Re:Smart METL airless metal bike tires use a “shape memory a...
by jfengel on Thursday March 18, 2021 @02:17PM
(#26505708)
Repair isn't that straightforward. It requires you to remove the wheel, and then the tire. You then replace the inner tube and re-mount the tire bead, which requires some practice to get right. Then you have to re-pump it. An expert can do it quickly, but it's a hassle for an amateur out for a cruise.
It's also limited by the tubes and/or patches you've brought with you. If you blow a tube, you should have a spare. If you lose a second tube, you may be out of luck. Maybe it can be patched, though I've found patching unreliable. You may be in for a long walk, in your cycling shoes -- especially if you've ridden out of cell phone range.
These are clearly going to be far beyond the price point of your casual rider, at least for a while. But if they can match the ride experience, and eventually lower the price, I could see these being wildly popular.
Pneumatic tires are hard to beat, but there's a lot of room for improvement in their durability. Which is really important for something you depend on so much.
It's also limited by the tubes and/or patches you've brought with you. If you blow a tube, you should have a spare. If you lose a second tube, you may be out of luck. Maybe it can be patched, though I've found patching unreliable. You may be in for a long walk, in your cycling shoes -- especially if you've ridden out of cell phone range.
These are clearly going to be far beyond the price point of your casual rider, at least for a while. But if they can match the ride experience, and eventually lower the price, I could see these being wildly popular.
Pneumatic tires are hard to beat, but there's a lot of room for improvement in their durability. Which is really important for something you depend on so much.