CUSHCORE ROTARY TIRE TOOL REVIEW

October 15, 2026

If you are a hard charging mountain biker, chances are you’ve heard of Cushcore as one of the pioneers for MTB tire inserts. Installation is one of the biggest headaches when it comes to inserts – especially with burly tires – and Cushcore decided it was time to alleviate that headache. With the launch of the Rotary Tire Tool, Cushcore aims to make tire and insert installation a breeze. The question is, is this $300 tool for everybody, or is it more of a shop tool only?

ABOUT THE CUSHCORE ROTARY TIRE TOOL

The Cushcore Rotary Tire Tool is meant to lessen the amount of time and effort it takes to perform tire changes and insert installations. It is by all means a professional grade tool, but can easily be used by the average joe mechanic at home.

The Rotary Tire Tool arrives disassembled in 5 pieces, with assembly taking as much time as it takes to open the box. The tool fits most modern axle sizes, ranging from 12mm to 20mm. Cushcore’s Quicknut Hub Lock slides on the spindle speedily, clamping the hub down with a couple turns. The Aluminum Tool Head can be quickly adjusted to fit 24-inch wheels all the way up to 29-inch wheels.

The Tool Head is multi-purpose, on one end, there is an aptly named Install Skid, and on the other end is the Removal Skid. Both Skids have a protective vinyl to prevent any unnecessary damage to the wheels. These protective pieces are wear items and can be replaced for a few dollars.

The Cushcore Rotary Tire Tool retails for a handsome $299.

THE DIRT

If there is one thing that I don’t look forward during the year, it’s the tire changes that have to get down for any one of our big Shootout projects. Having to swap 15 sets of tires in a rather short amount of time is a hand-fatiguing task, with each swap getting fractionally slower and more painful. This year, however, was different. As bikes started rolling in, Drew got a text from our friends at Cushcore sharing their new Rotary Tire Tool. Without hesitation, we told them we needed it, and a day or two after, a couple of their guys showed up with the tool for us and gave us a demonstration.

Operating the Rotary Tire Tool is straightforward, but it does take few swaps to become fluid in the process. These are the steps I take when installing tires using the tool. Having a bucket or 55-gallon trash can will help with the install.

Step 1: Install one side of the tire onto the rim by hand.
Step 2: Install the Rotary Tire Tool on to the hub with the Hub lock on the installed side of the tire/wheel. Tighten the Hub luck but don’t crank it down.
Step 3: Lay the wheel/tire onto the trash can with the installed side facing down.
Step 4: Adjust the Tool Head for the wheel size. The Bead Drop Wheel should “clamp” to the rim lip.
Step 5: Make sure the tire bead is on top of the install skid.
Step 6: Spin the tool clockwise while keeping downward pressure on the handle until you make your way around the wheel.
Step 7: Remove the Hub Lock and pull the tool from the wheel.
Step 8: Unthread the Presta valve and fill the tire with sealant.
Step 9: Install Clik Valve head and air up.
Step 10: Reinstall the wheel on the bike and repeat for the other wheel.

Bam 10 easy steps…unless you are running inserts, then it might be 12 steps. If you are running inserts, you may want to spray soapy water onto the bead of the tire, so the tool glides better. Pro Tip, if you can rotate the wheel counterclockwise while rotating the tool clockwise it will save you a few more seconds on install. Plus, you look like a pro.

Yes, using the Rotary Tire Tool is easy and a huge pain saver when you have a ton of tires to swap in day. For thick, downhill casing tires and times that we are running inserts, this tool is a must have. However, for non-DH casing tires without inserts, it’s not necessary, and may take a little longer to complete an install than if you were just using your hands. The Rotary Tire Tool makes the most sense as a Bike Shop Tool or for a racer or race mechanic. I think the average rider is better off saving that $300 and putting it toward a lift pass or other fun parts.

The Wolf’s Last Word

The Cushcore Rotary Tire Tool undoubtedly makes life easy when it comes to installing and removing tires and tire inserts alike. If you are someone who runs inserts and frequently changes tires depending on trail conditions, this tool might be up your alley. The same could be said if you run stiff DH casing tires, or have particularly tight fitting rims. Similarily, if you are someone that does not have the hand strength or dexterity to install stiffer tires, the Rotary Tire Tool will help you. Shops would certainly benefit most from having the tool, freeing up valuable mechanic time. If you only change your tires every so often, the investment likely won’t be worthwhile.

Price: $299
Website: Cushcore.com