Nukeproof Advanced Rim Protection!
Most tyres now have inbuilt protective casing and are better than ever! However it only takes one awkward rock or spike to cause pinch flats, rim dings, tyre burps etc. The last thing you want is a hole in your tyre when your in the middle of the night! Most tyre manufacturers add heavier casing to their tyres which adds weight that riders don’t want to carry, never mind the spare tubes, tyre plugs and patches in your backpack. This can also lose the feel and natural cushioning in the tyres hence why plus sand fat tyres are so popular! Over the past few years engineers have been looking at ways to develop protective systems to help eliminate the chances of punctures.
Current offerings can be up to 4 times as expensive and can be way more challenging to fit! The closest competitor is the flat tyre defender which I have fitted to one of my rear wheels. It is the lightest offering and sold a similar price point as the A.R.D. It is easy to cut and fit but doesn’t offer the same level of dampening.
Enter stage, Nukeproof A.R.D. The ARD has an unusual shape to act as a bump stop between the rim and tyre. This deflects the energy and minimises the opportunity for pinch flats. The “wings” of the ARD protect the rim from dents and dings whilst also allowing the tyres to be seated easily. The insert slides easily into the tyre when one side of the tyre is already fitted.
Individual shape, to protect and support!
Using a tyre lever to install the final part of the tyre required patience but eventually popped on. Due to the nature of the “foam”, once under pressure it clamps the ARD to the rim to protect the rim and stops the insert from moving in the tyre. It does this well. It is probably the only way I’d ever ride a wheel with no air inside!
It comes with specific tubeless valves to allow air through the insert. The tyre sealed quickly to the rim using a standard track pump with no problems!
The only downside I’ve found is that I can no longer know how much air is in my tyre based on a quick squeeze! And that it adds 130g to each wheel.
On the trail it supports the tyre shape with a feeling I’ve only ever experienced from dual-ply tyres whilst running a high pressure (30psi). However it ‘dampens’ the feel you get from small ‘chatter’ bumps when riding over sharp rocks and extremely rooty sections. This ultimately means that when you push your tyres into the ground or lean your bike in tight corners there is way more grip! This is well worth the minimal weight penalty.
With more time on the ARD i’ll experiment with even lower pressures to see how much extra grip I can get out of this setup! I’ll keep you informed..
So if you need a reasonably priced tyre insert that’ll protect your rims, reduce the chance of punctures and add grip this is the one to buy!
- Nukeproof ARD – Advanced Rim Defence
- Available in 27.5″ or 29″
- Weighs 130g per wheel for 27.5″ version
- Offers puncture protection
- Offers impact absorption to defend against dented rims and smooth out the trail
- SRP £50 (per pair, Inc x2 ARD valves)