Midweek Post for September 20, 2023 – New Bicycling Tech: Airless and Flat-Proof Tires Inspired by NASA?

Many things can end a bike ride prematurely. But if we break it down, there are really three specific situations that stand out. The most significant one, which you really have no control over, is how you feel. Second, a mechanical issue that can’t be fixed easily or quickly. Lastly, and most likely the one we’ve all had to face as cyclists at some point, is getting a flat.

Flat tires are highly commonplace in the sport of cycling. In most cases, a flat can be fixed quickly. The cycling industry has a whole category of tools available to fix flats and special tubes and tires created to supposedly prevent them. Sometimes, rare though it might be, the ability to fix a flat isn’t feasible.

But what if you could put a tire on your bike that doesn’t use air and that doesn’t flat? That is what the Smart Tire Company is promising with its not-yet-released-to-market Metl tire based on tech from, of all places, NASA, according to a recent article over at road.cc.

Getting a Flat Tire and Tire Failure

It’s an understatement to say that getting a flat tire is highly frustrating. It’s an unfortunate truth as well that a flat (or tire failure) can happen at any time and when you least expect it. If you’ve never had a flat while out on a ride, consider yourself lucky. But over time if you ride your bike on a regular basis, and no matter what you do to possibly prevent it, you will definitely get one.

The factors that can cause a flat tire are many. Too much air, not enough air, an improperly installed tube, or even complete tire failure. Most times, a flat is easily fixable by replacing the innertube, inflating it, and then continuing with your ride. This is a best-case scenario.

I’ve had instances, though, where I’ve had tubes that were bad right out of the box. I’ve also had back-to-back flats. In one instance, it was a small piece of metal or glass that penetrated the tire and stuck out enough to cut the tube when inflated. Then recently, I had the sidewall of a tire fail completely while on a ride and it was one of two recently acquired tires.

NASA and the Future of Bicycle Tires

The moon or Mars has no paved roads, and astronauts are probably not trained to replace tires on their lunar rovers. That’s why NASA develops special equipment to take to these rough environments where a flat tire or other mechanical failure must be avoided.

Created by NASA but reinvented for commercial use back here on earth by the Smart Tire Company, the tires use what’s called Shape Memory Radial Technology (SMART). These compounds allow these rubber-like tires to function without air and will not deflate.

The special material used: NiTinol+. It is a nickel and titanium alloy that forms a tire that is superelastic. The superelasticity of these two metals allows them “to undergo large deformations and immediately return to [their] undeformed shape upon removal of the external load.” In other words, these metals are perfect for use in all kinds of consumer tires and could have a huge impact on the 300-billion-dollar tire industry.

Metl Final Product and Availability to Consumers

While this huge leap in tire technology is exciting, it’s important to note that it is still going through final stages of development and is not available just yet. Since the METL tire will be made of mostly metal, the biggest final add-on is that the tire will be “integrated with a special poly-rubber material, for the longest-lasting tread and grip, for all weather conditions.”

This poly-rubber allows the tire tread to perform in all kinds of weather conditions. It also makes the Metl environmentally sustainable because the tire can be re-tread and because it uses 50% less rubber than conventional tires. But that won’t be a necessary or frequent occurrence as the Smart Tire Company claims, according to road.cc, that the tire should last 3,100 – 5,000 miles. That’s outstanding compared to traditional bike tires that may only last 1,000 miles.

The tires will not be available until June 2024. However, you can make a $500 donation and you will receive two Metl tires once released to the general public. If you have money to burn, you can step-up to a $1,300 donation for the tires installed on an aluminum wheelset. $2,300 will get you the tires installed on a carbon wheelset.

Last Thoughts

The use of the latest technology in cycling equipment, such as 3D printing, is exciting. That means the sport and what defines it are still evolving. That is exciting in and of itself. Will you pledge some cash for these new tires, order a 3D-printed helmet, or even a 3D-printed saddle?

I hope once this new tech becomes available and mainstream it will be affordable to everyone. I also hope it will give people more impetus and encouragement to abandon their cars and choose cycling.