New lightweight, road-specific run-flat insert designed as a failsafe for tubeless tyres, claimed to offer better performance and ride quality, too
(Image credit: Vittoria)
The rise of tubeless tyres and the evolution of the contemporary road bike wheel has forced Vittoria to add a road-specific option to its Air-Liner portfolio - the Air-Liner Road. Essentially offering the same support as the Air-Liner MTB and Gravel, the inserts are compatible with all makes of the best tubeless road tyres. Not only do they add an extra layer of surety when things go wrong but also improves bump compliance and impact protection.
The inserts are available in three sizes - small (25mm), medium (28mm) and large (30mm) with weights coming in at 24, 31 and 39g respectively. The road system uses the same green-coloured lightweight EVA foam material as its off-road brethren but differs in that it comes as a complete circular insert for improved performance. The foam is resistant to sealant absorption and compresses to almost half its size when the tyre is pumped with air - this means the tyre system functions at the same level of performance as it would without them fitted.
The Air-Liner Road Tool Kit includes Vittoria's proprietary tubeless 'Multiway Valves' which employ multiple ports in the base of the valve stem that helps eliminate clogging and improve air-pressure adjustment. A pair of specifically designed pliers and six clips/levers (which help when it comes to fitting or removing the tyre bead from the rim), as well as a bottle of tubeless sealant, is also included in the box. While fitting the inserts is not a particularly difficult exercise it can prove tricky and Vittoria recommends visiting your local bike shop if you're not confident with the fitting procedure.
The Air-Liner Road range starts at £34.99 for a single unit (this includes 1 x valve, 1 x ALR, 1 x wheel sticker) and £89.99 for the Air-Liner Road TLR Kit (includes 2 x RAL, 2 x special valves, 1 x tyre pliers and clips for installation, 80ml Tyre sealant and 2 x wheel stickers).
Aaron was the Tech Editor Cyclingnews between July 2019 and June 2022. He was born and raised in South Africa, where he completed his BA honours at the University of Cape Town before embarking on a career in journalism. Throughout this career, Aaron has spent almost two decades writing about bikes, cars, and anything else with wheels. Prior to joining the Cyclingnews team, his experience spanned a stint as Gear & Digital editor of Bicycling magazine, as well as a time at TopCar as Associate Editor.
Now based in the UK's Surrey Hills, Aaron's life revolves around bikes. He's a competitive racer, Stravaholic, and Zwift enthusiast. He’s twice ridden the Cape Epic, completed the Haute Route Alps, and represented South Africa in the 2022 Zwift eSports World Championships.
