Rimpact SendNoodz Tire Insert Review

Words & Photos by Robert Johnston

The tire insert market has been growing quite rapidly over the last couple of years as riders continue to push their bikes harder and harder. Rimpact is a relatively new player to the game, and their insert on test here promised to offer “The best performance to cost ratio available.” With such a bold claim, I was eager to put our SendNoodz to the test to see just how good they perform.

The Rimpact SendNoodz Lab

Rimpact tire inserts are made from a high-density, closed cell, cross linked polyethylene foam. They come as a full loop, pre bonded at each end with what looks like a strong masking tape. Their shape is different compared to most inserts on the market. The inner portion is designed to fill the rim bed, and there’s an extended portion with flat sides that is designed to sit against the inside of the tire sidewalls and offer some support while cornering.

With a claimed weight of 95 grams per insert (29-in), these fall in the middle of other offerings on the market. They’re a bit heavier than the Huck Norris inserts, but a significant reduction in weight compared to the likes of CushCore, Procore and many others.

Fitting these inserts takes a slightly different approach than fitting the tire without an insert, but compared to CushCore it is a far less difficult task. Rimpact handily provides good instructions for the best technique to fit their inserts, which makes it a stress free affair.

At $44.50 for a pair with high quality, clog resistant aluminum valves, these inserts represent remarkable value compared to other offerings. After the install was complete, it was time to see how they compare in terms of performance? With claims of increased tire stability, reduced tire roll, lower pressures viable, and reduced trail chatter, I was keen to put these inserts to the test.

The Dirt on Rimpact SendNoodz

Rimpact kindly supplied a set of inserts in both 27.5- and 29-inch sizes for testing. I mounted them to both my bikes so every ride I’ve had in the last four months has been on a Rimpact-equipped bike. I’ve ridden all over the UK, including the Fort William World Cup track on a trail bike, so needless to say, they’ve seen a whole lot of abuse.

Comparing the Rimpact to what I would consider to be the market-leading insert, CushCore, the Rimpact is “less” in many ways. Compared to the ultra-spongy CushCore, there is a little less cushion and support but they still remove a decent amount of buzz and take some of the sting out of rough terrain. Considering they weigh considerably less; cost a fraction of the price; and are much easier to fit, the Rimpact SendNoodz certainly hold their own in the increasingly competitive insert market.

A potentially contentious positive in the Rimpact’s performance compared to CushCore is that they do give more trail feedback. While the Cushcore can really deaden out a section of trail and mute some of the sensations of speed and roughness, these inserts maintain some feeling, which will be appreciated by some. Much the same as choosing to use a shorter travel bike, choosing to use the Rimpact over a CushCore can maintain some of the trail feedback that gives you that sense of speed and roughness.

Rimpact Inserts

The inserts stood up remarkably well to the test of time, with just a few minor cuts in the outer edges, but no notable deformation to the overall shape or any perceivable reduction in stiffness. The “masking tape” at the joint proved to be sufficiently durable, with some visual deterioration over the course of the test but no tearing or performance issues. Rimpact tells us the visual difference is just for aesthetic purposes so they can put their logo on the unit.

Unlike many other insert systems I’ve used in the past, the Rimpacts hold next to none of the sealant, reducing the need to over-fill the tire to compensate, and thus not adding any unnecessary extra weight. This was true for the duration of the testing, even when some cuts began to form in the outer edges. The Rimpact valves performed as advertised too, with no detrimental clogging. Running the inserts with a set of regular tubeless valves doesn’t work quite so well, as the air pathway can be blocked by the insert, so I’d recommend purchasing the inserts with their special valves.

Through the duration of the test, riding some ultra rocky terrain and really trying to punish the wheels, I never suffered from a torn tire. I did manage to add a couple of minor dings to my rims, however there was definitely a noticeable reduction in the severity of these compared to what I expected – running 3 psi lower than normal the rims still looked fresher than usual.

The Rimpacts do also help to keep the tire held tight on the rim as claimed, with a noticeable reduction in tire roll and burping air through hard “cutty” style cornering. That’s not to say they have the locking effect that air-based inserts like Procore have, but they definitely help things in this respect.

The Wolf’s Last Word

Overall, it’s safe to say that Rimpact have introduced a great contender to the rim insert market. They live up to their marketing claims, don’t break the bank, and offer great durability to boot. Their ride quality offers a little more ground feel than some, but slightly dampens trail vibrations enough to take the edge off. Also let’s not forget the most important part, there’s a healthy amount of protection on offer for both rim and tire. Overall it’s a solid product at a solid price.

Price: £36.99 ($45.63)
Weight: 95 grams
Website: Rimpactmtb.com