Frugal foam flat protection (Cheapo Cush Core / Hokey Huck Norris / Funky Flat Tire Defender)

[@hetewei]

Hi. Great video as always! What about the long term results for this hack??? The sealant got absorbed by the foam or it's ok??

[@bkxc]

I gave up on it after I had to change a tire and didn't think it was doing much of anything!

[@dfellb]

Installing CushCore is too time consuming. Spends hours making own CushCore. Haha, sorry. I had to! Let us know how things go with the DIY version.

[@bkxc]

Haha, this did not take hours!!

[@thatguythatdoesstuff7448]

I spent $80 on Thai food for the family last night and I AM NOT spending $150 on foam. I completely understand economies of scale, but it's still just foam.

[@collinmcballin]

Love this idea! :cush core Takes 'bout 8-12 minutes a wheel to install

[@copperhanesart]

@@collinmcballin and 200$

[@collinmcballin]

@@copperhanesart I refuse to ride without Tire inserts. I would rather lose my seat dropper then lose my tire suspension and cornering grip/stability

[@NotingIsWhatItSeems]

"Good for you, i'll see ya on the trail." The most passive agressive se ya on the trail ever lmao.

[@bkxc]

Hahaha, I'm gonna use it more often

[@rterry2752]

$60 bucks for one tire is nuts, love the ghetto way !

[@WorldwideCyclery]

Huge fan of these inserts, save your rims big time!

[@bkxc]

I can only hope!

[@Derkenblosh2]

OK... tech tip (i've already done this) ... * use a bread knife to cut the foam.... electric bread knife = more better * draw a line before cutting * Use a apple core cutter for the valve stem * use spray glue specifically made for foam to glue the ends together (it actually melts it and makes a perfect bond

[@bkxc]

Great tips dude!

[@ThisGuyRides]

I used both spray glue and super glue, and the ends fused together after I rigged a way to apply pressure overnight. Guess it's safe to skip the super glue next time.

[@molar1979]

A cheese slicer would work great.

[@tomguillon3457]

Does the foam have a special name or so ? I’m planning on trying this but can’t find some in stores...

[@BurninatorTheTrogdor]

This is definitely a bodge.

[@bkxc]

Big time!

[@th_js]

No, it's a HACK!

[@Metal-Possum]

It's a Hodge!

[@Cr3ePiO]

Haaaaaaaacks and bodges!

[@kevinsage245]

Buy the 1 inch x 6 foot pipe insulation which is split. I split and turn inside out lining the tire. I put in 20x4 Fat Tire and downsized the tube to Slime 20x 1.75-2.00 tube. Inflated to 35 PSI posted on sidewall.

[@HFODT]

I tried making a ghetto huck Norris out of a sleeping mat used for camping...should be closed cell foam. It absorbed like half a big bottle of sealant...

[@bkxc]

Hahaha, damn!

[@HFODT]

Would be interesting to know how yiur experiment turns out! Follow up video in a few weeks? :)

[@ChildrenOfTheLoam]

Great video, we appreciate the shout too. I hope those rims stay dent free!

[@bkxc]

Glad you're willing to experiment and share!

[@itsjarydroyer]

Even though I am new to your channel, I absolutely LOVE IT MAN!!!! I have raced motocross my whole life, moved to Phoenix for Dental School and BAM!!!! I needed something to make up for the lack of adrenaline rush. You are GOLD man, sure hope I can get rolling solid by taking form your advice. Thank you for everything you post and keeping things fun! _Hope to see you on the trail_ Jaryd R.

[@bkxc]

Welcome aboard!!!

[@dummmylog3070]

What a meticulous, diligent work!!!

[@deadeonzx]

anytime you disagree with someone you should always say "we get it, see you on the trail" cuz that was lovely lol

[@bkxc]

Hahaha, pretty much my favorite part

[@MTBFlowRider]

Can't wait to see what results you get. I'm all about DYI if it works. Haha.

