This is probably one of those things that get you ridiculed on BikeForums and among bicyclists for the rest of your life...

One day I was on YouTube and came across this video where someone turned their tire inside out. It was a really interesting concept, so I’ve decided to try it myself...

I flipped the stock 26x1.95 Kenda tire that came with my bike inside-out, so the tread is on the inside. I mounted the tire and inflated it to 45 PSI.


Proof that the tire is really inside-out.

I originally tested the concept with a tire I’m replacing due to a gash in it. Installation was really tricky, but not nearly as tricky with the good, undamaged tire.

Because of the really tight fit between the rim and tire, I had to slide the rim with its deflated tube through the tire and center it. Then inflate slightly, mount one bead, inflate some more and mount the other bead. When the tube was deflated the beads would instantly pop right back off the rim, and with too much pressure they’d also pop off. So it was really tricky finding that perfect pressure to mount the beads at.

Another thing- to get the tube to work I had to shove part of the tube in on itself to make a “smaller” tube, as the tube at its original size would not work.


More proof that the tire is really inside out. It’s a really tight fit.

I did this yesterday and managed to inflate it to 45 PSI. A day later, it’s held perfectly fine. I had lots of concerns and even went outside to inflate it in case it did decide to pop. I was worried the tread may pop the tube, or one of the beads may not hold while being inverted. But it held.

I’m currently waiting for a replacement to the other tire. When it arrives, I may even take the inverted tire for a spin and see how it handles.

Any hypotheses on what may happen? Obviously I have way too much time on my hands...