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Yet another solution looking for a problem to solve. We don't need better tires. We have them. They're called 'pneumatic' and in the late 1800's they were a sig

Yet another solution looking for a problem to solve. We don't need better tires. We have them. They're called 'pneumatic' and in the late 1800's they were a significant advancement in technology. They provide a great ride, great traction, and are straightforward to repair. I seriously doubt whether "Smart METL" airless tires meet those same marks.

m463 6y ago
I think there are significant usability problems with wheels and tires that can be tackled. For example, tires lose air on a daily basis and have to be pumped up. Additionally, even the best pumps require a bunch of fidding to attach and detach the hose to the air fitting. Tires and suspension are a tradeoff between comfort and efficiency. Lower rolling resistance means a stiffer/harsher ride. High pressure tires are narrow, have a very small contact patch and no "suspension travel" Even though it's cliche, I think reinventing the wheel might take us interesting places.
jfengel 6y ago
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.

m463 6y ago

I think there are significant usability problems with wheels and tires that can be tackled. For example, tires lose air on a daily basis and have to be pumped up. Additionally, even the best pumps require a bunch of fidding to attach and detach the hose to the air fitting. Tires and suspension are a tradeoff between comfort and efficiency. Lower rolling resistance means a stiffer/harsher ride. High pressure tires are narrow, have a very small contact patch and no "suspension travel" Even though it's cliche, I think reinventing the wheel might take us interesting places.

jfengel 6y ago

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.