Commuting - Airless Tires - I TOLD YOU SO...

Here's to all the people that have posted cautions about trying the airless tires and knuckle heads like myself ignore them and try airless tires anyway.

I bought some airless NuTeck tires. 700Cx35. Went on fairly easily. First rides, at slow speeds, around the neighborhood seemed good.

Commuting a couple of days on them has proven to me that they are not perfect for commuting.
Granted, I haven't had a flat and I like that piece of mind.
However, they do seem to have marked, increased rolling resistance over tube/tire combinations. Coasting downhill is about 4 mph slower than tube/tire speeds as well as more pedal effort - even on level ground.
At about 18 mph and faster the tires on my bike seem to be squirming, (like the tire doesn't want to track straight or in any direction in particular - all the time), this feels unsafe to me.

I think the tires would be great on level ground at slow speeds - like at a beach resort. "Down the shore" , in Philly lingo.

So, if you have warned people about airless tires not living up to their claims - I accept the fact that, "You told me so..."

Don't feel bad. These companies depend on new customers like you to keep them in business. :p 'cause I doubt they're getting much repeat business.

I used airless tires 20 years ago while commuting. No complaints at all. Two friends then joined me and I couldn't keep up so I switched back to pneumatics. If speed is not a concern, they seem to work well.

Here is what Sheldon Brown had to say about airless tires:

Of all the inventions that came out of the bicycle industry, probably none is as important and useful as Dr. Dunlop's pneumatic tire.

Airless tires have been obsolete for over a century, but crackpot "inventors" keep trying to bring them back. They are heavy and slow. They give a harsh ride and poor high-speed cornering on rough surfaces. They are also likely to cause wheel damage, due to their poor cushioning ability. A pneumatic tire uses all of the air in the whole tube as a shock absorber, while foam-type "airless" tires/tubes only use the air in the immediate area of impact.

. . .

Airless tires do have their applications. They can work well either where speeds are very slow, or where surfaces are very smooth. Thus, they're pretty satisfactory for wheelchairs, especially those mainly used indoors, and also for railroad trains, roller skates, furniture casters, children's riding toys and wagons.
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/gloss_aa-l.html#airless

Here is what Sheldon Brown had to say about airless tires:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/gloss_aa-l.html#airless

Yes, I had read that article several times when weighing my decision and had figured that maybe they had come up with something innovative since Sheldon had written that piece.

In all fairness to Nu-Teck, the tires work and they work OK. I could actually live with the tires. I'm still trying to decide whether or not, the piece of mind that comes from not getting a flat is worth the extra rolling resistance and the "feel" of the tires.

Also, I have to say, ride comfort is excellent, they are not harsh riding.

That said, the tires definitely could work out better for occasional riders and those that live in flat areas.

I don't think most commuters would be pleased with the tires, though.

That's what you get for ignoring Sheldon! LOL

That's what you get for ignoring Sheldon! LOL

It's true!

As with most things the user has to determine the suitability of the product they buy, however, I think that more disclosure could be made on the Nu-Teck website as to the possible down sides of the product for the cyclist.

I'm sure they're great on wheelbarrows.

You can get close to the same piece of mind using tires like the Schwalbe Marathon Plus and making sure you keep them inflated to the correct pressure. They're not flat-proof but they're pretty damn flat-resistant. They do have a harsher ride than thinner, lighter tires. But I have to believe they're a helluva lot faster and smoother than airless tires.

Here's to all the people that have posted cautions about trying the airless tires and knuckle heads like myself ignore them and try airless tires anyway.

I bought some airless NuTeck tires. 700Cx35. Went on fairly easily. First rides, at slow speeds, around the neighborhood seemed good.

Commuting a couple of days on them has proven to me that they are not perfect for commuting.
Granted, I haven't had a flat and I like that piece of mind.
However, they do seem to have marked, increased rolling resistance over tube/tire combinations. Coasting downhill is about 4 mph slower than tube/tire speeds as well as more pedal effort - even on level ground.
At about 18 mph and faster the tires on my bike seem to be squirming, (like the tire doesn't want to track straight or in any direction in particular - all the time), this feels unsafe to me.