[@bkxc]

Hahaha we shall see

[@kalevmccarthy8260]

The cheapest shipping on the linked website for me is $47 🤦‍♂️. I live in the Midwest!! Good video tho

[@johnbell3826]

You should send this into GMBN for hacks and booges. Im gonna try it

[@bkxc]

Haha yes

[@darkomtc]

Trick is to stretch it all around the rim, tighten it hard with zipties and no gap is needed for valve since it has holes on the sides. I used slightly larger diameter which made it super hard to put tire on it , but after some elbow grease, there was no way to burp a tire, since it was filling the sidewalls near bead fully. Also, wrapping the whole insert in cello tape will prevent it from sucking all the sealant that you put in. I run 2.35 Gravity Magic Mary on about 15PSI with no problems. Cheap stuff. I made it few times, and with experience it gets lots easier and works really well.

[@themtnbikegeek]

I still say it should be called BKXCore

[@bkxc]

Haha, I don't want my name on this!

[@th_js]

It would be: Brian Kennedy Cross Core!

[@m1chaelsc]

Shit core

[@Derkenblosh2]

I wouldn't either .... lol

[@tbrown8790]

Cush Poor!

[@jcollins782]

Haha that moment at 45 seconds in when the cush core suddenly magics its to the table behind you. Great video dude

[@bkxc]

Hahaha thanks

[@mark77woody]

For everyone watching and considering doing it, DONT! Tried it with whole backer rod not cut and still ripped my tyre. It's just not dense enough. I wasn't being cocky and running low pressures either(28 psi hardly low) Save yourself the hassle and buy something fit for purpose.

[@tim3kgt]

"F'n CUSS-CORE" / "CURSE-CORE" / "SMEASH-CORE" i have cushcore too. i swear by it! the method you showed here is best. 1 tire bead, insert cush core, pinch cushcore to high volume area of tire and set 2nd bead. If you leave the chush core and the tire in the sun for a few minutes before, the process goes much smoother. 1st couple times are tough but it becomes very doable, and not so bad. Also, dont worry about the spacing of an air escape. The air will find a way. Esp, with the cushcore valves! sealant in tire before setting bead, not through the valve stem; works best for my setup.

[@bkxc]

Fantastic, Tim, I really appreciate the tips!

[@JaredHoff]

My next bike is going to have carbon rims and I’m wondering if I need inserts? I’ve been trying. To ride gnarlier stuff. Are inserts a must 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@reirei4367]

Someday in the distant future I want to be able to say: "back in my day you did BXXCs cheapo cush core hack and called it good". Haha thanks for the vid Bryan!

[@bkxc]

Hahaha yeah!

[@stiingya]

Cool, I always thought people were joking about this... Look forward to results.

[@SelfAdjustment]

Well?? Did it work? Are you going to make a follow-up video? 🙏

[@fijibubba]

I'm 300 lbs I run 30 psi LOL and true on a 3' wide tire :) Brian, Awesome video. I'm gonna try it.

[@bkxc]

Good stuff Pete!

[@jones1749]

3:55 Sealant or Semen?

[@Nox-rq7of]

I'm in the same boat as you Brian. 130 lbs and I'm on rim number three 😤. I love how bike-ghetto this is. Cheers!

[@bkxc]

Dang!!

[@Nox-rq7of]

BKXC enduro 🤷‍♂️

[@mphmtb]

How does adding the foam make the wheel ‘feel’ when riding. I did a back to back tubes to tubeless with the same tyres and pressures and noticed a massive difference. Surely running 5-10psi extra will make less of a difference than adding foam which will absorb the sealant and change the tyre dynamic.

[@bkxc]

Feels about the same, but with the lower air pressure it's nice!

[@gabriellord7556]

134k! I was here at 20k! You're absolutely amazing. keep up this awesome work.

[@bkxc]

Glad you're still here!

[@TwitchyNick]

Look forward to hearing about the results. For $16, the experiments worth a try.

[@bkxc]

Definitely!

[@gastonuzc]

Dude.... April Fools Day. Although Spotting the Van was even better on Instagram. Keep us posted as you guys are getting started!!!!! Awesome dude.

[@landonashby2029]

Is there a reason for not just stuffing the foam in the tire without cutting it? Just asking to educate myself.

[@bkxc]

I think it would take up way too much volume!

