Cushcore Plus Initial Thoughts

[Forever Wild]

I had the LBS install Cushcore Plus on my bike. I really didn’t need it for flat protection. I just wanted better small bump compliance. I felt I was bouncing off of rocks as I’m riding on rocky Arizona trails. I felt my forks were ‘stacking’ too much and making my ride feel harsh. My Trek has 40mm wide wheels in 27.5. My tires are 2.8 Team Issue XR4.

I had my LBS install the cushcore. They damaged my original rear tire during the installation and also damaged slightly the second tire and had to order a third tire. 2 weeks before it comes in but I am able to ride the second rear tire they installed.

On the trail ... I am running the stock 160mm Rockshox Yari RL with a cheap motion control damper. I think this is why I’m having ‘stacking’ issues. I thought about upgrading to the Charger 2 damper but felt the cushcore plus was a cheaper alternative.

Small bump compliance was noticeably better. I rode faster on very rocky terrain.

I’ll ride my wife’s identical Trek tomorrow on the same trails without cushcore plus installed and report difference in ride feel.

 

[Forever Wild]

I take it you’re running about 20psi or less? For me at 200lbs that’s when I could notice it ‘muffeling’ out the rock gardens at high speed. Much above that psi and its only used when I take a bad line or roll up a curb.

I’m at 25psi. I’m 220lbs. Maybe I’ll try 20psi tomorrow.

 

[Doug Stampfer]

Sounds similar to my experience. I also found I could 'rail' the bike far faster around berms which I put down to the tyre keeping it's shape. I run 18ish PSI & weigh 85 & found it great for small bump compliance along with one up carbons. Strange they damaged your tyres? Crappy stock ones?
I'm definitely throwing in a RC2 lyric into my yaris too. I used a shockwiz the other weeek which was interesting & all it really said that was lacking was HSC adjustment. I didn't reaise the moco is just a plastic hair roller - have a look at the installation vids

 

[Forever Wild]

I dropped air pressure to 20psi. The Trek rode a little more plush. Not much better than 25psi. I then rode my Kenevo without cushcore with 2.6 tires on 27.5 with 200mm Boxxer forks and a better charger damper on the same trails. I was surprised! The Kenevo with the longer travel and better damper was just as plush. Identical small bump compliance!