I think the tires would be great on level ground at slow speeds - like at a beach resort. "Down the shore" , in Philly lingo.

So, if you have warned people about airless tires not living up to their claims - I accept the fact that, "You told me so..."


check the center of the tire. is there a seam that is raised in the center? i had that on my set and it felt just as you described.

i will say that it wore down enough so that it wasn't as noticeable as when i first got them (either that or i just adjusted my riding style - not sure).

i just didn't like the ride quality overall. it just didn't have the smooth feeling that a set of air tires have. also, i was terrified of them in the wet weather. so, i switched back - and now i'm carrying all that flat gear (patches, tube, co2, etc) *sigh*

Also, bicycle wheels with pneumatic tires are suspended from the tire beads, instead of having a tire operating in compression to support the wheel right at the bottom. When I was a kid, my dad got me an airless tire for the rear wheel. Surprise surprise, I had a major spoke-breakage problem from then onwards (not to mention a crummy ride).

It's true!

As with most things the user has to determine the suitability of the product they buy, however, I think that more disclosure could be made on the Nu-Teck website as to the possible down sides of the product for the cyclist.

I'm sure they're great on wheelbarrows.

I've very happy with the pneumatic tires on my wheelbarrow, thanks.

I've found wheelbarrows with pneumatic tires take bumps and can go faster with less effort under load than those with solid tires. This being from many many trips to the manure pile after cleaning horse stalls...

The info about airless tires has been very helpful in deciding whether or not to switch to airless tires for my daughter's 700 c bike rims. Decided not to go that route after seeing the prices.

When I was growing up, airless tires were the best. Similar plant to goatheads grew everywhere (as in if you walked across grass with flipflops on, you'd end up with a layer of them across the bottom of the flipflops)

Foam "tube" in the tire and you could ride until the tires wore out or the bike got stolen. Not sure if part of that has to do with the fact that it was a mountain bike, so there was more cushion. Or the fact it was ridden off road more, so would be more prone to flats.

I have heard that they changed something and ones my sister got broke down in the tire.

The guy at the LBS showed me a real nice looking tire he sold to the local bike cops. They have some extra meat in the center, he said they where very flat resistant. I will try a set when I need tires again. About $20 apiece, I would ask your LSB about such things. I don't ride far enough away from home to worry about flats I guess.

My first bike had airless tires, all I remember is they suck, but that was 1969 and I was only four…

I think the tires would be great on level ground at slow speeds - like at a beach resort. "Down the shore" , in Philly lingo.

+1...

I know so many people with beach cruisers "down the shore" that don't ride their bike because they have a flat. Airless tires seem ideal for them. Most of them ride their bikes once or twice a week, if that, and performance is that last thing they're concerned about...

I called Nu-Teck and talked to Ron about my concerns and he told me the standard PSI rating is 90lbs and that my weight, at 220lbs, was too heavy for the tire.

On my hybrid bike, the original tires state 70lbs as the maximum fill pressure. Ron, told me that he didn't think I could ride easier on air-filled tires at 70lbs. Well, that's not worth the argument, so I let it go.

He suggested I return the tires and exchange them for a Custom PSI tire at 140lbs. PSI. They would make the tires for an even exchange, but I would have to pay all shipping and there would be no further returns.

Hmmmm. what to do?

I'm out the money for the original tires, so I could take his offer, but then, if I don't like the replacements, I'm out more money for shipping and I'm back where I started.

I think his impression is that my weight is causing the resistance by compressing the tire too much causing a forward swell to the tire shape right at the surface that has to be overcome, hence the increased roll resistance. The higher simulated psi rating is supposed to correct that situation, but I'm not sure I'm game.

I put a pair from Airfreetires on a EZ-1 recumbent. I took the rear one off almost immediately--it felt squirrely on turns--but I left the front one on. As a matter of fact, I recognized that tire when I saw my bike for sale at a local shop. It was stolen last summer (but that's another story).

My wife, who weighs in at less than 140lbs., tried my bike with the airless tires on and thought that they weren't so bad. We went up a hill and she noticed a bit more rolling resistance and then on a long steep descent the bike wouldn't coast past 20 mph.

