Run Flat Tires

[ski.dive]

great idea!!!

[chief]

I've wondered lately why bike tire manufacturer's haven't developed a run flat tire. Recently, I found an explanation which makes sense to me.

Apparently, there are two types of run flat tires: 1) Self Supporting Tires (SST) and 2) the auxillary supported tire.

1) SST's are self-supporting through the use of a very stiff sidewall. The sidewall will help support the tire if they lose pressure. But this sidewall adds a ton (not literally) of unsprung, rotational weight to the tire - which will have a significant negative impact on handling and ride. These tires are more expensive and apparently wear rather quickly.

2) The auxilliary supported tire uses some sort of inner stiffener ring to support the tire when deflated. Special rims are required and they are, again, big, expensive and heavy... not good for bikes.

I would imagine if there was an increased demand for bike suitable run flat tires, some enterprising tire mfg'r would engineer one... maybe we need to let them know this would be a good thing for bikers.