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energy return wheel - airless bicycle tires by britek
a new system has been developed to eliminate the need of air in bike tires, while still preventing the common
occurrence of punctures, tube replacements, even pressure checks. the 'energy return wheel' concept by
colorado-based designer brian russell demonstrates the possibilities of advanced wheel technologies.
instead of air, it uses rubber stretched over a series of carbon nano tube reinforced composite rods to provide
its cushioning. these rods can be adjusted, changing the tension of the rubber to suit different types of terrain,
improves flexing and recoil cycling. with the intention of reducing weight, a 29er wheel made from carbon
fiber is incorporated. further improvements include the possibilities of implementing a thin sidewall to keep
mud and trail debris out for a more consistent ride.

airless bicycle tire system

detail of the airless system

tires being used on trails
ERW- airless bicycle tires
video courtesy of ERW
via
There was already a concept of Michelin, but it is nice to see an application for bikes.
is’nt possible tuning the pressure during the use!
Wouldn’t they fill with Mud?
Great, great idea!
But:
-In the video you actually never see a close-up or/and a slow-motion of the tire which could visually confirm (and better explain) his claimed \”energy return\” power;
-Can you imagine how much junk will be trapped in those holes??
nice idea in the desert! but what about on real dirt tracks? fill up with dirt
Cool, i want some! What are they like going through water? Like treacle i\’d imagine, i wonder if they become unbalanced when full of mud and stones?
Great idea, for most of all terrains , mud is a minor problem in a city.
no more holes in my tires a great idea!!!
Sal, I suppose, this wheel is not for the city. It\’s good idea for warm, dry mountain ride, like author has showed us in video.
And not for mud and water — wheels will become like a sprinkler of s#it, clay and loam will clog of all the cavity and the wheel will become heavy.
finally!!!! i want one! i am tired of my weekly punctured bike tires!!!
bibo, put more pressure next time, 3.5 atmospheres is ok )
hahahaha,
Cool crabon stuff this. Useful in a hurricane, wind could blow right through them. Snobby, I know you’re gonna be onto this like McFly onto babbleon.
Are they MADE in AMERICA? That\’s Important to me.
What Sugano said, except Canada 4 me…..excellent remark, should be seen more often
For the mud issue they’re thinking of a version with a thin sidewall, basically just a shield. That would work I guess.
It’s probably a lot lighter than tyres. I would also be interested in a road version?
The great thing about air in a tyre is the low weight. How much do these weigh?
Сбор грязи и камней.
how bout wet snow, mud and small stones and winter climat..?
This idea just seems overengineered. The beauty of air filled tires is the ability to adjust the pressure. I run my tires as high as 60 PSI on the road (warm weather). Off-road dirt riding only requires 35 to 40 PSI. Winter riding on the other hand sometimes requires my tires to go as low as 20 to 30 PSI range. I would hate to see these tires filled with thick heavy slush. Seems like the Centrifugal force combined with the possible air cooling effect of lifting the slush off the road surface would lead to a completely frozen 75 pound wheel. Lets see more emphasis on light weight indestructible tire materials.
To seal off the inside of these wheels are the least of problems. Any lightweight waterrepelling fabric will do!
The fact that they decrease rolling resistance and totally eliminate punctures will make these a totally welcomed invention.
Great idea indeed!
Finallyy! A good idea
Where can i buy?
Where can I buy from as I do a lot of mountain bike off road please reply thank you and how much
How much are they and where can I buy them
it’s only a demonstration, to show that there is no high pressure air inside, fools) While not demonstrating, wheels can be covered with rubber, without losing efficiency.
40 years ago children bicycles from CCCP has this same conception on wheels. Tyre was made from special rubber…
Interessante, mas e o preço fica em quanto?
Request – Let me too – Change my Bicycle Wheels with – Energy Return Wheels. Kindly Tell Details of – How to Do That !