WHAT IS THE BEST PUNCTURE PROOFING FOR GRAVEL?

Two gravel riders on a gravel road, with anti-puncture protection.

Gravel is cool, and very cool. But all of us who ride gravel know that one of the biggest challenges is to discover how to avoid punctures on gravel. Whether on dirt roads, rocky trails or poorly paved roads, it's common to encounter sharp objects that either stop you in your tracks or ruin your day with a puncture. Fortunately, there are several gravel puncture solutions that can help you enjoy your ride without interruption. 

Today we talk about the best anti-puncture systems for gravel bikes and share tips, tricks and recommended products.From going tubeless to inner tube inserts to recommendations on inflation pressure and sealants, find out what's best for you and ride worry-free!

What are anti-puncture systems for gravel?

The anti-puncture systems for gravel bikes are inserts, foams or mousses. that are placed inside the tire to provide an additional layer of protection against punctures. 

These technologies allow you to ride at low pressures without the risk of tire blowout. (when the tire hits the ground directly) or punctures by sharp objects. In addition, some of these systems offer additional cushioning, which improves comfort on uneven terrain.

Types of anti-puncture solutions for gravel roads

There are different solutions on the market to protect your gravel tires:

  1. Tubeless and liquid sealantTubing the bike and abandoning the inner tube is a very popular option. Adding liquid sealant allows small punctures to be repaired automatically.
  2. Mousse tubelessThis system combines tubeless technology (tubeless and liquid) with an anti-puncture mousse insert inside the tire to protect the rim and improve control in difficult conditions.
  3. Anti-puncture for inner tubesAlthough tubeless is the most popular option, there are also mousses designed to work with inner tubes, providing additional protection.

If you don't know whether or not to tubeless your bike for gravel, you can consult our article to find out whether or not to go tubeless or with inner tube for gravel roads.

Advantages of the tubeless system in gravel

The system tubeless has gained popularity among gravel bikers because it allows them to low rolling pressures with less risk of pinching and punctures. While this system in itself already reduces the likelihood of a puncture, combining it with a tubeless anti-puncture insert or tubeless mousse takes protection to another level. At Tannus we have developed ultralight mousses specific for gravel bikes that optimize this system, achieving higher performance and protection.

Tannus Tubeless Lite: Lightness and efficiency

Tannus Tubeless Lite is the lightest tubeless insert on the market. weighing only 50 grams. An ultra-lightweight mousse specifically designed for gravel and that offers the minimum protection necessary to avoid punctures. and maintain lightness and comfort. Its innovative design avoids the dreaded tire chatter and distributes the sealing fluid more effectively, in addition to do not absorb the liquid and therefore maintains its lightness at all times.

The Tannus Tubeless Lite will allow you to riding at lower pressures, improving traction and comfort in difficult terrain. Its lateral support offers greater stability in curves. In addition, Ride Flat technology gives you the option to keep riding even with a puncture, without damaging the tire or rim. The perfect balance between lightness, protection and performance.

Installation of the Tannus Tubeless Lite puncture-proof insert for gravel bikes

The riders Pol Tarrés y Jhonny Anaya completed the demanding "Badlands" with almost 800km over desert and gravel without a single puncture!

Riders Pol Tarrés and Johnny Anaya in the Badlands ultradistance gravel race equipped with Tannus Tubeless Lite
Images of Apperstudio (Pol Tarrés)

Tannus Tubeless Classic: Maximum protection without sacrificing performance

The Tannus Tubeless Classic is the original Tannus gravel insert, ideal for riders who are looking for the maximum performance and durability. This system is distinguished by its superior protection against punctures, thanks to the 20 mm of foam that absorb the hardest impacts, allowing you to ride confidently on technical terrain with only 70 grams of weight. In addition, its installation is quick and easy, making it a very accessible option even for cyclists with little tubeless experience.

The Classic retains the "original" design of our Tannus insert where "2 air chambers" are created inside the tire, helping to preserve the tire's natural rebound. It can be installed in slightly wider tires up to 700×47. Like the Lite, it is made of Aither material, so it can be installed in tires up to 700×47. does not absorb sealing liquid, maximizing its effectiveness and protection. against possible punctures.

PUNCTURE PROTECTION FOR INNER TUBES

The Tannus Armour is the best anti-puncture option for your gravel bike if you prefer to ride with an inner tube and not Tubeless. It is a semi-mousse designed to be placed between the inner tube and the tire to protect from the 4 main threats of punctures on gravel bikes: sharp objects, altered cuts, rims and pinches. In addition to puncture protection, this system also protects your tire and improves comfort by absorbing vibrations and allowing lower pressures.

It is ideal for those who are looking for a solution easy to install and with remarkable durability, guaranteeing up to 7,000 km without maintenance. So if you prefer the simplicity of inner tubes, but do not want to give up puncture protection, the Tannus Armour is an excellent option.

Tips to avoid punctures on gravel

Although anti-puncture systems are a great solution, it is always advisable to follow a few tricks to further reduce the chances of punctures:

  1. Choose your tires wiselyChoose specific tires for gravel, with a resistant and reinforced tread.
  2. Adequate pressureRiding with the correct pressure for your weight and type of terrain is essential. With a tubeless system and mousse, you can lower the pressures without risk..
  3. Keep your tires in good conditionRegularly check your tires to make sure they do not have cuts or excessive wear.
  4. Sealing liquidEven if you use mousse, make sure your tubeless tire contains enough sealant to repair small punctures automatically. Use a good quality one. After testing different brands, we at Tannus recommend the brand Blub for its quality and efficiency in puncture repair.

¿What is the best anti-puncture solution for your gravel bike?

The best option for you will be defined, above all, by whether or not you are in favor of going tubeless or with camera. With this clear decision, it is advisable to use an insert to protect not only against punctures but also to protect your tires. and even improve the overall performance of the bike, riding more safely and without fear on any type of terrain. 

Tannus Armour, if you prefer the comfort of the system with maintenance-free air chamber.

Tannus tubeless Lite, if you are looking for maximum lightness and protection minimum necessary.

Tannus Tubeless Classic, for more protection if you are more aggressive and you go for most demanding terrains

A good puncture protection system is an investment that will allow you to enjoy your gravel bike to the fullest, without worrying about unwanted interruptions, so don't hesitate and protect your wheels with Tannus, the best puncture protection technology!

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