it’s installed depending on the pressure of the tire. The higher the pressure the more condensed the Armour will become. If you wish to keep the Armour as thick as possible then maintain a lower Bar. You may also deflate your tire if you’re not going to be riding for a longer period. This allows the Armour to rebound back to its original size."

I tried warming the inserts but they shrunk to junk.

They are bloody expensive for a bit of sponge.

Still, 4 years without a puncture is worth the dosh isn't it.

 

[Dave238]

Due to too many punctures, I fitted pair them in 2021 @ 25psi and had no punctures until this week. Removed inserts and found them completely flattened after only a thousand miles, from the original 15mm down to 2mm in centre. Removed them so they could "rebound" but alas they don't.

Tannus warranty is 7,000km

Tannus FAQ misleading in this respect "The Armour will compress some after it’s installed depending on the pressure of the tire. The higher the pressure the more condensed the Armour will become. If you wish to keep the Armour as thick as possible then maintain a lower Bar. You may also deflate your tire if you’re not going to be riding for a longer period. This allows the Armour to rebound back to its original size."

I tried warming the inserts but they shrunk to junk.

They are bloody expensive for a bit of sponge.

Still, 4 years without a puncture is worth the dosh isn't it.

Very informative post.
Regarding your last question, I don't think timeframe is a good measure. I mean, you could have done the same mileage in twice the time and said no flats in 8 yrs. Your 1000mi/48mo is only 20mi per month. Many do 1000 mi in 6 months. That's not much life from Tannus.
I would expect more based on their claims.

 

[AF1]

Dave238 Yes I agree 1000 miles is very poor, plus the insert would have been well compressed at 500 miles giving significantly reduced protection. It was a tiny 4mm long shard of flint which caused the puncture, penetrating the tread knobble, the insert and the tube right in the centre where the insert lone should be 15mm deep.

The agent at Tannus UK I spoke to said the inserts have been reformulated to be more durable but when I asked Tannus by email to expand on that, they have gone silent. Goods are supposed to be good for 6 years from manufacturing/design faults, so I believe Tannus should cough up a refund or replacements. Misleading advertising - yes. Not fit for purpose - probably. The retailer is liaising with Tannus UK too.

 

[cozzy]

I used to let the tyre down inbetween rides after i read about the flattening years ago .
I no longer use it as i think they are more for punctures rather than rim protection and im tubeless with gravity tyres these days so dont get flats anymore.
The insert is in very good condition still.
I forgot i had it still till i saw this post. I think ill try to fit it to my e-hard tail i ride to the shops.

 

[AF1]

cozzy You say "The insert is in very good condition still" may I ask what the max sponge depth is? How many miles on it? What pressure did you run?

 

[cozzy]

cozzy You say "The insert is in very good condition still" may I ask what the max sponge depth is? How many miles on it?

Mileage, no idea, i don't track that and haven't used it for about 2 years. Originally purchased in about 2020.
I would say its as new. Probably because it was only pumped up each time i went for a ride after i read about how squashed they became when left inflated.

 

[AF1]

Good news, Tannus have thus far replaced four of my six armour inserts, 2 were four years old and 2 under 2 years.

Tannus used to warranty for 7000km and more recently 2 years but now I cannot find any mention of warranty on their websites or packaging, apart from the USA = a paltry 3 months: "Tannus Armour comes with a warranty that covers defects in material and workmanship for 3 months without significant compression, meaning greater than or equal to 7.5mm that does not decompress".

This would mean the loss of 50% of the puncture protection before the warranty kicks in! Therefore Tannus are well aware of the degradation in these inserts. At UK ambient temperatures I found no decompression of my completely flattened inserts occurred, even with the inserts removed inside the house airing cupboard.

I asked Tannus UK about their current warranty but got no answer.

I think "Rebound" if it happens at all, is temperature dependant so deflating tyres between rides would make no difference in the UK's colder temperatures.

I checked the pressure in my rear tyre after 10 miles on a brand new insert and found it had dropped from 25 to 20psi, thus proving significant compression of the insert in a very short distance and at very low pressures.