Vittoria, after having presented the Cross Country version (you can read the test here), came with a product that many were waiting for, namely the renewed version of the "old" Air-Liner, produced by Alessandro Bonarotti and then integrated into Vittoria.
This new Air-Liner was conceived and designed entirely in Vittoria with new and innovative features. The first feature that catches the eye is the less invasive nature of the system: now the new Air-Liner Protect is very flattened (T-shaped structure) to favor working the rubber more and coming into action only in the final part.
Why this difference compared to the Light version which maintains a less flat structure?
Because in DH and Enduro you use sturdy tires, perhaps with a DH carcass, which are able to maintain good support in the first part of the tire sinking (the same cannot be said in Cross Country). Having, in the Gravity field, an additional support inside that blocks the work of the tire risks not giving the right feedback, an aspect that has often been pointed out by professional athletes, who wanted a product that gave "sincere" feedback but that protected the rim in the event of violent impacts.
And, unlike its predecessor, the Air-Liner Protect is now available in 29″ and 27,5″, eliminating the need for tedious cutting and zip-tie closures.
AIR-LINER PROTECT: TWO VERSIONS
2 versions available: Downhill and Enduro. The shape is the same but the density of the structure changes, still remaining among the lightest in the category. The Air-Liner Protect Enduro version incorporates a lighter density foam. This ensures optimal shock absorption and improved handling. On the other hand, the Air-Liner Protect version Downhill boasts higher density foam, meticulously designed to withstand major impacts. The Air-Liner Protect insert Downhill it also proves to be very advantageous for e-bikes.
Air-Liner Protect is available in 2 sizes for enduro (27,5″ and 29″) and 2 sizes for downhill (27,5″ and 29″). All versions are compatible only with tubeless configurations and only with multi-way tubeless valves: a valve is included in the package.
AIR-LINER PROTECT ENDURO VS DOWNHILL
Same dimensions but different densities which lead to different characteristics. The Air-Liner is recommended for sections from 2.4″ to 2.6″ and rims with a 25-35mm channel. If the measurements differ slightly, it can still be assembled but it may take more effort to assemble.
| Air-Liner model | ENDURO | DOWNHILL |
| Foam density | Bassa | High |
| Return | Veloce | Slow |
| Compression | Bassa | High |
| High speed compression | Bassa | High |
| Shot put | 125-135 gr | 175-185 gr |
HOW MUCH DOES VITTORIA AIR-LINER PROTECT WEIGH?
| Model | Format | Rubber | Shot put |
| Air-Liner Protect Enduro | 27.5 " | 2.4”–2.6” | 125 gr. |
| 29 " | 2.4 –2.6” | 135 gr. | |
| Air-Liner Protect Downhill | 27.5 " | 2.4”–2.6” | 175 gr. |
| 29 " | 2.4”–2.6” | 185 gr. |
ADVANTAGES AIR-LINER PROTECT
Additionally, Air-Liner Protect strengthens the tire's lateral stability and bead retention, ensuring tires stay securely in place, even in the most broken-down sections. And let's not forget: Air-Liner Protect does not affect rolling resistance, except for approximately 120/180g more in weight.
COMPARATIVE AIR-LINER DH / EN / LIGHT
Below we can see the comparative tests between the various Air-Liner models, including the old version. Note: 1000N of force is approximately equivalent to 100kg. As we can see, the old Air-Liner was much more protective than these versions, but even too much according to the Vittoria technicians. It is certainly second to none for rim protection but this then affects the driving feedback, creating a muffling effect that makes the tire work poorly. The old Air-Liner, used on the rear in DH/Enduro use, is however still a valid solution.
You can see how the Light, Enduro and Downhill are very similar to each other: only in the final part are there increases in value. Example: in the DH version there is an increase of approximately 1000N compared to the EN (Enduro) version. It means that, to get to the hoop, you need 100kg more strength. This is a graph referring to pure strength, remember that between the Air-Liner Protect DH and Enduro models there are also differences in the response of the material (we explained this previously).
