Recumbent - I really want flat free tires or inner tubes which company or brand do you recommend?

I want to buy either the Specialized Armadillos or the Schwalbe Plus tires for my recumbent but can't because they don't have my tire size. Why ?

According to someone at Bentrider Online, Continental tires have a 1 year flat-free guarantee if you use them and their tubes.

According to someone at Bentrider Online, Continental tires have a 1 year flat-free guarantee if you use them and their tubes.

I have a pinch flat Continental tube (purchased in July) in a Stelvio. Is that under warrantee?

The schwalbe plus don't come in the 16 inch and 20 inch sizes for my recumbent either.

Jeffery,

The Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires aren't available in the 16" size, but the regular Marathon's are, as well as in the 20" size that you need. I have a set on my semi-bent RANS Fusion, and can tell you that they are quite puncture resistant. They will also be lighter and a bit faster than the Marathon Plus tires. You could run a set of the Marathon's along with a set of thorn resistant tubes, and you will have significant puncture protection. And, while Marathon's aren't the fastest 'bent tires available, they'll still be a lot faster than any set of Specialized BMX tires(with "Flak Jacket" puncture protection) that you'd be able to put on your 'bent.

Another tire that's worth looking into(and is available in both 16" and 20") is the Kenda KWest. I don't think it has a kevlar belt, but a lot of 'bent reviewers love them, and have commented positively on their resistance to punctures(something to do with the generous amount of rubber in the tread, in just the right places), and their relatively low rolling resistance. You could run a set of these, again, along with a good set of thorn resistant tubes(or Slime tubes), and should be able to enjoy many miles of riding between flats(if any).

The key thing to remember here is that there is no such thing as a completely bulletproof air tire. Yes, there are airless, foam-filled bike tires and tubes available, and yes, they are completely flat and puncture-proof. But most folks who have spent their hard-earned money on them will tell you that they really aren't viable alternatives to air tires...at least, not yet. They add incredible amounts of weight to your bike in the absolutely worst place--rotating mass. They make your bike feel like you're riding through heavy molasses. They're immensely difficult to mount on or dismount from your rim, and, in some cases, have been known to ruin the rim in the process. IMHO, the technology just hasn't completely arrived yet.

Trust me, when they can make an airless tire that is virtually as light as a conventional air tire, that has similarly low rolling resistance, and that can easily be mounted on or dismounted from a rim without causing any possible kind of damage to it, I'll be the first in line to order a set(or two or three)!

I have found the help and advice offered to me by the good folks on this forum to be wonderful and valuable beyond words. I've also learned that the best way to seek it here(as well as on other great forums, like "BROL"--"'Bent Riders Online") is to simply post my question once, and then post any additional questions that I may have subsequent to the replies of my fellow members. The members who have been here for a long time are usually very patient about responding to questions that are posted again and again(in other words, AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN ). So I try not to ask the same question over and over again in multiple postings. Rather, I try to take the good advice given me, do a little research and homework(based on that advice) on my own, and then make my decision(s)...better-educated because of it. 'Just a friendly suggestion....

Good luck, Jeffery! Take care, and enjoy your ride!
:)

I have a pinch flat Continental tube (purchased in July) in a Stelvio. Is that under warrantee?

No. The Stelvio is not a Continental tire.

No. The Stelvio is not a Continental tire.

So are you' saying the warranty only applies if the user is using both a conti tube and a conti tire rather than just a conti tube?

So no one here has every tried airless tires or inner tubes before correct? Just seeing.

Here's Sheldon Brown's take on airless tires:

"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, slow and give a harsh ride. 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 tire schemes have also been used by con artists to gull unsuspecting investors. My advice is to avoid this long-obsolete system.

So are you' saying the warranty only applies if the user is using both a conti tube and a conti tire rather than just a conti tube?

Yes.

The key thing to remember here is that there is no such thing as a completely bulletproof air tire. Yes, there are airless, foam-filled bike tires and tubes available, and yes, they are completely flat and puncture-proof. But most folks who have spent their hard-earned money on them will tell you that they really aren't viable alternatives to air tires

The airfree tires are great if you like massive weight, broken spokes and ruined wheels. But if you would rather not have those benefits, then stick with real tires.

The airfree tires are great if you like massive weight, broken spokes and ruined wheels. But if you would rather not have those benefits, then stick with real tires.

:beer: Derek, I love the way you just said that! You have a great way with words.

You know, it's funny...a few years back, I posted a question about AirFree Tires(on another forum) after checking out their website. A member of that forum responded, saying that he was running a set of AirFree's on his Easy Racers Ti Rush(yes, the very expensive titanium Gold Rush Replica), had put something like 3,000 miles on them, and swore that they rode as fast, cushy, comfortable, and had as good a road feel as the stock air tires that he used to have on his bike. Of course, he never experienced a flat of any kind in those 3,000 miles, and he was planning on getting another set for his other 'bent, a Fold Rush.

