Late to comment, but I just installed two CC 29+ inserts. I'm not a CC fan in general and for my skinny 29 x 2.6" hardtails I've gone with a Tannus Tubeless in the rear and been very happy with the easy install/trail performance. Since Tannus doesn't serve the Plus market I decided to go all in with dual Cushcore Plus. I was expecting it to be a hard/painful install.
With the install fresh in my mind I'll say it wasn't as bad as I had feared. It wasn't any fun and significantly harder than my Tannus installs, but not truly awful. My hope is I'll install a new set of tires in the Fall and enjoy the sharp knobs in the winter then burn them off in the Summer. Repeat the next Fall. One swap a year seems reasonable.
Watch a couple quality CC install videos. Take your time. Work methodically. If you are getting frustrated walk away then come back to it. If things are really not working you are doing something wrong so go back and watch another install video. If you can get your hands on the CC butt plug tire lever tool it's pretty great. I used soapy water vs. the sealant idea mentioned in the article as it was less messy. Use a garbage can to work on the wheel. It really helps. If in doubt push more tire bead deeper into the rim channel it's always the right answer.
On the Plus side I gotta say it really feels like a great achievement once you get it done.
I also know why CC riders don't bring a tube with them when heading out. Nobody in their right mind would want to try and unmount that tire/insert on the trail! Ride out on the flat or walk!
No comment on the performance end of things, but I am hopeful.
Oct. 18, 2023, 11 a.m. - Vik Banerjee
Late to comment, but I just installed two CC 29+ inserts. I'm not a CC fan in general and for my skinny 29 x 2.6" hardtails I've gone with a Tannus Tubeless in the rear and been very happy with the easy install/trail performance. Since Tannus doesn't serve the Plus market I decided to go all in with dual Cushcore Plus. I was expecting it to be a hard/painful install. With the install fresh in my mind I'll say it wasn't as bad as I had feared. It wasn't any fun and significantly harder than my Tannus installs, but not truly awful. My hope is I'll install a new set of tires in the Fall and enjoy the sharp knobs in the winter then burn them off in the Summer. Repeat the next Fall. One swap a year seems reasonable. Watch a couple quality CC install videos. Take your time. Work methodically. If you are getting frustrated walk away then come back to it. If things are really not working you are doing something wrong so go back and watch another install video. If you can get your hands on the CC butt plug tire lever tool it's pretty great. I used soapy water vs. the sealant idea mentioned in the article as it was less messy. Use a garbage can to work on the wheel. It really helps. If in doubt push more tire bead deeper into the rim channel it's always the right answer. On the Plus side I gotta say it really feels like a great achievement once you get it done. I also know why CC riders don't bring a tube with them when heading out. Nobody in their right mind would want to try and unmount that tire/insert on the trail! Ride out on the flat or walk! No comment on the performance end of things, but I am hopeful.