VIDEO AIR-LINER PROTECT
VICTORY RANGE
Now the Vittoria range, as regards inserts, is complete and covers all disciplines. More info to the official website.
THE ASSEMBLING
The assembly is not more complex than other inserts but it is normal: it requires technique (and/or a friend) otherwise it is not possible to insert the insert. Vittoria facilitates the operation thanks to pliers, excellent for disassembly. A plier that offers everything you need to install and uninstall a tubeless tire, or remove an Air-Liner insert. Furthermore, the handles of the pliers are designed to be used as tire levers during assembly and disassembly, without running the risk of damaging the rim or tire.
TIPS FOR ASSEMBLY OF INSERTS
WHAT IS THE CORRECT PRESSURE?
In general, we have written an article about this thorny topic: FIND OUT MORE.
FIELD TEST
I used the Air-Liner Protect in the Enduro version and in the DH version for six months (from February to July) on my Enduro, a Cannondale Jekyll, mounted with Maxxis Assegai tires on the front and Maxxis Aggressor on the rear. Both with DD carcass (Double Down, Maxxis' most solid carcass).
Service info: my weight is 80kg in bike trim with helmet, backpack/waist bag and protections. With the insert mounted, and DD tyres, I ended up using pressures of 1.2 at the front and 1.4 at the rear even though, on rough surfaces, I prefer to go up to 1.3 at the front and 1.5 at the rear. In standard tubeless configuration, I rise by around 0.2/0.3 but these are subjective values.
These inserts, and this is the first positive aspect, are minimally invasive given their reduced weight (135gr for the enduro version and 185gr for the downhill) and, thanks to the T shape, they leave air in the system and do not give that solid rubber effect that I don't like in other insert models (like the very first Air-Liner model, clearly improved here). And this also leads to them being inserted, and bead removed, more easily than other competitors with the classic tube shape.
The Air-Liner Protect Enduro model has a soft structure and I felt comfortable using it on the front, without it ruining the riding feeling too much. Until some time ago I was of the "no inserts on the front" school but now with these reduced weights and "less full" shapes, I like the idea of having additional protection for the rim on the front too. On the rear, however, I immediately preferred the version Downhill to Enduro (DH version which I also recommend in the e-bike sector given the greater weights involved): for more advanced athletes the advice is to put the DH version on the rear while for riders with average technique the Enduro version is sufficient. As you could see from the graphs in the first part of the article, the difference lies only in the last part of compression, i.e. on really strong hits (classic bottom-out or similar) where the DH model gives more support than the Enduro version.
In current bikes (all-mountain/enduro) an insert is starting to be fundamental, especially at the rear, given that the current geometries allow you to reach speeds, and indirectly hits which, until about ten years ago, were only the issue of professional riders . If I didn't use inserts with my Jekyll, I would be forced to change rims every now and then given the size of the drafts.
During the long test, I never punctured or made cuts to the tire (ok, I found a few small cuts on the shoulder but they didn't lead to a puncture): this means that the insert inside makes the tire work well. rubber and, at the same time, protects the structure well, having found no damage to report on the wheels. The "T" shape inside the tire is specifically designed to provide protection but without being too rigid and intrusive: I must admit that I felt some hits on the rim, but it is the price to pay for having an insert that "does not you can feel it."
HOW MUCH DOES VITTORIA AIR-LINER PROTECT COST?
The price, per insert, is €59,95 and is in line with the market.
DOES THE AIR-LINER PROTECT DRINK LATEX?
We weighed the inserts after the test and the results are excellent: the enduro model has "gained" just 20g, while the DH model has not gained even a gram!
As you can see from the photos below, the structure has remained practically intact. Recall that the test lasted approximately 5 months.
PROJECTED IMPACT
An insert that I recommend to all those who want a functional and high-performance "sock", a little less protective than other products but solid, functional and less muffling in sensations. A more natural driving sensation while still guaranteeing greater protection and grip thanks to the use of lower pressure. Possibility to choose a harder (DH) or less hard (Enduro) density.