[@TE_53349]

Ive never personally had a puncture, snakbite or ding but this foam stuff seems interesting

[@xNoLimits84x]

Is there a follow up video with a review of how the DIY Cheapo Cush Core is working?

[@bkxc]

Doesn't seem to be doing anything good or bad

[@gregtherider1]

I have been using very similar stuff - closed cell isolation foam for heating pipes. They are dirt cheap and its more similar to huck norris and it works great! I rode it through whole season without any snakebite! Before that? Dont even ask!

[@bkxc]

Wow, good stuff!!

[@OneWheelLess]

A bread knife is a much better option to cut foam, blade is really thick on that one so there’s much more resistance. I was a little worried you were gonna lose a finger 😬 it’s a great idea, I’m interested to see how it works 👍

[@bkxc]

Yeah, good call on the bread knife!

[@grantfeddema5332]

May not ever do this to my bike, but it's a good instructional vid Brian!

[@bkxc]

Haha yeah, not recommended!

[@constantinealarcon2792]

What's the width of your tire? 27.5 x 2.35? What do you think should the backer rod closed cell foam diameter wise for a 27.5 x 2.6?

[@bkxc]

My rear is 2.4. I think 2 inches is your best bet.

[@toobigal]

I'm imagining a cross section of the rim and tire and wondering why you split the foam and put the flat side out. Why didn't you just leave it round?

[@bkxc]

It's giant to leave it in tact, but you could try it!

[@iamsemjaza]

You need to make a foam cutter, which is basically a wire that gets hot and then you just drag the foam though. Cut like butter.

[@bkxc]

I've got a NEW SHIRT designed by my homegirl Kristina from Sketchy Trails. It's pretty awesome and will be GONE soon: teespring.com/just-go-ride

[@raivkka4313]

First and foremost Brian, leave the homemade cush core IN when you send it back. The people that get the bike will get a hugh chuckle from it. 8) 2nd, here is a revolutionary thought, couldn't you just put in a couple more PSI to prevent flats? And yes, I know less PSI makes a better ride but unless your are a downhill racer (as in someone who doesn't pedal) that device is a waste of money and extra weight.

[@bkxc]

Haha, I'll leave in a thank you note!

[@royjaleco]

Nice hack, Brian. My mates and I will definitely try this, specially Cush Core and the like cost an arm and a leg in these parts.

[@bkxc]

Haha awesome

[@rekamniar]

Hey Bryan, do you still recommend the cheapo cushy mushy core in 2023 and beyond?

[@seans4018]

So what was your final thoughts??? Would love to hear an honest comparison to the other expensive options. I'm thinking this route for my bike.

[@maxm7510]

I would like to see a comparison of BK XC core versus cushcore I also wonder what you would do if you got a bad sidewall tear ps thank you for continually making entertaining content

[@bkxc]

Thanks Max!

[@MTBScotland]

seen this hack before - works pretty well from users I've spoke too. I don't have my tyres that soft so pinch flats aren't an issue. with my skill level having less psi doesn't help ha ha ha ha. For those that do it certainly is a great hack to do.

[@bkxc]

Hoping it helps

[@MTBScotland]

or you could stop riding so hard though rocks :P

[@TommyHuynh]

Awesome video Brian the workshop looks so dope. That seemed like a ton of work. Lol, my suggestion is throwing on Schwalbe super gravity tires (Magic Mary upfront and Hans Dampf in rear) they are slightly heavier than those Maxxis you run but they are bombproof. I used ride Maxxis Minions and used to get flats all the time down Mt Wilson (you know how chunky that place is) but as soon as I tried the Schwalbe Super Gravity, never had another flat. Almost all of my boys run Schwalbe SG and the ones who still ride other tires are the ones who get flats. The other big benefit is I am able to run my tires super low, I run 18-19 upfront and 23 in rear. To me tires are the biggest bang for the buck when it comes to upgrades to the bike.

[@bkxc]

Now you've got me going down the rabbit hole on tires, dude!! Love getting good recommendations.

