We recently got our hands on the Tannus Armour inserts and decided to see what all the fuss was about, especially for our e-bikes. Living and riding here in Colorado, we deal with a lot of rough terrain, so flat protection is a big deal for us and our customers. We wanted to find out if these inserts could really handle the extra weight and power of e-bikes while keeping us rolling smoothly. This Tannus Armour review covers our experience from setup to trail performance.

Key Takeaways

• Tannus Armour inserts offer solid puncture protection and sidewall support, making them a good option for e-bikes that often face rougher conditions.
• While they add some weight, the benefits in terms of reduced flats and improved ride comfort, especially at lower pressures, are noticeable.
• Installation is straightforward, similar to installing a tube, and they require minimal maintenance after setup.
• The run-flat capability is a useful feature, allowing riders to continue for a short distance after a puncture without damaging their rims, though this doesn’t apply to all fat tire sizes.
• Compared to other inserts, Tannus Armour strikes a balance between protection, ride feel, and ease of installation, making them a strong contender for many e-bike riders.

Tannus Armour Review: First Impressions

Hands-On Experience From Colorado

We recently got our hands on the Tannus Armour inserts, and after spending some time with them, we’re ready to share our initial thoughts. Living in Colorado, we’re no strangers to varied terrain, from smooth singletrack to rocky, technical climbs. This environment provides a good testing ground for any bike component, and the Tannus Armour is no exception. Our first impression is that these inserts are a substantial addition to the wheel setup, noticeably increasing the overall weight. While this might raise an eyebrow for weight-conscious riders, we were keen to see if the benefits would outweigh this initial observation. We’ve seen a lot of buzz around these inserts, especially for e-bikes, and we wanted to see how they’d perform on our own rides.

Initial Setup and Feel

Getting the Tannus Armour installed was a bit of a learning curve, but not overly complicated. The process involves fitting the foam insert inside the tire before seating the tube. The key is to ensure the insert is properly positioned and doesn’t bunch up. We found that working around the bead of the tire was the trickiest part. Once installed, the tire felt noticeably firmer, even before reaching our desired pressure. It’s a different sensation compared to a standard tubeless setup or a regular tube. We noticed a slight increase in rolling resistance initially, but this was something we anticipated and were eager to test further on the trail.

Weight Considerations

Let’s talk about weight. The Tannus Armour inserts are not light. We weighed a set and found them to be around 330 grams each, which, when combined with a tube, adds a significant amount of rotational mass. For comparison, many lightweight tubes can be under 150 grams. This means you’re adding roughly a pound per wheel. For traditional mountain biking, this extra weight could be a deal-breaker for some, impacting acceleration and climbing. However, on an e-bike, where the motor assists with propulsion, this added weight might be less of a concern and could potentially be offset by the benefits of puncture protection and improved ride quality. We’ll be keeping a close eye on how this weight affects the overall feel and performance of the e-bike.

Understanding Tannus Armour Technology

Aither Multi-Cell Foam Compound

The core of Tannus Armour is its proprietary Aither compound. This isn’t just a simple foam; it’s a multi-cell structure designed to provide a balance of protection and ride quality. Think of it as a dense, yet flexible, honeycomb that sits between your tire and inner tube. This unique construction is what allows the Armour to absorb impacts and prevent punctures. It effectively acts as a shield for your inner tube.

Puncture Protection Details

Tannus Armour offers significant protection against common flats. It provides up to 15mm of puncture resistance on the tread side, meaning most sharp objects like thorns or glass shards won’t reach your tube. Additionally, it includes about 2mm of sidewall protection, which helps guard against cuts from rocks or debris that might hit the side of your tire. This dual-layer approach aims to eliminate around 90% of typical punctures.

Sidewall Support Benefits

Beyond just puncture resistance, the Armour also contributes to the overall stability of your tire. It provides extra support to the tire’s sidewalls, especially noticeable during cornering or when riding through rough terrain. This added support can help prevent the tire from deforming excessively under load, leading to a more predictable feel and potentially reducing the risk of rim damage from hard impacts. It’s a bit like giving your tire a supportive hug from the inside.

Performance On The Trail

Tire Pressure Adjustments

When we first fitted the Tannus Armour inserts, we were curious about how they’d affect our usual tire pressure choices. The inserts allow us to run lower pressures without the immediate worry of pinch flats. This means we can get more grip on loose surfaces. We found ourselves dropping pressures by about 5-10 PSI from our normal settings. This made a noticeable difference on rocky descents and loose climbs, giving us more confidence.

Traction and Control Enhancements

Running lower pressures, as mentioned, directly translates to better traction. On damp, rooty sections, the tires seemed to conform to the terrain more effectively. This provided a more stable feel and reduced instances of the rear end washing out. We also noticed improved control when cornering hard; the tire sidewalls felt more supported, reducing that squirmy feeling you can get with very low pressures in lighter tires.

Vibration Dampening and Comfort

One of the most immediate benefits we felt was the reduction in trail chatter. The Aither foam compound does a decent job of soaking up small bumps and vibrations. This made longer rides more comfortable, especially on trails with a lot of small, repetitive impacts. It’s not a full suspension system, of course, but the difference in hand and arm fatigue was noticeable. We felt less beat up after a full day of riding.

