Firm on the inside, squishy on the outside
With the two having worked independently on similar ideas, German companies Schwalbe and Syntace have joined forces to introduce a dual-chamber tyres system for bicycles. As rims have trended wider (thanks in no small part to Syntace’s super-wide wheel line), traction at low pressures has improved, but the liklihood of rim strikes has increased.
Recognizing practical lower limit of around 20psi in current tubeless setups, but looking for the traction and reduced rolling resistance that even lower pressures can provide, Schwalbe has developed a system with dual air chambers. The outer chamber can be run as low as 14psi to allow the tyre to conform closely to the ground; greatly improving traction and control. A separate inner chamber allows the rider to run somewhat higher pressures against the rim, better supporting the sidewall: improving bead retention, reducing burping, and reducing rim strikes.
The system is said to be compatible with standard tyres and rims, suggesting some sort of fixed-volume inner tube arrangement.
According to Schwalbe, with this system the tyre becomes the most sensitive cushioning element on the bike. In addition to increasing traction, the ultra-low pressures serve to prevent small bumps from reaching the suspension, let alone the rider.
Given the 200g tentatively added by this system, it is likely to be initially seen on more gravity-oriented models, but if the benefits are as great as the companies suggest aren’t too high to be adapted for trail use.
While Syntace has been and will continue to be involved in the system’s development, Schwalbe will be responsible for the as-yet-unnamed system’s production and marketing. The two will continue to refine the system as the season progresses, expecting to release more information on the design, pricing, and any pending patents by Eurobike 2014.
Comments (11)
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There’s a similar system for Motocross bikes. But they have an engine. How can running your tyres at 14psi offer lower rolling resistance?
bike is staying vertically static (uses less energy) whilst irregularities in trail surface are taken up by the softer tyre.
http://www.balloonbikes.com/en/advantages.html
isn’t one valve going to be boxed in?
I’d be quite interested in this, but what’s the betting it won;t be available in 26″?
Useful for the heavier rider too I imagine
Downhill (for the moment) is still sticking to 26in wheels, so it might still roll out in 26in.
And this wasn’t meant for april 1st?
Why are the valves right next to each other though? Just for convenience when filling?
Wouldn’t it be better if they were at opposite ends of the rim so the weight offsets each other that little bit
James,
On most wheels, the valve stem is opposite the seam- this has become convention as it balances the wheel somewhat (especially with pinned and sleeved construction). Maybe production versions will see the valve stems at 120 and 240 degrees, the seam at 0…
Marc B
They were at Switchbacks in Spain testing and doing a “Soft Launch” (geddit??). If they survive there they will handle anything.
https://www.facebook.com/Switchbacks
I hope tube manufacturers get onto this too! Save buying new tyres!
I presume the valves are next to each other to make installation easier