[@nathan42694]

Tommy Huynh on another note, couple years ago I was running Schwalble Magic Mary's 2.35 on a 29er" I had. 2 flats in a Season. Now I run Maxxis 2.3, 2.5 on my 27.5 for the second Season in a row with no flats, an I'm hitting way harder trails with Maxxis tires. I most allways run the psi for the terrain of the trail, an I learned how to be light on my pedals.

[@TommyHuynh]

Ty Wells most likely you had Schwalbe Evo casing NOT Super Gravity casing there's a huge difference. The SG casing is basically DH sidewalls with Kevlar down the spine.

[@nathan42694]

Tommy Huynh exactly! I'm waiting on a guy to bring me a Maxxis DHF 2.4 DH casing for extra sidewall strength. Schwalbe are good tires, don't get me wrong. We could go on about the whole Maxxis V.S Schwalbe forever lol. It does depend on terrain, and my mtb friends run Maxxis. In another town, people could be about Continental.

[@TommyHuynh]

Ty Wells for sure Maxxis are great tires and that's all I used to ride but if you want bombproof you roll Schwalbe SG. I had Maxxis DH casing and warped them down telonics, they were brand new (3rd ride) and when I contacted Maxxis for warranty they asked what psi I ran I told them 25 front and 28 rear and they said it wasn't warrantied because the minimum on Maxxis DH tires is 35psi. I couldn't believe it, that was my last set. Don't get me wrong I had issues with Schwalbe Evo casing too, blurped them all the time on chunk but since the SG came out that's all I been running on all my bikes. They are definitely heavier but grip and durability is more important to me than weight. I am now able to run my psi super low 18 front and 23 rear no issues. Tires is definitely a personal choice and this is just my opinion based on my past experiences with both tires.

[@zabolatlan_nyekenyoka1291]

Hi! Finnaly what is your experience this diy "cushcore" ? Work fine, not cork-screw (around its axis) after some ride ?

[@bkxc]

I couldn't tell if it really did anything!

[@kristhomas8518]

Will there be any results in ride findings ? ,,looking forward !

[@bkxc]

Sure, I haven’t noticed much difference yet!

[@OutdoorGold]

I love it! So many great strategies Brian and I learned alot! I liked how you saved the sealant and used the trash can to help work the tire, all good stuff. For seating the bead, if I'm having a hell of a time getting it to go, I take a tire lever and run it around both sides gently pulling back (helps seat the bead). I've never tried cushcore or the "pool noodle" flat protection so maybe it will or not work. Sweet vid BKXC and happy riding!

[@bkxc]

Thanks so much man, glad you could get a couple little tips from this mayhem

[@spencerimre]

Although I like the stingy spirit of saving the sealant to use again, the actual liquid sitting in the bottom of the tire after a few weeks is pretty much just milk. All the latex particles floating around in there have stuck to the inside of the tire, which is why sealant works. The latex gets pushed into the hole by the rushing air and liquid. If you're changing the tire, you should change the sealant too.

[@meSSican80]

I did this and while the insert worked great i noticed that the sealant was absorbed by the insert. When I pulled mine out it was obvious it saved a bunch of rim strikes....even down the center.

[@DGYSAM]

So heres a stupid question...why not just use the whole thing per tyre and not cut it in half. Could run even less air pressure and still save rims etc. Just an idea. Now to find where to get this stuff here in New Zealand.

[@bkxc]

I'm sure it's possible! seems like it would take up too much volume though!

[@tacticalpotato5665]

can you make this so it works with inner tubes or is it going to be too thick for the tube.

[@smoothisfast6644]

Please give a review of Cushcore when you’re get your bike.

[@th_js]

When you* get your bike

[@rawmtb7943]

Hey Brian, Why do you use your air compressor instead of you Topeak pump with the compressor built in? Is the built in compressor any good? :)

[@bkxc]

Couldn't get it with the Topeak canister

[@willbros1499]

The guys at the local shop have those new reservoir pumps in a few different brands, and all of the mechanics say they don't work as well as the old ghetto homemade 2 liter bottle solution. They don't even mess with those new pumps anymore...just straight to the air compressor. So you're not the only one.... LOVED the comment about "self heckling." :-) I'm going to be interested to see how much sealant that "closed cell" foam absorbs. What Phil was able to do to the actual Cushcore was eye opening, so for those wanting to run lower pressures and race enduro...I think it's a game changer. I never cared for the "squirrely" feel of pressure low enough to have to worry about rim issues with tubeless, but it would help if you had a tire "going low" and you didn't know it. At least you have a chance of catching it before it's too late with CussCore.

