Effetto Mariposa has launched a clever new rim accessory that reduces the potential frustrations of gravel riding.

Gravel bikes, despite resembling road bike designs, are used in harsh environments where the road surface poses a greater risk of punctures.

While gravel bike-specific tires are being improved, there will always be limitations in pinch puncture resistance performance due to size.

Gravel bike rubbers, with casings much smaller than the thinnest mountain bike tires, are more susceptible to puncture damage from the rim when riding over roots and rocks at speed. In addition, adventurous gravel bike riders will invariably encounter technical terrain.

To combat the nuisance of high-speed pinch punctures caused by roots, Effetto Mariposa now sells tire inserts specifically for gravel and cyclocross.

With technology proven in Extreme Downhill Mountain Bike Racing, the rim inserts prevent pinch flats, where trail features cause the tire to squeeze hard against the rim.

Effet Mariposa has extensive experience in producing high quality tire inserts for mountain biking, and the new Tireinvader 35 series repurposes all of its product development for narrow rims.

Specifically designed for narrow 18-25mm wide cyclocross and gravel bike rims, the Tireinvader 35 inserts feature a cell foam liner construction.

To accommodate sealant or tubeless tires, the Italian brand's Tireinvader 35 has special cutouts that are non-absorbent. There is no need to change the bulbing of the wheelset.

According to Effetto Mariposa, the Tireinvader 35 is compatible with rubber with a cross section of 32 to 42 mm, increasing the weight of the wheel by only 48 g.

As gravel bike riders take on more adventurous routes, the risk of rim strikes and pinch flats increases. Because of the rolling resistance benefits and clearance issues inherent in the appeal and function of gravel bikes, tires do not get larger.

Inserts protect against the dreaded feeling of a deflated tire after rolling over unexpected roots at speed; the Tyreinvader 35 retails for €50.