So, she didn't notice as much rolling resistance as I did, but she did say they seemed slower.

I did think the ride was OK, in fact, better than air-filled tires, but if I take the offer and return for a higher psi tire, I'm wondering how harsh that ride would be.

I can think of one application where I might use them.

"Wussy" commutes.

If you have a 5 mile ride to work, you might not mind trading a bit of efficiency for the peace of ind that comes with knowing you won't be late due to a flat.

My commute is 12 miles in, 15 coming home, with a 12 hr work day stuffed in between. So, I'll take all the efficiency I can get even if it means risking the occasional flat.

My question is: Are flats that big of a problem to fix? I get maybe two flats a year. They generally get a slow leak and go flat overnight in the garage, rather than while I am riding. I probably get a flat while actually riding on the road about once every two years. It takes maybe 10 minutes to fix a flat. So what's the big deal? My pneumatic tires give me a fast, light comfortable ride with a minimal amount of effort and maintenance. It is very hilly where I live, and I have no interest in tires that would make it harder to climb, and make my bike heavier and slower.

I am convinced that many of the people who are plagued by flats are guilty of some or all of the following bad habits:
-- Running their tires at pressures that are too low (or high). Ideally, you should pump your tires before every ride.
-- Riding in the gravel, glass and other crap near the edge of the road rather than taking the lane.
-- Trying to squeeze extra miles out of worn-out tires that are thin or showing threads.
-- Buying cheap tires and tubes.
-- Using racing tires for training and commuting rather than more appropriate tires.

I commute over 100 miles in a week, and can run cheap wal-mart tubes in my Kenda tires and almost never have a flat UNLESS it's sticker/goathead season here in western Oklahoma.......... Recommended maximum tire pressure is 50-75 psi. I usually run over 100 psi without worries.

I can think of one application where I might use them.

"Wussy" commutes.

If you have a 5 mile ride to work, you might not mind trading a bit of efficiency for the peace of ind that comes with knowing you won't be late due to a flat.

My commute is 12 miles in, 15 coming home, with a 12 hr work day stuffed in between. So, I'll take all the efficiency I can get even if it means risking the occasional flat.

never will I use something inefficient on my 5 mile commute. Stop riding in the gutter if you are getting flats or change your tires more often.

besides changing a tire is less than 5 minutes

Here's to all the people that have posted cautions about trying the airless tires and knuckle heads like myself ignore them and try airless tires anyway.

I bought some airless NuTeck tires. 700Cx35. Went on fairly easily. First rides, at slow speeds, around the neighborhood seemed good.

Commuting a couple of days on them has proven to me that they are not perfect for commuting.
Granted, I haven't had a flat and I like that piece of mind.
However, they do seem to have marked, increased rolling resistance over tube/tire combinations. Coasting downhill is about 4 mph slower than tube/tire speeds as well as more pedal effort - even on level ground.
At about 18 mph and faster the tires on my bike seem to be squirming, (like the tire doesn't want to track straight or in any direction in particular - all the time), this feels unsafe to me.

I think the tires would be great on level ground at slow speeds - like at a beach resort. "Down the shore" , in Philly lingo.

So, if you have warned people about airless tires not living up to their claims - I accept the fact that, "You told me so..."

I have used airless tires, on several different bikes, for about 8 years.

It is extremely important to have the tire fit the rim VERY snugly, as you only get one shot at this, since you can't add any air.

Most people do not understand much about how to measure things and also get confused by Metric measurements. This is why many people end up with a less than satisfactory experience with these tires.

I have been car-free, since retiring over 4 years ago and, although I have several bike with pneumatic tires, the ones I ride most frequently have airless from airfreetires.com

http://s211.photobucket.com/albums/bb103/limeylew/?action=view&current=Ugly1.jpg

My question is: Are flats that big of a problem to fix? I get maybe two flats a year. They generally get a slow leak and go flat overnight in the garage, rather than while I am riding. I probably get a flat while actually riding on the road about once every two years. It takes maybe 10 minutes to fix a flat. So what's the big deal? My pneumatic tires give me a fast, light comfortable ride with a minimal amount of effort and maintenance. It is very hilly where I live, and I have no interest in tires that would make it harder to climb, and make my bike heavier and slower.