[@cortarelva]

What jacket are you wearing? I really like it.

[@bkxc]

Carhartt something!

[@ama91744]

@bkxc any word on the follow-up video to your experience with the homemade foam insert?

[@bkxc]

I used it for a while, I don't really think it did much.

[@ama91744]

BKXC aww damn, that sucks to hear. I wasn't expecting a perfect comparison to one of the expensive name-brand foam inserts, but certainly wishing for a decent, cheaper, alternative. Thank you for your reply!

[@rekamniar]

This vid is much more fun that it should be.

[@bkxc]

Haha glad to hear it

[@marldayniellesilvestre3372]

You should've lined up the maxxis yellow name of the tire next to the valve Brian. At least that's what pros say and do. Hmmm nice DIY you got there. Looking forward to its video on trail!

[@bkxc]

😁👍

[@roped2theground]

10 hours haha. As always great video bud. Cant wait for the CushCore fight to the death 👊

[@bkxc]

Haha it's gonna be fun!

[@hunkyheyward486]

pool noodle is closed cell too, things like memory foam and mattress foam are open cell

[@bkxc]

Interesting!

[@hunkyheyward486]

Yaaaaaaaaaaaay he replied

[@davidtonetti4450]

Well...was your garagecore insert a success?

[@samuelmuldoon4839]

Instead of using tubeless tires, which still require air, I use solid rubber tires. You do not have to pump any air into the tire at all. There is no valve stem. Although they are very difficult to get on the rim, they never go flat. My tires were originally intended for wheel-chairs, not bicycles, but there is plenty of "pressure." I do not know what the equivalent PSI is, but they are not soft when pressed with ones fingers. I've never had them slip off. When putting them on, they eventually sink down into the rim, and there's so much tension/elastic stretch, that there's no way it's going to come unseated. The brand name is "SHOX." I've used "Amerityre" too, which are more mountain-bikey, but expensive as hell. SHOX are city-bike only, but they're dirt cheap.

[@danharvey3096]

and you MTB with these how? What tread pattern do they have? Can you downhill or enduro race or even ride with them? Does the grip give good traction on the surface when hitting berms & over awkward shaped rocks? If no to all that then your solid tires are completely irrelevant to the conversation.. You may as well be saying you should run the pedal bike on 96 unleaded because it works fine for your car.. Maybe it would work with roadbikes, but i cant see any situation where they could work with MTB, & that's what the video was about..

[@samuelhan1893]

Question. My friend missed a bunnyhop going up a curb when i was running low pressures tubeless, and he dented the rim. I fixed it as much as i could with a spanner and spoke wrench, but there is a minor flat spot on the hoop. Is there anyway to fix this or do i just need a new hoop? Thanks.

[@bkxc]

No idea, see what the bike shop has to say!

[@HairyMTB]

Look forward to seeing the follow up vid!

[@bkxc]

We shall see!

[@Antweak83]

Have you tried it out yet? Did it feel funny like running tubes?

[@bkxc]

Doesn't feel funny, feels fine!

[@miketong4969]

Smeash Noodle?

[@bkxc]

Hahah!

[@jonathanmtb9330]

Great idea great video very interested to see how it works out for you. Also how are you liking the orbea Rallon?

[@bkxc]

Love the Rallon!

[@1bigkevs]

Very comedic, thanks for the laugh bro.

[@baraBober]

Shipping? You know you can find these in EVERY hardware store right?

[@RJRobinsonX]

I have taken mine on and off a few times now. no big deal.

[@bkxc]

Good to hear!

[@RJRobinsonX]

Love you guys btw. Thanks for all the great content!

[@mikekobylasz3490]

Sweet idea Brian!!