He seemed very serious and sincere, so I started thinking more about the AirFree Tires...until several other members got on and posted comments that were directly opposed to this guy's posting...and then I ran across that same commentary by bike guru, Sheldon Brown, that Isits posted just a little earlier in this thread. That pretty much settled my hash on the subject...and I haven't heard anything, in the years that have since passed, that would convince me to reconsider airless tires as a viable alternative to pneumatic ones....




:)

:beer: Derek, I love the way you just said that! You have a great way with words.

You know, it's funny...a few years back, I posted a question about AirFree Tires(on another forum) after checking out their website. A member of that forum responded, saying that he was running a set of AirFree's on his Easy Racers Ti Rush(yes, the very expensive titanium Gold Rush Replica), had put something like 3,000 miles on them, and swore that they rode as fast, cushy, comfortable, and had as good a road feel as the stock air tires that he used to have on his bike.

Thanks for the compliment! :)

That guy's name was something like Lewis Campbell. He went by Limey Lew for a handle. It was his posts to the a.r.b.r. board that caused me to consider them after a series of flats on my first bike (a BikeE CT). So I sent in for one from the same outfit named Air Free Tires (www.airfreetires.com).

Installation was simple with a cool tool they sent with them. But, oh my goodness, they were hellish to ride on. I lasted one ride of 10 miles before I trashed it. In that ten miles, spokes broke right and left and my wheel got bent slightly. Luckily, I got BikeE to take pity on me and send me another wheel free.

Anyway, my experiences were very adverse to the other guy's experiences. I discovered my flat problems were from ACS tires. I started shopping, researching, etc, tires. I am currently running some awesome Continental SportContact tires. They seem to be bomb proof.

Conti is not afraid to back their product either. Lately, I had a tear on my sidewall. The LBS said that it was a manufacturing error. They contacted Conti. I had a new tire in a week with no questions asked. That is a sharp contrast from my dealings with Schwalbe. Their slicks, I was told, were indestructible and I must have done something to the tire.

I am just glad I found good tires.

That guy's name was something like Lewis Campbell. He went by Limey Lew for a handle.

I am currently running some awesome Continental SportContact tires. They seem to be bomb proof.


Hi Derek,

You know, I think you're right! That name and handle sound familiar! And you're right--what he wrote about his experience with the AirFree tires was compelling, wasn't it?

It sounds like you've found some great puncture resistant performance tires...I've not heard of that Continental model. What widths did you get for your Limbo, and do you know what other widths are available in the 20" and 26" sizes? I was leaning towards eventually replacing the tires I have on my Fusion and Stratus with Schwalbe Marathon Slicks...but I'm really going to consider the Conti SportContacts as a well.

Thanks for the info and comments, Derek!
;)

It sounds like you've found some great puncture resistant performance tires...I've not heard of that Continental model. What widths did you get for your Limbo, and do you know what other widths are available in the 20" and 26" sizes? I was leaning towards eventually replacing the tires I have on my Fusion and Stratus with Schwalbe Marathon Slicks...but I'm really going to consider the Conti SportContacts as a well.

I did use the Marathon Slicks. They lasted me about 100 to 200 miles and had belt failure. Multiple e-mails were met with no response. Dealer that I ordered them from online told me it would be unlikely if Schwalbe ever responded. An LBS who used to deal with them said they would never deal with them again.

Now the Contis are much faster and they stand behind their product. I had an issue with my front tire. They admited fault and I had a new tire in less than a week.

Anyway, My widths were either 28 or 32. I cannot remember. But for my riding which is touring and club rides, these work wonderfully.

high durometer rubber

kevlar belted tires

tire liner

thorn resistant tubes.

combine all four for a superior puncture resitance. Actually if you just go for teh kevlar, liner, and tube, you will still be doin great. If you still get flats, then either chek your rim for stuff in it, or stop riding there.

Also consider tures with a tall, yet smooth tread...you want as much rubber that the shrapnel has to pierce as possible.

think of it as armor...the more armored something is, the more it's going to weight, and the slower it will get. Sad truth, but one I'm willing to live with :)

So are you' saying the warranty only applies if the user is using both a conti tube and a conti tire rather than just a conti tube?
The warranty is for Conti Sport Contact tires, and is only valid if you also use Conti tubes in them. Other Conti tires are not warranted.

What about the tires on a bike trailer? Those can go flat as well.

What about the tires on a bike trailer? Those can go flat as well.

Tires are tires. Tires go flat on trailers too I guess. But they have less of a load than a bike. Also most trailers use a low PSI tire.

Hello!

My qualifications for responding:

Not a biker for 20 years!
No experience with recumbents!
Very little knowlege of new tire/tube technology!
One year commuting on a Raleigh 10 speed 8 miles a day to school in city traffic averaging a flat a week!
Three years commuting on a Raleigh 10 speed 8 miles a day to school in city traffic on NOMORFLATS

Negative Results:

Slower ride, more work to pedal
No straining (ie. pushing the bike for all it's worth) on the ride
Plenty of glass, nails, screws, and other misc. items found in the tires.

