Would be interesting to compare ride feel between one of the bigger inserts (Cushcore or Tannus) and tougher casings. With technology like Apex wedges, the tougher casings should provide a similar ride feel as the inserts with sidewall support.
Rolling resistance would be a bit higher, but not too much. Lots of tests have shown that rubber compound is the most important factor in MTB, with knob height and casing contributing far less to rolling speed.
However, a confounding issue is the fact that a lot of tyre companies only sell their tougher casings with soft rubber. Therefore many people think that tough casings roll worse than they actually do.
Aug. 25, 2020, 4:38 a.m. - Timer
Would be interesting to compare ride feel between one of the bigger inserts (Cushcore or Tannus) and tougher casings. With technology like Apex wedges, the tougher casings should provide a similar ride feel as the inserts with sidewall support. Rolling resistance would be a bit higher, but not too much. Lots of tests have shown that rubber compound is the most important factor in MTB, with knob height and casing contributing far less to rolling speed. However, a confounding issue is the fact that a lot of tyre companies only sell their tougher casings with soft rubber. Therefore many people think that tough casings roll worse than they actually do.