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Apparently:
...Michelin also showed off their new Protek Max inner tubes, which use a uniquely bumpy surface and square-shaped cross section that's claimed to be much more resistant to punctures – or more specifically, losing air pressure due to punctures – than standard inner tubes. According to Megavand, the Protek Max's bumpy surface creates a compressive force in the tube wall, in contrast to standard inner tubes where the tube walls are stretched upon inflation.
This means that small punctures which would typically enlarge with conventional stretched tubes instead tend to self-seal. In addition, the curious square cross-sectional shape is said to ease installation by maintaining the correct orientation when inserted into the tire. Michelin still equip each Protek Max tube with some sealant to finish the job, and they claim a two-fold improvement in air retention relative to other pre-sealed tubes.
The Protek Max tubes will be offered with either Presta or Schrader valves in two sizes: 700x35-47c (200g) and 26x1.4-2.125in (260g). Suggested retail price is a surprisingly reasonable $8.99.
(what date was this news released ?)
not sure, I saw them for the first time on Gizmag today 😳
Leeegit I believe.
http://www.nationalcycles.co.uk/michelin-bikes/michelin-c4-protek-max-tube---26%22-13917/
Inner tubes? What are they then? Ahh yes I vaguely remember those old fashioned things from back in the day 😉
They would be perfect for filling in the gaps when running your knobblies inside out as slicks!
So how do you patch if they do puncture?
Assume that Michelin will be selling knobbly patches to ensure a proper seal?
Hmm... and the link takes you [url= http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?PartnerID=2812&ModelID=61939&PartnerID=2812&awc=2698_1302856327_255eb59fd08fe626f4adbb23a3038242 ]HERE[/url]
Shame there's no 700cx23
I'm signing up anyway 🙂
Interesting Idea, I have to say I'm far too impressed with tubeless on my MTB to switch over to a heavier version of inner tubes for MTBing, does look like they're trying new ideas out...
What exactly is the advantage of a square cross section with lumps and bumps then? does it prevent thorns penetrating and reduce the risk of pinches?
Might be interested for the road bike, if don't switch that to tubeless...
I'm just going to try them on the hack, which I have no intention of converting to tubeless.
