Product news: With Schwalbe Airless, the German bicycle tire specialist is tackling one of the major problems in the bicycle sector – susceptibility to punctures. True to the motto: If there is no air in it, it cannot escape either, so you rely on an airless hose made of high-tech material from BASF.
The problem is almost as old as the bicycle itself: flat tires. In everyday life, above all annoying, in competition in many cases crucial. No wonder, then, that there have been countless approaches in the past and present to get this problem under control or at least to minimize the risk of gradual or sudden air loss. Flat-less tires, latex tubes, tubeless systems and a few others could be mentioned here. However, none of these technologies offer a 100% guarantee that you will be spared a flat tire. As long as there is air in the game, you always run the risk of losing it.
Experiments and trials with completely air-free solid rubber tires have also been and continue to be. There are a number of reasons why these weren't able to gain acceptance among the masses: very high weight, lack of comfort and often below-average rubber compounds are just a few of them. The approach is not wrong – at least for everyday use and in the city: no air, no problem. Shards, nails, curbs ... it doesn't matter!
It is therefore not particularly surprising that Schwalbe, one of the "big players" on the market for bicycle tires, is now making an attempt in this direction. Some time ago we had the opportunity to take a closer look at the Berlin Bicycle Show. Schwalbe had actually planned to present the airless technology at the Eurobike in July, where it will also be available for end users. However, since an expensive special tool is required for assembly and can therefore only be carried out by the dealer, they had to be trusted earlier. Unfortunately, as is often the case these days, it didn't take long for the first information, which was actually still secret, to end up on the internet.
However, the early publication of the technical details does not change anything in terms of availability: Schwalbe Airless will only be available to end customers after the Eurobike, i.e. in late summer of this year - and exclusively from specialist dealers.
The Schwalbe Airless System consists of three components: A fairly solid, closed plastic ring lies in the rim bed, covers it and ensures a secure fit. Then comes the real secret ingredient: A tube whose material is visually reminiscent of polystyrene, but is much more flexible and more like a rubber-like foam. The material is called Infinergy, was developed by BASF and some of you will know it from the soles of your running shoes. The actual tire then sits above it. The latter comes with the well-known and proven Energizer profile.
In contrast to conventional solid rubber tires, the new Schwalbe Airless System is intended to convey a natural driving experience. The Infinergy "hose" is intended to simulate an air pressure of 3,5 bar, which is optimal for the city. Initially, Schwalbe Airless will only be available in one width (probably 47mm). However, other sizes are planned for the future. With 1.400g per wheel, it is certainly not for sporty use, but on the other hand it only weighs 200-300g more than a conventional tire with a thick puncture protection insert and butyl tube. In terms of price, the €84,90 seems quite fair – but you will probably have to pay a few more euros for assembly at the dealer.