I am convinced that many of the people who are plagued by flats are guilty of some or all of the following bad habits:
-- Running their tires at pressures that are too low (or high). Ideally, you should pump your tires before every ride.
-- Riding in the gravel, glass and other crap near the edge of the road rather than taking the lane.
-- Trying to squeeze extra miles out of worn-out tires that are thin or showing threads.
-- Buying cheap tires and tubes.
-- Using racing tires for training and commuting rather than more appropriate tires.

You don't live in goathead country do you?

i think flats suck big time. i hate being on the side of a road working on my bike.

airless tires, obviously, solve that problem. it's also nice to not have to carry any extra equipment (tubes, pump, co2, etc.).

however, those advantages do not outweigh (IMHO) the discomfort, weird handling, and sketchy wet weather performance i've experienced.

if airless tires can truly be made to ride like air tires, i would buy them in a heartbeat. maybe another generation or two and they'll be ready... who knows.

If they could develop an effective tweel, that would be cool. My chief concern would be with how well they corner, since I like to lean over quite a lot for the turns.
http://us.tnpv.net/2005/MCH200510/MCH2005100977086_pv.jpg

if airless tires can truly be made to ride like air tires, i would buy them in a heartbeat. maybe another generation or two and they'll be ready... who knows.
The problem is an inherent one. A pneumatic tire's weakness (all that air in one space), is also it's strength (al that air cushions).

Since airless tires actually separate the air into tiny bubbles (foam), the cushioning effect is localized to that specific area, causing a harsher ride. There's not much that you can do to get around it. Maybe play with the shape, or play with graduations of foam density from the rim to the road.

We'll have true puncture-proof pneumatic bicycle tires long before we'll have the technology to make safe, comfortable, efficient airless tires.

This morning I thought I would take my wife's Giant Cypress hybrid bike to work since it has regular tires and it was indeed much easier going than the airless tires on my bike.

Get this...I had a flat on the front tire on the way home!!!!!!! That's 5 flats since September! Yes, I check the pressure and adjust before EVERY ride. I'm very careful to watch out for debris on the road and yet still the flat tires.

I think the guy from Nu-Teck is sneaking into my garage and sabotaging my tires!

I read where there were some manufacturing problems with Armadillo tires, so I may try the Marathon Plus tires. Clearly, I attract flat tires, I need something.

never will I use something inefficient on my 5 mile commute. Stop riding in the gutter if you are getting flats or change your tires more often.

besides changing a tire is less than 5 minutes

5 minutes if you have a pit crew with a compressor.

I never actually timed it, but, I would guess that anything under 15 minutes would be considered quick. And 15 minutes means I am likely to be a few minutes late. Fortunately, I don't ride in the gutter any more than necessary and haven't had a flat in a few months.

martybucs (http://www.bikeforums.net/member.php?u=143456),
I had 2 flats within a half of a mile back about 1500 miles ago. The last 1500+ miles have been flat free. No worries where I go, but I have lost a little bit of speed. At 58+ years, I have enjoyed slowing down a little. On early morning adventures, through the day and into the darkness not a thought goes concerning the "flat-gun" going off. I too aired up 100 to 110 psi on my OCR2. I have purchased a second set of airless tires from Nu-Teck, but I had them "de-aired" to have a rolling resistance of 110 psi. This seems to have helped, but I still am happy going slow.

I've been riding for 6 years and over 12,000 miles on Marathon Plus with Mr. Tuffies installed. No flats. Even if they worked as advertised, airless tires could not greatly improve on that. Pneumatic tires are a great idea that helped make both bikes and cars practical.

Paul

martybucs (http://www.bikeforums.net/member.php?u=143456),
I had 2 flats within a half of a mile back about 1500 miles ago. The last 1500+ miles have been flat free. No worries where I go, but I have lost a little bit of speed. At 58+ years, I have enjoyed slowing down a little. On early morning adventures, through the day and into the darkness not a thought goes concerning the "flat-gun" going off. I too aired up 100 to 110 psi on my OCR2. I have purchased a second set of airless tires from Nu-Teck, but I had them "de-aired" to have a rolling resistance of 110 psi. This seems to have helped, but I still am happy going slow.

