In a competition, they can ruin months of training. Or spoil a peaceful weekend ride. We’re talking about punctures, the nightmare of any cyclist. Wheel and tire manufacturers have racked their brains for years trying to come up with a solution to put this problem behind us. The arrival of the tubeless system on the market was a major advance in this regard, as it eliminated the need for a tube between the rim and the tire. Now a new generation of tires is here that even eliminates the need to inflate the wheel. These are solid tires, also called Slick Tannus wheels, which have a growing number of enthusiasts.
This type of tire is 100% puncture-proof, since air can't escape anywhere... Because there isn't any.
If you’re into long rides with your road bike, mountain bike or bike of gravel... you’ll be interested.
6,000 kilometers without changing the tires
The Barcelona-based manufacturer Tannus Tires claims that with its solid tires you can travel 6,000 kilometers without any kind of maintenance. The grip of the tires, one of the main weak points raised by detractors of this type of tire, is good in both dry and wet conditions. For those who wonder if you’re actually riding on plastic, the answer is yes, but keep in mind that it’s a very special plastic; the Aither polymer, in its 1.1 Plus version. It’s lighter than the traditional tire and tube set and is not only able to withstand punctures, but also endures prolonged humidity and heat, as well as exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, without any change. The attachment of this type of solid tire is done with a pin system that can be applied to virtually all rims on the market. The process involves fitting the rubber onto the rim and fixing it with plastic bands. The brand has several models:
Image: Tannus Tires Road Model
👉 Wide rims: a new trend in road cycling
Recycled wheels in 30 minutes
Although for now it is a project seeking funding to become a reality, the company Nexo North America (United States), formed by three young entrepreneurs, may be the next big thing in the cycling world. Their two flagship products are Ever Tires and Nexo Tires, two types of tires that never go flat. Polymers are also the stars of an innovation whose strong point is the control they offer cyclists and their long durability. On the other hand, both Ever Tires and Nexo Tires are products made from recycled plastics and are manufactured in a record time of just 30 minutes. The use of sulfur at high temperatures, among other chemicals, as well as vulcanization, are responsible for the creation of tires that promise to mark a before and after in the industry and in the experience of both professional and amateur cyclists. The fundamental difference between Ever Tires and Nexo Tires is that the former are not compatible with all rims, only with certain specific ones, while Nexo Tires are. However, the installation of the latter is somewhat more cumbersome, because they have their own fastening system, called T-bolts, and the process is not as fast as one might wish.
Are they worth it?
Whether they are already a reality, like Tannus Tires, or a project about to see the light, like Ever Tires and Nexo Tires, solid tires seem destined to carve out their own space in the market. In their favor is the obvious peace of mind they provide regarding annoying punctures, as well as their long lifespan and the fact that they require no maintenance. On the other hand, they help reduce the number of tires discarded each year, lessening environmental impact. Against them is the increase in weight that their installation entails and a riding sensation in which the smoothness of classic tubes is missed, whether with a tire or tubeless.