Effetto Mariposa Tyreinvader Tire Insert Review

Effetto Mariposa’s Tyreinvader offers lightweight, zip-tie simplicity and reliable impact dampening—an XC-friendly insert that balances price and performance.

Mariposa Tyreinvader Tire Insert Review 

Tech features:
The Effetto Mariposa Tyreinvader is designed to be a versatile tire insert that can be easily adapted to fit common wheel sizes, including 26, 27.5 and 29 inches. They are offered in five different widths to fit tires between 1.25 and 3.2 inches wide. Made from high-density EVA, a durable closed-cell polymer commonly used in sports footwear, the Tyreinvader is designed to withstand heavy impacts with minimal damage.

It doesn’t require specific tubeless valves, making it compatible with most existing tubeless setups. Since the insert’s surface interacts with the tire sealant, reducing the amount available to repair punctures, it’s recommended to add an extra 30 ml of sealant. “Space Invaders” video game-inspired cutouts in the Tyreinvader are designed to allow the sealant to move freely inside the tire.

Field test results:
Setup and installation are a snap with just a pair of zip-ties to deal with before placing the insert in the tire. Like other strip-style inserts, the Tyreinvader helps push the tire beads outward, making tire seating far easier, especially on super-lightweight XC tires that don’t want to hold their shape. These inserts are also very lightweight at just 81 grams apiece.

While we did not experience any sort of perceptible tire support, the thickness of the insert and dense material helped reduce impact severity. Flats and rim damage are reduced while using these inserts. You feel the hit, but it’s muted to a greater degree than most inserts of its type. It’s simple, but Effetto Mariposa’s Tyreinvader works better than we expected.

HITS:

• Lightweight
• Easy to install
• Compatible with standard valve stems

MISSES:

• No tire support
• Less protection than full-sized inserts

STAR RATING: ★★★★

Weight: 81 grams (each, 29”)