It seems the higher psi rating would be a help and Nu-Teck suggested going all the way to 140lbs. psi. because I weigh about 220.

I'm at a time disadvantage because I have to get my son off to school - then leave for work. I have to pedal my butt off to get there in time and the airless tires added about 10 minutes to the trip - no lie!
On the way home, I arranged it so I can leave 15 minutes earlier to catch my son's school bus coming home. I have 20-25 minutes to go the hilly 5 miles or miss his bus.

So the airless tires take care of the flat tire worries but are so slow and take so much effort that I might as well just go back to driving the car and not have a heart attack.

Today, the leak seemed slow, in the front tire. I stopped and pumped it back up and it held until I got home, which at that point was only about 2 miles away, but barely beat the bus.

I may try the higher psi nu-tecks, but then I'm worried about ride quality, since the standard psi tires actually ride better than the tube/tires, comfort-wise.

Marty, I use a Marathon plus on the rear tire of my cargo bike, which for the longest time while using other "puncture resistant" tires was a real problem child for flats due to having extreme weight loads on dirty roads (before the switch, the Bontrager satellite tire suffered 14 flats in the span of 3 months, very poor track record). The marathon plus withstands these conditions quite well.

Marty, I use a Marathon plus on the rear tire of my cargo bike, which for the longest time while using other "puncture resistant" tires was a real problem child for flats due to having extreme weight loads on dirty roads (before the switch, the Bontrager satellite tire suffered 14 flats in the span of 3 months, very poor track record). The marathon plus withstands these conditions quite well.

Thanks, I've been researching the Marathon Plus tires and they seem like the way to go. When I started riding in earnest again back in August I never thought flats would be so much of an issue. I guess once you start riding a couple hundred miles in a month the odds are just better at getting a flat.

I'm impressed with the people that ride hundreds or even thousands of miles more, in all kinds of weather and aren't bothered by flats. And changing or fixing a tube in 5 minutes...I can't come close to that. Maybe 15 minutes - possibly 10 minutes for a front tire.

The same urge that made me go ahead and try the airless tire in the first place is making me want to try the higher psi they recommended. I'll see if I can resist. Also, my wife rode the airless tires and they aren't as bad as she thought they would be, but she's much lighter than me. So maybe she can use them.

I'm impressed with the people that ride hundreds or even thousands of miles more, in all kinds of weather and aren't bothered by flats. And changing or fixing a tube in 5 minutes...I can't come close to that. Maybe 15 minutes - possibly 10 minutes for a front tire.


First, thanks for starting the thread. I continue to be interested in the airless tire technology, but haven't had the guts to spend the money just to try it.

I have ridden hundreds of miles (years) without flats, but weather is usually good here, stickers/thorns are few, and I've done a lot of MUP time.

I had my first flat in years around a month ago, and had no tools, tubes, tires, CO2...nothing, nada, zip. Since it had been so long since my last flat, and the ones in the past were detected at home, so I've never carried anything for it. ...Even if I had the stuff, it would have taken me a lot longer than 5, 10 or even 15 minutes to change it. That's why I'm interested in the airless tire scene.

>I'm impressed with the people that ride hundreds or even thousands of miles more, in all kinds of weather and aren't bothered by flats. And changing or fixing a tube in 5 minutes...I can't come close to that. Maybe 15 minutes - possibly 10 minutes for a front tire.

I guess it depends what the flat/distance ratio is. I've had maybe 4-5 in the last two years. Fifteen minutes every 6 months just isn't worth doing anything about! And really, as long as you have a spare tube and pump, it's really a pretty simple task. Maybe not so fun in the rain or cold, but there's worse.

Steve

Also consider a CO2 inflator in addition to the pump. Very quick. You'll need to top off the tire later, but it gets you going again quickly.

Don't feel bad. These companies depend on new customers like you to keep them in business. :p 'cause I doubt they're getting much repeat business.

Conjecture isn't a birthright. Informed, experienced opinions are to be valued as opposed to the above. To be called a 'sucker' on a public forum is de' classe' in anyone's book.

