One of the most annoying “common” problems with cycling is that flat tires are all too, well common. But a solution could be to ditch the tube. Last week Bontrager showed off its new wheel models and tires that essentially allow riders to hit the road without tubes.
This might seem like a strange way to tackle the problem of flats, but it actually does work. First the tubeless tires require a special wheel, and a sealant for tube-free operation. The tires that Bontrager are introducing this year as part of the 2013 line up also feature a Kevlar bead instead of the more common carbon fiber one, and this should be strong enough to resist blowouts. Flats are also addressed by the use of the sealant, and the fact that these run on lower inflation pressure.
Sounds like a way to avoid flats and it means less stuff – like tubes and pump – to bring on the ride. Of course if you do get a flat you’ll need a phone to call for a ride.
[Via BikeRadar: Bontrager road tubeless wheels and tires hit the road]
Having a tire go flat on a bike is not a pleasant experience. The resulting situation can range from a minor inconvenience to a major catastrophe. A majority of the time it is just an annoyance that interrupts the momentum of a good ride or a possible chance of placing well in a race, but this problem can be virtually eliminated for less than $70.