By Jos Dyer, 3 days ago
Vittoria presents the new Air-Liner Light Road, the ultralight tubeless insert designed to meet the demands of modern road cycling. An evolution of the previous model, the new Air-Liner Light Road introduces a completely redesigned material and an innovative manufacturing process that improve 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, Air-Liner Light Road provides puncture support, bead stability, and constant rim protection without compromising speed or ride feel.
WHAT’S NEW
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. This innovative process creates more uniform closed cells and a smoother outer surface, resulting in tangible benefits for the rider.
•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 riding 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 tire 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.
THE INNER HERO OF MODERN ROAD PERFORMANCE
Air-Liner Light Road is an ultralight insert that 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 50 km (30 miles) — essential for finishing races or safely returning home during training.
Beyond puncture support, Air-Liner Light Road 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 micro-suspension 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!”.
Said Stijn Vriends, Vittoria’s Chairman & CEO
PROVEN AT WORLDTOUR LEVEL
Developed in close collaboration with Vittoria PRO Teams, Air-Liner Light Road is already in regular use by professional riders in the most demanding races on the calendar.
“The new Air-Liner Light Road is a real gamechanger. In races like the Northern Classics, it gives us greater control and confidence on rough roads and pavé, letting us ride at lower pressures without compromising performance or safety.” Said Andreas Klier - EF Education-EasyPost's Technical Operations and Commercial Manager
TECH INFORMATION 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.
With the new Road version, the Vittoria Air-Liner range is completed. For every discipline, there is a specific “inner hero” ready to enhance the riding experience. All inserts are sold with a Vittoria Multiway Tubeless valve, designed to ensure maximum compatibility between insert, valve and sealant.
FROM PRO RACING TO EVERYDAY PERFORMANCE
The growing attention of riders towards proper tire pressures for better performance is driving the evolution of tubeless systems, which today require higher levels of safety and reliability. The new Air-Liner Light Road is designed to meet this need, offering a concrete balance between safety and performance, taking the benefits of inserts beyond competitive cycling.