Personally, I've ridden over 15,000 miles on 3 different types of Nu-tecks in all manner of weather and road conditions. Commuting, group rides, 'hardcore pelatons', etc. I've, also spoken w/Ron and reached some of the same conclusion(s) as you. 140 psi w/700x35mm hybrid tires may be a good fit. The 'tread face' is the same as the 28mm tires, but there's more 'meat' between the rim and the road. While they are undoubtedly slower if you're looking for a 'flat free' tire airless is the only game in town.

After about 3 years of a 40mi daily commute I grew weary of the 'grind' of airless and began switching all my commuters save one to Schwalbe Marathon Plus. It's like beaing able to breath again. Other than one 2" self starting screw that was buried so deep I had to use the phillips attachment on my muti-tool to 'unscrew' the sucker out, they've performed great. Hold the road when wet and have a great 'feel' on the road surface. Don't have any experience w/ gatorskins, armadillos, etc. I just went for the 'general consenses' best all-around, longest lasting most 'flat-free' tire on the market. But, get the Kool-Stop plastic tire lever for about 11.00. It'll save you from getting a bunch of pinch flats as the SMPs are tricky to mount. I carry it w/me on my commuter. Saves time and aggravation.

My thoughts on airless are 10 miles and under urban commute, yes. Anything more or rural, no. They're just too slow. That being said I'm glad I tried them and will always keep one 'last resort' commuter equipped w/them. I'm definately a stronger rider for the experience. There're a lot of hills in my area that don't seem as much of a challange as they used to after taking them on w/airless for a few years. :D

You don't live in goathead country do you?

What's a goathead?

But, get the Kool-Stop plastic tire lever for about 11.00.

I just Googled these and I'm finding sets of 3 in the $4-$6 range. Same thing or I'm I not finding the ones you are recommending?

Has anyone tried them “slime tubes”? Do they help? I have a set, but as yet have not put them in anything…

http://www.slime.com/product_95_Super_Thick_Smart_Tubes.html

Thanks, I've been researching the Marathon Plus tires and they seem like the way to go. When I started riding in earnest again back in August I never thought flats would be so much of an issue. I guess once you start riding a couple hundred miles in a month the odds are just better at getting a flat.


I'm curious - I've only had one flat in the last year on my road bikes that I can remember (my MTB gets more because I run at low pressure and abuse it). Have you done any diagnostics to determine whether you're getting puncture or pinch flats? I know you mentioned that you check pressure before you ride, but that you're going at 70 psi @ 220lbs, and that might be a tad low. I only bring it up because if you're getting pinch flats, no amount of kevlar in the tire will help you.



I'm impressed with the people that ride hundreds or even thousands of miles more, in all kinds of weather and aren't bothered by flats. And changing or fixing a tube in 5 minutes...I can't come close to that. Maybe 15 minutes - possibly 10 minutes for a front tire.

It's very dependent on the tire/rim combo, but even then you get better with experience. It might be worth thinking about whenever you get around to buying a new wheelset - pick a set of rims that aren't a total pain to get tires in/out. I have Mavic CXP22s (very common low-end wheelset), and they're not too bad. I didn't have any trouble getting a Conti Gatorskin (with kevlar) on those. Something to think about, I've heard that the Marathon Pluses are kind of tough to get on off.

To me, the peace of mind doesn't come from knowing I won't get a flat, because flats happen. Peace of mind comes from knowing that 1) flats will be rare, 2) I have the tools to take care of it, and 3) a flat won't be hard to change. Balancing goals #1 and #3 can be tough since flat-protected tires are often hard to get on the rim, but it can be done.

Another thing you might want to think about - I've haven't had a flat in the dark yet, but I think that's one of the things people worry about, given the inherent lack of hands for holding the flashlight. That's another reason I like having a helmet-mounted light.

I just Googled these and I'm finding sets of 3 in the $4-$6 range. Same thing or I'm I not finding the ones you are recommending?


http://aebike.com/page.cfm?PageID=30&action=details&sku=TL4022

This morning I thought I would take my wife's Giant Cypress hybrid bike to work since it has regular tires and it was indeed much easier going than the airless tires on my bike.