[@bkxc]

😁👍

[@mikieson]

i wonder why you can just purchase some foam like this in a size to fill up your tires and just seat the tire and ride without sealant OR a tube? if the tires are set should work..right?? no more flats,no messy sealants,etc..

[@bkxc]

You never know until you try! I wouldn't try it, haha

[@PeterCPRail8748]

Hay its Nugget Magivor. Nice tip Brain, hope it kind of worked!!!

[@bkxc]

Haha me too

[@Bush01]

Loving the nuggetorium videos!!!

[@bkxc]

Awesome, thanks Adam!

[@alfredde4350]

Interested to see what you think about this

[@bkxc]

Me too!

[@wegder]

Pool noodles are open cell foam?

[@matttaylor9385]

I know it was a super duper clean cut, but next time might want to think about hitting the sliced edge with a torch. It'll sheen up the cut cells and might help keep it from saturating with tire goop.

[@bkxc]

Oh interesting!

[@macinons]

sealant is not absorbed by the foam?

[@bkxc]

Hope not!

[@Iconsdead]

HackNorris

[@bkxc]

Yes!

[@willbros1499]

My favorite.

[@danielshearer1439]

hi do you know of a fullsuspension mtb 140 -160 mm travel under $2000 aus that can ship to australia.

[@Antweak83]

Haha it's funny when you say "I get it...i run 18psi and I'm 300 pounds...never got a flat" 🤣😂😂😂

[@bkxc]

Haha

[@saml8119]

I flat pretty much every ride it seems. I’m going to just start filling my tires with expanding foam. Joking aside I like that your trying this out.

[@bkxc]

Haha, it was worth a try but not that great. There are some better options out there like Huck Norris and Vittoria Air Liner

[@slebla240]

I found that the easiest way to remove old sealant is to use the top from a spray paint can. It fits the inside of the tire nicely. Works well for me.

[@bkxc]

Oh wow, that's great

[@azmtb93]

But I weigh 400lbs and use 10psi with carbon wheels and no cushcore... never had a flat once! Haha but seriously, have you looked into or tried the cushcore xc?

[@robbo580]

Is the wheel balance forked?

[@bkxc]

Seems fine, probably not

[@X41N3]

Wish I had something for a setup with tube...26"

[@RedWingsninetyone]

When I tried setting up my tires tubeless that way (sealant through the valve stem) I had a lot of issues with back pressure from air not being able to move when I'm putting the sealant in. Did you have any issues and if so, how do you combat that?

[@bkxc]

One tip I've learned (I forget to use) is to squeeze all the air out of the tire and really squish it before you put the sealant in.

[@Glee73]

try getting a tire off or putting one on stan's rims.. even with levers.. its nearly impossible.

[@powskier]

Why were you using slime over Stans?

[@faitho]

With wtb though casing tyre you forget about flats and you have better damping and more grip

[@bkxc]

There ya go, I should try them out!

[@philwise3541]

If it works Bryan then it looks like a great job. One thought I have is that maybe the wheels will be out of balance? I know the zip ties won’t weigh much, but they do weigh something, so maybe put a zip tie at the opposite side of the wheel to what you have to have them on, just to balance the wheel out. Great to see a bit of ingenuity. 👍

[@bkxc]

Yeah, it's definitely NOT an exact cut on the foam either!

[@philwise3541]

BKXC fair point 😆

[@mattntp3031]

ive had cushcore on and off, its not that bad. just need to understand what you re doing

[@bkxc]

I hope I will!

[@christophelepine6926]

Hey Brian, can you link me what you use for the floor please, thanks and really appreciate those videos where you're not riding, it change and it's cool too !

[@bkxc]

Thanks dude! Here's the flooring: amzn.to/2uN4SB9

[@brendonnoble5227]

Why do you need to zip tie the foam together?

[@FeeneyHollow]

I was thinking about doing something similar myself. Thank you for convincing me not to! Ha ha. Love the channel.

[@bkxc]

Hahaha nice!

[@JMDLG]

How did this macgyver Cush core work out for you? Was it helpful at all?

[@bkxc]

Honestly could not if it helped!

[@cammoandy6498]

Thriftiness to the core.....love it!

[@bkxc]

Hahah yes