The Panzer inserts look identical to the ZTTO Inserts from AliExpress. Interestingly, ZTTO offers three styles, one for road (small triangle), one for small MTB tires (chevron like Panzer), and other "Bat Signal" style for wider MTB tires similar to Vittoria Air Liner in shape.
I wonder if this indicative of Chinese manufacturers receiving feedback from the brands whom they produce products for and tailoring their own DTC options based on that feedback? "One of our customers ordered 500 sets of this style of insert, and now they said they are going to change the shape of the insert for the next order, so that earlier shape probably isn't ideal."
Another thing I've noticed is that while you can source CushCore style inserts from Chinese retailers, it is probably the _least_ reproduced style of insert on AliExpress. Is it more difficult to produce or more expensive? Did CushCore pull production from Chinese manufactures and switch to another country for manufacturing (one that isn't as available to global markets as AliExpress?)
I'm going to keep experimenting with inserts until tire technology catches up to Schwalbe's Radial construction, Michelin's E-Wild design, or just tougher tires designed for fast rolling. I know lots of guys who combine inserts and DH casing tires out here in the pointy deserts.
Sept. 16, 2024, 9:55 a.m. - PHeller
The Panzer inserts look identical to the ZTTO Inserts from AliExpress. Interestingly, ZTTO offers three styles, one for road (small triangle), one for small MTB tires (chevron like Panzer), and other "Bat Signal" style for wider MTB tires similar to Vittoria Air Liner in shape. I wonder if this indicative of Chinese manufacturers receiving feedback from the brands whom they produce products for and tailoring their own DTC options based on that feedback? "One of our customers ordered 500 sets of this style of insert, and now they said they are going to change the shape of the insert for the next order, so that earlier shape probably isn't ideal." Another thing I've noticed is that while you can source CushCore style inserts from Chinese retailers, it is probably the _least_ reproduced style of insert on AliExpress. Is it more difficult to produce or more expensive? Did CushCore pull production from Chinese manufactures and switch to another country for manufacturing (one that isn't as available to global markets as AliExpress?) I'm going to keep experimenting with inserts until tire technology catches up to Schwalbe's Radial construction, Michelin's E-Wild design, or just tougher tires designed for fast rolling. I know lots of guys who combine inserts and DH casing tires out here in the pointy deserts.