Originally Posted by
NABRXX
Considering that my commute is 25 miles each way and that after 150 miles I just got my first flat...I thought..how cool to have tires that wont flat?...what do you folks think about these tires and has anyone tried them?
After many years of commuting on cheapo tires on a variety of terrains with and without tire liners I decided to try airless tires against all general consensus among my commuting brethern(and sistern...
) including the highly regarded guru of all that is bikedom Sheldon Brown(RIP). Got my first set by going directly to the manufacturer @ Nuteck.com. I was encouraged by the OWNER of the business to up my psi, get thicker tires and the mounting tool. So, I dropped 100.00 and rode those tires for about 2 years w/very few issues.
Ordered another set for my rb and singlespeed. After about another year I just simply got tired of the grind. They ARE slower and the ride IS more harsh, but I was FLAT-FREE
for 3 YEARS!
Decided to go back to pneumatics and selected Schwalbe Marathon Plus @ 700x28mm for my primary commuter. Felt like I could BREATHE again. There are those that aren't big fans of the SMPs...too heavy, rolling resistance, etc., but I was and am VERY pleased. Swapped out all the airless for SMPs and now have had over 10,000 combined commuting/utility/training/recreational miles on 3 different sets w/1 flat and 1 slow leak(both on the same tire). Since the slow leak developed I replaced the tire w/a new SMP and have well over 1000 miles on it w/no issues. The front tire is fine w/over 8000...plenty of tread left.
For about the same money I would go w/t SMPs over any airless currently on the market, simply because they're ALMOST flat free AND they roll way better. The one flat I DID get was w/a 2" self-starting screw that NOTHING would've stopped. Had to remove it w/t phillips attachment on my multi-tool.
To be completely flat-free is to know the downside before dropping your hard earned money on unfamiliar and much derided technology. I decided that it was worth the risk. I'm happy w/my experience and still have all three sets. If you go w/SMPs get a Kool Stop tire tool and know they are a B****! to mount the first time, but well worth the effort. Get good tubes and rim tape to avoid pinch flats...and use a little liquid dish soap, too. Good luck on whatever you decide!