The ability to run lower pressures without the constant fear of pinch flats is a game-changer for trail riding. It allows the tire to do its job better, providing more grip and a more comfortable ride.

Here’s a quick look at how our pressure choices changed:

Trail Condition	Normal Pressure (PSI)	With Tannus Armour (PSI)
Dry Hardpack	25	20
Loose/Rocky	22	18
Wet/Muddy	20	16

E-Bike Specific Advantages

E-bikes bring a unique set of demands to the table, and the Tannus Armour inserts seem to handle them pretty well. We’ve found that the extra weight and torque from the motor put a lot more stress on our tires and wheels, especially on the rear. The Armour’s design, with its sidewall support, really helps keep the tire seated and prevents those nasty pinch flats that can happen when you’re really leaning into a corner or accelerating hard.

Handling E-Bike Torque

Electric bikes, by nature, deliver power differently than a traditional bike. That instant torque can be tough on tires, leading to faster wear and a higher chance of flats if you’re not careful. The Tannus Armour acts as a buffer, absorbing some of that initial shock and distributing the forces more evenly across the tire casing. This means less direct stress on the tube and a reduced risk of pinch flats, even when we’re really pushing the motor on climbs. We’ve noticed a definite improvement in tire longevity since we started using them.

Optimized For Electric Assist

When you’re riding an e-bike, you’re often covering more ground and potentially at higher average speeds than on a regular bike. This means your tires are working harder. The Armour’s foam compound provides a consistent level of support, regardless of how much air is in the tire. This consistency is a big deal for e-bikes, as it helps maintain a predictable ride feel and reduces the chance of the tire deforming excessively under load. It feels like it’s built to handle the sustained effort that electric assist provides, unlike some lighter-duty inserts that might break down over time. We’ve found it works well with different 36-volt and 48-volt ebike batteries depending on the riding style.

Durability Against Increased Stress

Let’s face it, e-bikes are heavier, and we tend to ride them harder. This combination puts a significant strain on all components, especially tires. The Tannus Armour‘s robust construction is a real plus here. It adds a layer of protection that goes beyond just puncture resistance; it helps the tire maintain its shape and integrity under the increased loads. We’ve put our e-bikes through some pretty rough terrain, and the Armour has held up, preventing many potential rim impacts and tire damage that would have likely occurred otherwise. It’s a good feeling knowing your tires can take a bit more abuse.

Run-Flat Capability

Riding After A Puncture

One of the standout features Tannus Armour promotes is its run-flat capability. This means that if you do get a puncture, you can keep riding without immediately destroying your tire or rim. We found this to be true, at least for a short distance. The insert essentially holds the tire bead in place, preventing the tire from completely de-beading. This is a significant advantage if you’re miles from home or in a tricky spot on the trail. You won’t be walking your e-bike back.

Limitations For Fat Tire Sizes

It’s important to note that Tannus Armour explicitly states their run-flat technology does not apply to fat tire sizes. This is a key distinction for many e-bike riders who opt for wider tires. While the insert will still offer puncture protection and some sidewall support on fat tires, you can’t rely on it to keep you rolling after a flat. This means if you have a fat-tired e-bike, like some of the popular 20-inch models, you’ll still need to carry a spare tube and pump, or have a plan for repair.

Impact On Rim Longevity

When you ride with a flat tire, especially without an insert, the tire can easily come off the rim, and the rim itself can get damaged. The Tannus Armour, by keeping the tire somewhat in place, does offer a degree of protection for your rims in a pinch. However, we wouldn’t recommend pushing your luck too far. Riding on a completely flat tire, even with an insert, puts extra stress on all components. It’s best to get the tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible to avoid any long-term damage to your wheels or the insert itself. For those looking at different wheel sizes, understanding the benefits of 20-inch wheels can be helpful for overall bike performance.

Installation And Maintenance

Ease of Installation Process

Getting the Tannus Armour inserts into our tires was a mixed bag, honestly. For some of us, it was surprisingly straightforward, almost a non-issue. We found that using a hairdryer to warm the insert and give it a bit of a curve before starting made a noticeable difference. It seemed to help the insert seat properly. Others, however, ran into a bit more trouble, especially with tighter tolerances between the rim and the insert. It can definitely be a workout, and we’ve heard stories of mechanics struggling for hours. It really depends on the specific rim and tire combination you’re working with.

Tube Compatibility And Sizing

When it comes to tubes, the Tannus Armour is designed to work with standard bicycle tubes. The key is getting the right size insert for your tire. For fat bike tires, specifically the 26 x 4.0″ size, we had to trim about half an inch of foam from each side. The inserts are usually marked for this, so you just need to be careful and precise. For wider tires, from 4.5″ to 5″, you can typically install them as they come. It’s important to match the insert size to your tire width to ensure proper fit and function. We found that having a spare tube handy during installation was a good idea, just in case.