Get this...I had a flat on the front tire on the way home!!!!!!! That's 5 flats since September! Yes, I check the pressure and adjust before EVERY ride. I'm very careful to watch out for debris on the road and yet still the flat tires.

I think the guy from Nu-Teck is sneaking into my garage and sabotaging my tires!

I read where there were some manufacturing problems with Armadillo tires, so I may try the Marathon Plus tires. Clearly, I attract flat tires, I need something.
Mr tuffy urethane liners + slime tubes + gatorskins is working wonderfully for me in thorn infested path

Also, bicycle wheels with pneumatic tires are suspended from the tire beads, instead of having a tire operating in compression to support the wheel right at the bottom. When I was a kid, my dad got me an airless tire for the rear wheel. Surprise surprise, I had a major spoke-breakage problem from then onwards (not to mention a crummy ride).

Can some one explain the above to me? I would think that air in the tire compresses but supports rim so supports the wheel (rim) at the bottom.

I am surprised no one else has commented on this statement.

Also, bicycle wheels with pneumatic tires are suspended from the tire beads, instead of having a tire operating in compression to support the wheel right at the bottom. When I was a kid, my dad got me an airless tire for the rear wheel. Surprise surprise, I had a major spoke-breakage problem from then onwards (not to mention a crummy ride).



Can some one explain the above to me? I would think that air in the tire compresses but supports rim so supports the wheel (rim) at the bottom.

I am surprised no one else has commented on this statement.

I was wondering about it and was going to ask, but then, I thought I probably wouldn't understand the answer either.

However, they do seem to have marked, increased rolling resistance over tube/tire combinations. Coasting downhill is about 4 mph slower than tube/tire speeds as well as more pedal effort - even on level ground.

Holy carp. And I thought the Marathon Plus was slow and heavy -- they're not nearly that bad.

I ride the MP during the winter because the flat resistance is second to none and I hate changing flats in the dark when my fingers are so cold I can't feel them -- I've had 2 flats in the past 20K miles. In comparison, I used to flat the Armadillos I previously rode every 200-400 miles or so.

But changing flats isn't that big a deal. Certainly not worth anywhere near 4mph.

An interesting development, but I'm still researching.

My wife thought she'd try the airless tires and she did ride my old DiamnondBack hybrid with the tires and she didn't really notice any difference or not much. She said maybe they seemed slower going downhill, but that was just around the block.

I switched the airless tires to her newer Giant Cypress hybrid that has a front suspension and put tube/tires back on my bike.

Then I rode her bike with the Nu-Teck airless tires and the rolling resistance seemed much less than on my bike. I'm wondering if the front suspension is compensating for my weight.

I think what is going on is that my weight is causing a swell, like the bow of a ship going through the water, with the polyurethane makeup of the tire and that is slowing me down, because there is this little "swell" of the tire I have to overcome all the time. The front suspension of the Giant is pushing back a little making it less.

I'll have to take a longer ride with more challenges and the speedometer on to check the difference.

Can some one explain the above to me? I would think that air in the tire compresses but supports rim so supports the wheel (rim) at the bottom.

I don't know a much simpler way to explain it, sorry. If you get your hands on a spoke tensiometer, check the tension of a spoke pointing right at the center of the tire's contact patch, while the bike's fully loaded with a rider, and compare between pneumatic v. airless.


But changing flats isn't that big a deal. Certainly not worth anywhere near 4mph.

I look at it this way: I can change a flat and be on my way in less time than it would take me to fill up my car's gas tank and wash the windows, and I have to do so far less frequently :lol:

Marty, I use a Marathon plus on the rear tire of my cargo bike, which for the longest time while using other "puncture resistant" tires was a real problem child for flats due to having extreme weight loads on dirty roads (before the switch, the Bontrager satellite tire suffered 14 flats in the span of 3 months, very poor track record). The marathon plus withstands these conditions quite well.

Nice to see another local greaser...

I love Schwalbe tyres and Marathons top my list... for all the miles I ride I suffer from very few flats and on the rare occasion it has happened I can be back on the road in about five minutes without rushing myself.