Huck Norris has expanded their providing of mountain bike tire inserts, introducing the Toast, Sandwich and Hamburger. Tailor-made for XC, Enduro and Downhill, respectively, these rim-protecting, puncture-preventing inserts differ of their weight and density, in accordance with the calls for of every self-discipline.
Whereas the lighter weight Toast consists of a single density closed-cell foam, the Sandwich and Hamburger tire inserts are dual-density, including a little bit of development to tire-rim bottom-out situations and enhancing rim safety. We bought the Mega Norris Sandwich tire insert in for testing; right here’s the way it fared on the Enduro trails of the Tweed Valley.
To the contact, the softer foam (gentle gray) feels about as agency as CushCore Professional, whereas the firmer portion (darkish gray) is tangibly firmer
MegaNorris Sandwich Tire Insert
Credit score: Blair Kemp
There are two variations of the MegaNorris Sandwich; a 55mm (54mm precise) width choice designed for 28-34mm inner width rims, and a 60mm width choice designed for 33-40mm inner width rims. I opted to run the insert on the rear wheel of my Revel Rail, a 165mm journey enduro bike with 27.5″ wheels. The wheel in query was a Nukeproof Horizon V2 with 30mm inner width alloy rim.
The Mega Norris tire inserts are product of a closed-cell foam in order that they don’t take up tire sealant. Sealant will in fact coat the outer floor, leaving much less to run freely across the within the tire, however I didn’t really feel the necessity to add any extra sealant than I might do for an everyday tubeless setup.
Admittedly, I didn’t have a look at any directions earlier than making an attempt to suit the MegaNorris. I used to be in autopilot mode that day, and proceeded in an try to suit the insert the identical manner as different tire inserts I had come throughout beforehand. A deadly error was made after I measured it in opposition to its supposed rim, slicing it right down to dimension utilizing the rim diameter as a marker. Many alternative phrases have been uttered whereas I struggled to put in it with a 2.3″ Maxxis Minion DHRII DoubleDown tire.
All three MegaNorris tire inserts are shipped at 29″, and might be lower down to suit 27.5″ or 26″ rims accordingly
Had I glanced in the back of the packaging I might’ve discovered directions on learn how to lower the insert down for a 27.5″ wheel. Principally, it’s essential to lower it such that it’s a good bit bigger than the diameter of the rim, in order that it could actually sit about half manner between the rim and the tire, suspended between the 2, and held in place by the pressure it exerts in opposition to the tire sidewalls. There are pre-cut markers on every insert; one for a 27.5″ wheel and one other for a 26″ wheel. They aren’t labelled as such, nevertheless it’s pretty apparent which lower pertains to which wheel dimension.
The MegaNorris tire inserts are designed to sit down half manner between the rim mattress and the tire’s sub-tread space, not interfacing with both till bottom-out occasions
With the Sandwich tire insert lower to its acceptable dimension, the duty of set up isn’t all that arduous. It’s a good bit harder than an insert-free tubeless setup, however nothing a powerful pair of fingers can’t deal with. With the tire fitted to at least one facet of the rim, the insert is slipped into the amount of the tire earlier than the second tire bead is teased onto the alternative rim. Our tire did look a bit wonky after set up, with the insert not sat totally straight throughout the tire, however that got here good after one very brief journey.
Huck Norris inserts used to ship with a velcro strap to attach the 2 ends however the firm has switched that out for an everyday zip-tie following suggestions that the velcro wasn’t sturdy sufficient for the job. The insert was very simple to take away, and reveals no indicators of apparent harm after a month of use.
Minimize to dimension, the MegaNorris Sandwich weighs 196g, pretty center of the highway for a tire insert rated for path and enduro using. It’s a very good 50g lighter than a CushCore Professional or a RockStop insert, however round 40g heavier than a Rimpact Professional or a Nukeproof ARD. One other lighter choice is the Vittoria Airliner at 165g.
For illustrative functions solely; the MegaNorris insert was examined on a Nukeproof Horizon V2 rim, not the DT SWISS E1900 rim seen right here
At its widest level the insert is 54mm throughout, thus, on the Horizon V2 rim which has an outer width of 35mm, round 4.5mm of insert is overhanging the rim on both sides. Whereas it’s wider than most single-density tire inserts, it’s a lot, a lot thinner at simply 14mm thick.
Initially, I had two issues with the design of the MegaNorris tire inserts:
- The insert would rattle contained in the tire
- It will be too skinny to forestall pinch punctures at low pressures
I’m happy to report that neither of those issues have been realised.
Relaxation assured, the insert was aslo examined on a lot rougher terrain than the leafy goodness you see earlier than you. Credit score: Blair Kemp.
Although the insert is designed to sit down suspended between the tire and rim, I wasn’t capable of discern any rattling from the insert shifting about throughout the tire whereas using alongside, which is greater than I can say for the Nukeproof ARD or RockStop choices.
All through the month or in order that the MegaNorris Sandwich insert was in service I remained puncture free, regardless of quite a few bottom-out occasions with their related thud. I did experiment with tire stress, various it between 17-22 PSI, and am happy to jot down that I by no means felt any discernable tire roll via quick, well-supported turns, even whereas on the decrease finish of that vary. The rim, too, is in good fettle, having not suffered any harm throughout testing.
I’m completely happy to suggest the MegaNorris Sandwich tire insert, with it having given me no motive in any way not to take action. It’s undeniably one of many costlier choices on the market, nonetheless; the 55mm model reviewed right here retails at $64.99 USD for a single insert. It isn’t the most costly choice for rim safety; you possibly can pay as much as $149.99 USD for a pair of CushCore Professional inserts and reap the vibration damping advantages. On the worth finish of the spectrum, you possibly can pay $51.99 USD for a pair of Nukeproof ARD inserts, if you happen to’re completely happy to reside with their rattle, which I’m (they’re lighter, too). Swings and roundabouts, as ever!
