Cushcore v Tannus

I've only used the Tannus tubeless of the two and wouldn't say that it is a rim protection insert based on my experience, but it does help with traction and tyre stability. So if for a rear wheel that you want to protect from rim damage probably cushcore (or equivalent).

It’s mainly some overall puncture protection that I’m after.

The 650b+ tyres always are a little squirmier than your usual 29er etc. and the rears seem to be a little more  prone to damage.

I had the original Santa Cruz Hightower, and had a similar issue with that.

I hadn’t heard of Cushcore/Tannus back then.

Tannus does seem to provide some all round cover, but I’d just like some, real world, advice.

I've only used Rimpact Pro's and I really like them. I never have the kind of audible rim strike that makes you wince anymore. Much cheaper than Cushcore when I bought them.

I use Cushcore pro and absolutely love them.

They don’t advertise side wall protection as a benefit, but I’ve been riding them with relatively lightweight tyres (Exo+) doing hucks that are like landing on a knife rack (Dyfi, Hafren forest enduro lines, The Lakes, The Alps) and although there are loads of abrasions on the side walls, I’ve never had a gash.

I also run quite low pressures (18-20 psi) which makes the bike more comfortable. I’ve never even heard a rim ding since I’ve started running them.

No problems fitting them, I just followed the instructions, actually found them easier than getting a tubeless tyre to swat without inserts.

I have had one flat, when I’d run out of sealant without realising it. I think this is for two reasons, first is that with the Cushcore in there’s more surface area, so the sealant spreads out more. Second is because I think that with running the Cushcore the tyres are taking a battering, and the sealant gets used up quite quickly sealing small holes, before I’ve even realised that I’ve punctured.

They do add some weight to the wheels, but I’ve got used to it.

I’ve gone for Tannus, purely for the all round protection. Apparently, it needs a tube as well.

I know what size is required for

27.5  x  2.5” - 3”

but, are they just standard tubes??

is there any extra benefit in putting Stans in the tube??

promise I’ll be gone after this 🤦‍♂️

Looks like that’s the original “tubed” Tannus. Maybe that will suit your fat rear tyre

I use the tubeless version. Have a look at Cams write up on NSMB. Spoiler, he loved the Tubeless Tannus.
I tried Cushcore. In the front fit better damping. I think it worked a bit. However, I’m sure it’s tyre dependent but I simply could not get it to fit with a Magic Mary (trail sidewalks). One mate tried helping and failed too. The marvellous Dave at DCR wheels in Lewes popped it in no problem. He has super manly thumbs I guess.
Tannus tubeless is SO much easier so I switched. Currently just in the back for better grip / damping. Seems effective.

Good to know, but it’s on the way, so I’ll try the tubes first.

I use tannus as its lighter and easier to install than cushcore and appears to do the same job.  No punctures in 2 years of use. Not sure why people would think it wouldn't protect your rim..?

Does Tannus tubeless need Stans?
Or, is there any benefit in using it?

I fitted tannus 27.5 x2.5 to 3.00 on my maintenance adverse brother's bike . He couldn't cope with tubeless. Yes you do fit a smaller inner tube than normal ( details on their site ) You could add stans if wanted as secondary backup but but I bought cheap slime tubes instead as cheap on amazon . I personally had no trouble fitting them .

Does Tannus tubeless need Stans?
yes, or your sealant of choice

Or, is there any benefit in using it?
It's damping the tyre (the ride), increasing grip & (claimed to be) reducing rolling resistance protecting the rim https://nsmb.com/articles/tannus-armour-tubeless-inserts-tested/
note: the Tannus in the top pic with the dog isn't the "tubeless version" - that’s probably what the OP has bought - needs tube, for sure it'll have its uses .

scroll down for tubeless pic

I did try Cushcore pro upfront and felt it reduced rolling resistance (in a rolldown test against a pal with same tyres and no CC)

I had been thinking recently whether a fatbike tyre fitted with tannus + tube  or similar or even a big pool noodle /tubeless type setup would have a positive effect as far as the lack of rebound damping is concerned which can cause a feeling of losing control on fast /rough sections ..particularly on a rigid. That's the main thing that made me decide fatbikes weren't as good a ride as I had expected. People argued and said it was my fault and all down to pressures ...but I did experiment (with little success ). Also I found that for road use ..when inflating the 4.8 JJ's up to 15 psi or above , they became horribly harsh with little compliance whatsoever even on a surly steel frame and fork . I had read Sanny's article on his ICT which led me to expect ..well some hovercraft like experience which was never experienced ..in fact far from it ...by myself . I actually find my 29 plus is more comfortable , gave me more control ( no uncontrolled rebound issues) and rolled over stuff better than rigid full fat . Seems like I am on my own with that opinion so I presumed I must have been doing something wrong .

As mentioned above, there are two types of Tannus.

I use the tubeless one on a 35mm rim with a 2.6 tyre. It was initially tricky to fit, but a subsequent tubeless sealing issue meant I got a lot of practice getting the tyre off. I would not want to have to do it on the trail.

My wheel is usually on my ebike, but I put it on my trailbike for week in Spain with Switchbacks, and I ram it on the trailbike for trips (with the kids) to Nevis.

I have never had a puncture, or a wincing impact in that time.

I am not a lightweight individual and I am hard on gear. If something is not up to the task, I will identify it. Tannus gets the thumbs up from me.

What Kramer said, word for word!

This has all really helped me grasp the Tannus concept. Especially the link “Kaiser”

Good idea re the FatBike “Mudfish” I may try that also as I’m struggling to get her tubeless.

As I already have the tubed Tannus on the way, I think I’ll try it with some sealant in the tube, and if I have any issues, I’ll transfer it to the front, and order tubeless for the rear.

thanks for all the help/advice guys. I’ll let you know how I get on.

I’m probably letting myself in for a load of tightar$e related abuse here, but here we go (I have some Yorkshire in me):

I’ve received the Tannus (tubed) kit, and thinking I had a load of 27.5 tubes to suit, have just found out that they’re all the slightly larger ones (2.2-2.8 or something like)

has anyone had any success fitting these tubes?

A trip to one of our LBS will have cancelling the install for a few more days.

Pink bike has a test of different inserts from a few years ago.  Rimpact Pro is best for weight/protection, but no plus size.

https://www.pinkbike.com/news/tested-6-of-the-best-tire-inserts-vs-impact-rig.html

I have used the regular Rimpact, Cushcore, and thin Huck Norris in our plus bikes. (2.8 tires on 35 and 40mm rims) Does Tannus tubeless come in plus size? I can’t remember.

Cushcore Pro is the most protective, but also the heaviest.

Newer Rimpact EDH is even more protective than Rimpact Pro and Cushcore Pro, but not sure if it’s wide enough for a 3” tire, even on a fairly narrow rim like that.

+1 Rimpact Pro

But email them and ask if they work well with 3in tyres

They are very responsive and helpful IME