As many times we had the opportunity to say Tubeless tires are also making their way among professionalsThe advantages of this type of coverage are quantified in lower rolling resistance and greater comfort. Now Vittoria introduces the Air-Liner Road, a technology aimed at also improving safety and increasing comfort.
Fruit of evolution
Bicycles are evolving, as are brakes, wheels, and all components, providing ever-increasing performance. In recent years, tubeless has arrived in the road world, which is fruit of the evolution that previously took place on the mountain bike. Now with the Air-Liner Road insert Vittoria is introducing another element, which has already been present in off-road racing for a few seasons. A story we could say we've already seen with other components.
Even in run-flat
The Vittoria Air-Liner Road is an integral part of the tubeless system, providing protection, shock absorption and ensuring a higher level of safety in the event of sudden punctures. In fact, In the event of a loss of pressure, the Air-Liner Road insert allows you to continue pedaling in run-flat mode and return home peacefully. It is worth highlighting the functioning of this insert which it tightens as the pressure in the tire increases and returns to its original shape as the pressure decreases.
Special valve
This new product has been designed for tubeless systems, but is compatible with all brands of tires available on the market. The material is very light and does not absorb the sealing liquid. Furthermore, Vittoria has created the Multiway Valve tubeless valve that has larger than normal holes to facilitate the flow of air and sealant.
Three measures
The Air-Liner Road is available in three sizesSmall, medium, and large. The small one is suitable for 25mm tires and weighs 24 grams, the medium one is suitable for 28mm tires and weighs 31 grams, while the large one is suitable for 30mm tires and weighs 39 grams. The price is 35 euros.
The Kit and the sealant
Vittoria also created the Road Tubeless Tool Kit consisting of a clamp and six clips designed to allow the assembly and disassembly of the insert. pin It was designed to safely remove the tire. Furthermore, the handles were designed to be used as tire levers.
Even for the sealing liquid, Vittoria has developed the new Universal Tubeless Tire Sealant Suitable for all disciplines, from mountain biking to road biking and gravel. It is a product without ammonia, liquid-based, which during tests instantly repaired punctures up to 7 millimeters, maintaining pressure for up to 1200 kilometers of autonomy.
Increased comfort
We had the opportunity to test the Air-Liner Road on several occasions. First of all, let's say that Assembly is very simple, almost like an inner tube, with the addition of sealing liquid.
At the sensational level, you immediately notice a increased comfort, in the sense that the ability to absorb shocks from potholes or damaged asphalt is much greater than a clincher and even than a standard tubeless configuration. While it is true that the Air-Liner shrinks as the pressure increases, it is also true that a small contribution to a greater cushioning effect is there and it feels.
Smoothness and safety
La smoothness is very high and at times you almost have the sensation of floating on the asphalt. Knowing that you have an internal insert that holds the tubeless in place in the event of a pressure loss, it also increases the feeling of securityOverall, the Air-Liner Road does not add excessive weight and significantly improves comfort, smoothness and safety.
