Using the rhythmic compression of a tire rolling over the ground, this new product from PumpTire provides a tube that can be swapped into any tire and keep itself inflated, providing efficiency, flexibility and reliability (since pressure can be a factor in busting tubes).

A mechanism regulating tube pressure sense the need and turns on or off as required, keeping your tube at optimal levels while you ride, which means: nothing for you to worry about before or getting onto the road. Expert users can even set their own custom target pressures as desired.

The original version of the PumpTire was an integrated system, meaning: you had to use their entire tires to make it work, and when they wore down, the whole combination had to be replaced. This new version will work with different types of tires, meaning you only have to replace the tube. And, of course, it means you don’t have to buy a separate pump to inflate your tires.

From the makers: “What could be better than maintenance free bicycle tires? PumpTire inner tubes and tires do the pumping so you don’t have to. No dirty hands, no looking for a bicycle pump. PumpTire inner tubes and tires are compatible with existing tires and rims. No modifcations are necessary to add PumpTire inner tubes and tires to your current bike. PumpTire inner tubes are designed to exceed the puncture resistance of standard inner tubes and tires. Our design includes a proprietary design which resists puncture and wear more than standard inner tubes and tires.”

The post Self-Inflating Bike Tire Tube Pumps Itself Up as You Ride first appeared on Gajitz.

Ushering in future for cyclists where flats are a thing of the past, the Energy Return Wheel uses a system of rubber-in-tension to replace the need for variable firmness normally accomplished through air inflation.

A series of elastic cushions supported by a scaffold structure reacts to compression as you travel along uneven surfaces, turning trapped potential into kinetic energy that helps propel the rider forward while providing a smooth ride.

Designed originally for use in motorized vehicle, the application for bikes turned out to be a logical place to start since these two-wheeled contraptions are notorious for getting flats at the worst possible times.

Currently in development by BriTek, some design elements remain to be smoothed out, however, including how to keep the open-sided tires from becoming clogged with dirt and debris. Still, it has a lot of advantages too: “Airless, More Efficient, High Speed, In-Wheel Suspension, Light Weight, Durable, Puncture Proof, Improved Rolling Resistance, Precise Immediate Handling, Superior Acceleration, Lateral Displacement, Hill Clinbing Advantage, Anti-Bounce, Maintain Momentum , Fly Wheel Effect, De-weighting Effect, Return Against Gravity, Return Against Wind Resistance, No More Flats, Save Gas Save Money”

The post Flat Free: Airless Carbon-Fiber Bike Tires Use Compression first appeared on Gajitz.