Vittoria’s New Air-Liner Light Road Inserts Can Provide Up 30 Miles of Run-Flat Protection

Vittoria’s new Air-Liner Light Road tubeless inserts can provide up to 30 miles of run-flat protection thanks to redesigned materials and an innovative manufacturing process that improves performance, ease of installation and reliability, while keeping the weight unchanged.

“Developed in collaboration with WorldTour athletes and tested at the highest levels of competition, our latest Air-Liner Light Road provides puncture support, bead stability, and constant rim protection without compromising speed or ride feel,” promises Vittoria.

At the core of the new insert is a significant upgrade to the material. The first version of the insert was manufactured using a “cut” process, while the new version uses an extruded material, creating more uniform closed cells and a smoother outer surface, resulting in tangible benefits for the rider.

Vittoria points out:

• Reduced sealant absorption: Thanks to the new extrusion process, the Air-Liner Light Road retains even less sealant on its surface, allowing up to 10% less sealant to be used than in the previous model. Versus to a TLR setup without the insert, it is still recommended to add at least 10 ml of sealant to ensure the correct amount in case of a puncture. Sealant should be checked and topped up every three months.
• Improved run-flat performance: the light version provides superior support in the event of a puncture. In run-flat mode, the ride feel is comparable to a tire inflated to around 1 bar / 14.5 psi.
• Even easier installation: the new material reduces friction inside the tire, making installation easier and helping the insert sit correctly in position.
• Lower risk of tire burping: compared to running without an insert, the risk of tyre bead unseating is reduced by 28% at low pressures. Compared to the previous model, the risk is further reduced by an additional 5% with the same rim–tire setup.
• Same weight, more performance: despite the improvements in protection and performance, weight remains unchanged at 30 to 40 grams per wheel (depending on size), making its impact on overall weight and rolling resistance virtually negligible.

How does it work?

Air-Liner Light Road works dynamically inside the tire. When the tire is inflated, the pressure compresses the insert, making it imperceptible to the rider. In the event of a puncture and air loss, it expands to fill the internal volume of the tire, allowing the rider to continue in run-flat mode for up to 30 miles (50 km ) — essential for finishing races or safely returning home during training.

Beyond puncture support, Air-Liner Light Road also allows riders to run lower pressures safely, increasing grip and ride comfort. At the same time, it effectively protects the rim by absorbing impacts from rough asphalt, potholes, and uneven roads, turning the road tire into a microsuspension system.

“At Vittoria, our objective is to elevate every cyclist’s ride. With our new generation of Air-Liner for road, we complete our vision of total tire system performance across every terrain. From the WorldTour to everyday riders, from smooth asphalt to rough gravel sections, we give cyclists the confidence to ride faster, further and with complete peace of mind — because performance should never stop when the road gets tough,” says Stijn Vriends, Vittoria’s Chairman & CEO

Additionally, to make it easier to select the correct tire-insert match, Vittoria includes tire width indication directly on the insert, allowing riders to identify the right insert for their tire.

The Air-Liner Light Road inserts sell for $78.00 a piece. 

Vittoria