Vittoria has filled a gap in its well-established tyre insert range, now offering vital protection to enduro and downhill riders. Complete with lightweight claims and a proprietary shape, Vittoria's Air-Liner Protect looks ideal for keeping heavy-hitting rims in one piece.

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There are two versions available of the Vittoria Air-Liner Protect with one built especially to suit the demands of enduro riding with a lighter-density foam to balance shock absorption and handling, while the higher-density foamed downhill model is built to fend off the high-speed impacts of downhill riding.

And unlike Vittoria's other inserts, these come as a complete loop, so they don't need to be zip-tied together for faster and easier installation.

Air-Liner_Protect_Downhill_Front.png, by Liam Mercer

Both of the inserts use a new 'T' shaped cross-section which Vittoria says 'sheds unnecessary weight while adding dynamic stability'. The Air-Liner Protect inserts then claim to improve lateral stability and bead retention. Along with that, the brand promises that these inserts have no impact on rolling resistance and provide more grip and comfort thanks to their low profile and minimal effect on tyre air volume.

The new Vittoria Air-Liner Protect is available in 29-inch and 650b sizes and can suit 2.4- to 2.6in tyre widths. The brand then claims a maximum weight of 185g per insert and a minimum of 125g.

While GBP prices are yet to be confirmed, both inserts will set you back €60 each.

• vittoria.com

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