ThermionicScott 

I'm still highly skeptical of airless tires, but I could see run-flat tubeless tires making inroads at some point. They're offer (most of) the benefits of pneumatic tires, but a puncture would not be a show-stopper.

CliffordK

Interesting thought.

I could imagine making a foam filled tubular (sewup) tire that would give it a little residual support in the case of a flat. But then one might ask what the benefit of filling it with air would be. Why not just give it enough strength to support the rider?

That brings up the Peram Never Flat Tube.
https://www.amazon.com/Peram-Never-F.../dp/B01CN73FUO

Use your normal outer shell, but put the Peram tube in, thus keep some of the characteristics of the tire. I am a bit skeptical about it though. Never tried it. It sounds like it would be a pain to get mounted right with the equivalent of full pressure.

_ForceD_

Yes, I have two sets of them. But I don't use them any longer. I can't remember the company...somewhere on the east coast of Florida (their service sucked anyway. took 3 months to receive them. And there was no one answer the phone or returning emails)...but I purchased them about 8-10 years ago. My intent was to use them on a road bike that I'd take to work in my truck and ride a quick 12-15 miles over my lunch break. I got them becasue the road that I'd ride on during the lunch break is a bit secluded and I didn't want to worry about a potential flat making me late getting back to work. The size I got was 700x23 road tire. The were available in three different densities to simulate various PSI. I like my tires really hard so initially I got the set that was supposed to have the feel of a tire inflated to 120psi. But man...that density on an airless tire was even a bit too hard for me. So, I ordered another set...the 90psi. They didn't really feel much different. But, I used them anyway. The two things that became immediately apparent was that 1) even on little bumps/cracks/holes/etc they don't absorb or dissipate the impact like a pneumatic tire does. That's not good for the wheel...or other parts of the bike and/or rider. And 2) they have a MUCH greater rolling resistance. At first I couldn't figure out why it was taking me so much longer (several minutes) to finish a 15 mile ride. I discovered that when, for or some reason, I'd put pneumatic tires back on that bike temporarily and got my speed back. So, because of those two issues I stopped using them.

Now...regarding the weight. I can't recall all the exact numbers, but at the time I did the math. I compared the weight of the airless tires vs. the collective weight of pneumatic tires, tubes, 1 spare tube, rim strips, tire tools, seat bag, patch kit, and pump...all those things I wouldn't need with me while using airless tires. On that equation the advantage went to the airless tires. They weighed less than all the stuff related to the pneumatic tires.

But, as I mentioned above...I just didn't like the feel of them and reverted back to regular pneumatic tires.

Dan

obed7

I think there is a very good reason the solid tire concept has not ever got hold, it has been around for ever, went away for half a decade, has attempted a comeback for half a decade and other than dollies and carts, keeps failing.

dabac

I've seen a youtube video of some guys mounting a tire insert on a wheelchair wheel. It required generous applications of WD-40 as lube and several guys using motorcycle tire levers.


it's the drawback of the inserts. If you have an insert that will fill the tire well you have to pull real hard on the bead to get it into the lowest part of the rim and free up enough bead to get it over the edge.