Positive Results:

No more flats!
No damage to wheels or spokes!

Questions:

Do you just want to arrive there without a flat but lose some of the pleasure in riding?
Do you want to lose the time it takes to fix flats and buy the tubes but risk possible rim and spoke damage?

highly reccomend Schwalbe marathon Plus, it's the nearest you will get to "puncture proof" without going to solid tyres.

SW

highly reccomend Schwalbe marathon Plus, it's the nearest you will get to "puncture proof" without going to solid tyres.

SW

Hi Steve,

How do you like the riding and handling qualities of your Marathon Pluses(eses :D )? Does that extra layer of flat protection, built into the tire, increase rolling resistance much?

I'm running regular Marathons on my semi-'bent Fusion; I had the dealer swap out the stock Primo Comets for them, specifically for much better flat protection. They're certainly not the fastest tires available for 'bents, but they're not bad for the kind of recreational riding that I do. But I didn't really want to run them on my new Stratus...and, besides, the dealer I bought the Stratus from didn't carry Schwalbe tires. I would've gone for Kenda Kwests....but he didn't carry them, either... :( ...so I had him swap out the stock Comets for the better Comets with kevlar belting, and had him put Slime tubes inside them, for that extra degree of protection. I know that the Slimes are pretty heavy...but I gladly accept the weight penalty for the extra peace of mind....

:)

Hi geoff

My tyre runs fine with no noticable "extra" drag. It's fitted to the rear of a Ryan Vanguard LWB and because it has a strange (28 x 440) front tyre I don't know what it's like on the front!
BTW do you know where i can get front tyres that size?

SW

Recumbent? You forgot to mention that.

Is that a joke? This is after all the recumbent forum.

Hi geoff

My tyre runs fine with no noticable "extra" drag. It's fitted to the rear of a Ryan Vanguard LWB and because it has a strange (28 x 440) front tyre I don't know what it's like on the front!
BTW do you know where i can get front tyres that size?

SW

Hi stevew,

'Sorry, but you've got me there...I've never heard of 28 x 440...is that an unusual variety of a 20" front wheel?

My best suggestion would be to email Longbikes, since their Slipstream is kind of an evolved version of the Vanguard(at least, I think that's what it is....). Tell them what you've posted here, and see if they can help. Since their lwb is based on Ryan's lwb, they may have some historical knowledge about that unusual front tire size...and can help find a source for you. Another thing that you might consider is to get a new front wheel for your Vanguard; perhaps there's a 406 rim that will be close enough to work with your fork/brake setup.

Are there any Vanguard owners out there who might be able to help here? Thanks!

:)

Beg to differ with some of the above wisdom, but there IS a "magic solution." Rather, a magic material (science IS magic, after all), and it's called KEVLAR. There are several road recumbent tires available which are Kevlar lined and, essentially, will not puncture flat. I use Primo Comet Kevlars, and have had only one flat (NOT a puncture) in a year of hard use. If you want to check 'em out, try the Hostel Shoppe online (www.hostelshoppe.com) - they're reputable and reasonable.

If you plan on doin' real road work, avoid the Armadillos (or other mountain bike/BMX tires) - they're tough, but HEAVY, with tons of rolling resistance.

...there IS a "magic solution." Rather, a magic material (science IS magic, after all), and it's called KEVLAR. There are several road recumbent tires available which are Kevlar lined and, essentially, will not puncture flat. I use Primo Comet Kevlars, and have had only one flat (NOT a puncture) in a year of hard use.
You can poke a pin through a kevlar belt. What you can't do is cut the cord. So whether kevlar protects you depends on what you run over. The best solution I've found is to not run over stuff. I tried Stelvios for a while and found them to be flat machines. If you didn't run over stuff, they generated their own flats. Compared to them, I have run standard Comets on the front of both my recumbents for 6 years, with only one flat - a puncture flat in the rain.

I want to buy either the Specialized Armadillos or the Schwalbe Plus tires for my recumbent but can't because they don't have my tire size. Why ?

What size tire do you have?

We've had great luck with Vredenstein S-Licks on our Double Vision VR-85. Just under 1500 miles so far and they have a low rolling resistance.

Depending on the width, Spinskins will fit it your tires, they just need to be overlaped more. I think this is probably the best thing now available for your tires. But it is not flatproof, but the best that you can do. If you still have flats you need to concentrate on the road more. The design of some recumbents make that difficult, what are you riding?

Just curious but has anyone here offically tried out airless tires before saying anything about them ? Just asking.

Is there any offical reviews out there for them? Like the newest ones?
A friend of mine runs them on his MTB. He tells me that they slow him down but that he hates fixing things. He does not ride much. The foamy insert compressed over time ( I think he said a year ) so that they do not entirely fill the tire and he still has to pump up the tires now and then to maintain ridability.