Impact Protection no | Price € 14.04
Every respectable mountain forum has a thread about tire inserts, and every respectable tire insert thread has at least one “expert” that swears by the outstanding impact protection properties of backer rods. However, we’re always a little wary of Internet myths, so we headed straight to our local DIY store to buy a few lengths of 40 mm backer rods – unfortunately we couldn’t get hold of thicker ones! Unlike pipe insulation tubes, which are also made of Polyethylene, backer rods don’t have a hole in the middle. Since our hardware shop didn’t sell them by the metre, we connected two one-metre rods (per tire) using zip ties. At € 14 for the lot, this is by far the cheapest setup in this test and, at 82 g for both wheels, also the lightest solution. During our lab tests, however, it became quickly clear that the light, low-density material doesn’t offer any additional protection against impacts. Not a good start for our DIY inserts!
Installing our DIY backer rod tire inserts.
Installing our backer rod inserts was easier than with any other insert in this test. First off, at 40 mm, the foam rod is significantly narrower than the other candidates, and on top of that, the soft, light material is extremely stretchable, making it easy to pull your makeshift tire insert onto the rim and the tire over the insert. All in all, it’s almost like fitting a tire without an insert.
The backer rod tire insert on the trail
As far as ride feeling goes, the backer rod insert has nothing to do with any of the tire inserts we tested, and that’s despite the fact that all candidates were tested with exactly the same tire pressure. In a nutshell, it doesn’t dampen impacts, and passes on vibrations more directly to the rider. Moreover, the tires generate noticeably less traction, resulting in vague, less composed handling in fast, rough trail sections. With big impacts and strong compressions, you can feel the tire folding under the rim, providing even less predictable handling. As a result, our backer rod noodle struggles to match the performance of inserts that were designed specifically for this purpose.
Conclusion
While a DIY backer rod tire insert might look like a cheaper, lighter alternative to a tire insert, it brings no advantages whatsoever, neither in the lab nor on the trail. In a nutshell, it doesn’t offer any protection against punctures or impacts, and doesn’t improve the handling of the bike either. As a result, it can’t keep up with any of the real tire inserts in this test.
Tops
- A bargain!
- Very light
Flops
- Provides no protection whatsoever
- Doesn’t improve trail performance
For an overview of the group test: The best tire inserts – 5 variants in review
All inserts in test: Hardware shop Backer rod | CushCore PRO (Click for review) | PTN R-Evolution (Click for review) | Rimpact PRO V2 (Click for review) | Technomousse Red Poison Evo (Click for review)
Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of ENDURO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality mountain bike journalism. Click here to learn more.
Words: Simon Kohler Photos: Mike Hunger
About the Author
Simon Kohler
Simon loves speed. He has many years of racing experience as a longboard downhill skater, blasting down alpine passes on his board. In the meantime, he’s swapped four wheels for two, charging down trails and bike park lines aboard his mountain bike instead. He’s savoured some of Europe’s finest trails on various road trips through the Alps. Having lived in Austria for some time, he knows the local Austrian bike parks like the back of his hand. He’s a tech nerd through and through, using the skills and know-how from his engineering degree and his attention to detail to put the latest bikes and components through their paces for our reviews. As an early riser and self-declared muesli connoisseur, he lives his life powered by oats and the strength of his legs.
