Thread: solid tires
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Old 05-30-12, 11:38 PM
  #24  
prathmann
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Originally Posted by AdamDZ
Hutchinson just announced a breakthrough solid tire that is supposed to ride like air. We'll see.

http://www.hutchinsontires.com/en/a_la_une.php?id=221
http://www.popsci.com/bown/2010/prod...inson-serenity
http://urbanvelo.org/hutchinson-sere...f-tire-system/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tOThBxjjCg

They have apparently worked out the issue of shock distribution throughout the tire which was the #1 drawback of solid tires versus pneumatic.
I saw nothing in the four links provided that suggested any such breakthrough. The only thing that looked different about their approach compared to previous 'airless' tires was that the tread is separable so you can replace it when it wears out and keep the same foam-filled core. Might make it more economical (or not, depending on the price of the new tread), but does nothing for the terrible ride quality, poor shock absorption, and high rolling resistance that have plagued all previous 'airless' tire designs. The last experience of a friend who tried one of these was that instead of getting flats he started having constant spoke breakage issues due to the harsh ride characteristics. He was willing to live with the harsh ride and high rolling resistance on his rather short commute, but having to deal with frequent spoke issues forced him back to regular pneumatic tires.

For the OP, if Schrader valves are preferred by him then go ahead and ream or drill out the rim. Only takes a minute incl. making sure the edges are smooth. Wait with any new 'airless' system until they've been around long enough for reliable user reports of success. Seems like a new one shows up every couple years claiming to be a dramatic improvement but then ends up having the same issues.
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