Maintenance-Free Operation

Once installed, the Tannus Armour is pretty much maintenance-free, which is a big plus. We don’t have to worry about sealant levels or constant adjustments. The main thing to keep in mind is that the insert can compress over time if the tire is left deflated under the bike’s weight. To avoid this, we make it a habit to suspend the rear wheel when the bike is stored, either on a bike stand or by propping it up so the tire isn’t bearing the load. This simple step helps maintain the insert’s integrity. We also noticed that after the first hundred miles or so, the inside of the tire got a bit polished from the insert rubbing against it, creating some fine rubber dust. After cleaning and reassembling, this stopped, and the inside of the tire stayed clean. It seems like a one-time break-in period. For comprehensive tire protection, Tannus Armour is a solid choice, ensuring no more bike flats.

Tannus Armour Versus Alternatives

Comparison With Other Inserts

When we look at tire inserts, there are a few main types out there besides Tannus Armour. We’ve got the sealant-only approach, which is pretty common, and then there are other foam inserts that work similarly to Tannus but might use different materials or designs. Sealant is great for small punctures, like thorns, but it doesn’t do much for bigger cuts or pinch flats. Plus, you have to keep topping it up, which is a bit of a hassle.

Other foam inserts often feel a bit firmer, which can sometimes mean less comfort. They might also be heavier or more difficult to install. The Tannus Armour really hits a sweet spot with its balance of protection, comfort, and ease of use. It’s designed to be pretty much maintenance-free once it’s in, which is a big win for us.

Weight Trade-offs

Weight is always a consideration, especially on e-bikes where every bit counts. Tannus Armour inserts add weight, no doubt about it. For a typical 20-inch e-bike tire, the insert can add around 380 grams. Compare that to just a tube, which might be 100-150 grams, and you’re adding a significant chunk. However, when you compare it to some other heavy-duty inserts or even running super-thick downhill tubes, the Tannus Armour is often in a reasonable range. It’s a trade-off: a bit more weight for a lot less worry about flats.

Here’s a rough idea of how they stack up:

Product Type	Approximate Weight (per insert/tube)
Standard Inner Tube	100-150 grams
Tannus Armour	190-390 grams (size dependent)
Other Foam Inserts	150-400+ grams
Sealant (added)	50-100 grams

Performance Differences

The biggest performance difference we noticed comes down to the feel. Tannus Armour, with its Aither foam, tends to offer a more compliant ride compared to some of the stiffer inserts. This means it absorbs trail chatter and impacts pretty well, making longer rides more comfortable. Some riders might prefer a firmer feel for more direct feedback, but for general trail riding and commuting on an e-bike, the Tannus Armour’s cushioning is a real benefit.

Traction can also be affected. By allowing us to run lower pressures without the immediate fear of pinch flats, the Tannus Armour lets the tire conform better to the terrain, which usually means better grip, especially on loose or wet surfaces. Other inserts might not offer the same sidewall support, which can lead to the tire feeling a bit squirmy at lower pressures. The run-flat capability is also a key performance difference; while not all inserts offer this, Tannus Armour does provide that extra bit of security to get you home if the worst happens.

Our Final Thoughts on Tannus Armour

After putting the Tannus Armour inserts through their paces here in Colorado, we can say they definitely do what they promise: stop flats. We ran lower pressures, which gave us a bit more grip and a smoother ride, especially on those rougher trails we love. Installation was straightforward, no real fuss. While they add a little weight, we didn’t find it a dealbreaker, especially considering the peace of mind. For e-bikes, where flats can be a real pain, these inserts are a solid option. If you’re tired of fixing flats or worrying about them, it’s worth checking out what Tannus Armour can do for your ride. You can click here to check current pricing and see if they have the right size for your bike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we ride our e-bike if we get a flat tire with Tannus Armour installed?

Yes, you can! Tannus Armour lets you ride for a short distance even after a flat, which helps protect your wheel rim from damage. Just be careful and avoid rough paths. This feature doesn’t work for fat tire sizes, though.

How do we install Tannus Armour?

Putting in Tannus Armour is pretty straightforward. It’s installed like a regular tire liner, and you don’t need any special tools. We found it easy to get them set up on our bikes.

How does Tannus Armour help with e-bike torque?

E-bikes have powerful motors that send a lot of force to the wheels. Tannus Armour is made from a strong foam material that can handle this extra push, giving you better control and making sure the insert holds up well.

Can we use lower tire pressures with Tannus Armour?

Absolutely! Tannus Armour lets you run your tires at lower pressures. This is great because it gives you more grip on the trail and makes the ride much smoother and more comfortable. We suggest starting about 5 PSI lower than you normally do and then adjusting to what feels best for you.

What makes Tannus Armour different from other tire inserts?

Tannus Armour is unique because it sits right against the tire, not the rim. It’s made from a special foam that gives you great puncture protection and sidewall support. Unlike some other inserts, it works with a regular tube, making installation simpler.

Do we need to do any special maintenance on Tannus Armour?

One of the best things about Tannus Armour is that it’s pretty much maintenance-free. Once it’s installed correctly, you can just ride and enjoy the benefits without worrying about upkeep.