The Odyssey Pneumatic Tire Insert System (OPTIS) takes a slightly different approach to tubeless tire inserts. Unlike foam tire inserts, OPTIS is tunable thanks to an inner air chamber, sorta like Schwalbe Procore, but at a lighter weight and with a different valve configuration. OPTIS was designed by the BMX brand in-house.
An air-tunable insert
OPTIS utilizes a small inner tube that’s designed to clinch down on the rim instead of expanding upward and outward like a regular inner tube when inflated. Riders can tune the firmness of the insert by adjusting the pressure. Compare that to a foam insert, where you’re limited to a set level of support, which can degrade a bit over time as it’s compressed. Odyssey notes that their insert is also easier to install than a foam tire insert.
Once installed inside a tubeless tire, the OPTIS offers similar advantages to a foam insert, namely rim protection, improved bead lock to reduce tire burps, and run-flat protection. And with the insert, riders can run a lower main tire pressure for improved handling and lower rolling resistance.
Unique two-valve system
The OPTIS features a unique two-valve system that allows you to inflate the insert and your tire separately. The brand recommends taking the normal tire pressure you like to run and reducing it by 10% for the main tire. For the insert, they recommend running a 33% higher pressure than your normal pressure. For example, if you like to run 25psi in your tubeless tires, you would inflate the insert to 29.9psi and the tire to 22.5psi.
Odyssey patented its valve system in 2023. The Schwalbe Procore system uses its own patented design, which features a single valve that twists to select which chamber is being inflated.
Lighter than Procore, but heavier than many foam inserts
The OPTIS system is said to weigh less than 90g per wheel, which is much less than the 200g Schwalbe Procore system, which includes not just an inner tube, but also a thicker “inner tire.” Foam tire inserts typically weigh 100g or more, though today there are lightweight inserts like the Vittoria Air-Liner Light XC, which is said to weigh just 55g per wheel.
OPTIS is set to be priced at $89.99 per wheel, with replacement inserts priced at $39.99. That’s slightly less than Schwalbe Procore ($200 MSRP for two) but more than most foam tire inserts.
With few remaining Schwalbe Procore systems available for sale, the OPTIS is a new option for riders who like the idea of a tunable tubeless tire insert. The question is, does the OPTIS offer enough of an advantage to convince buyers? Tell us what you think in the comments below.
It appears both 27.5″ and 29″ diameter OPTIS inserts will be available at launch. Get more info at the Odyssey website.
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