Tag: Tires

Xerxes The Great

We’re not sure how 45NRTH came up with the name Xerxes for its snow full traction commuter tire, but perhaps it has something to do with the way that it can “conquer ice, conquer snow, conquer your winter commute.” We just ask because while Xerxes I of Persia was a serious conqueror let’s not forget that he was also the Persian ruler who was held off by King Leonidas of Sparta – of the movie 300 fame. He did eventually conquer Greece but his victory was short lived, which isn’t exactly the sort of thing one might want to dwell on whilst riding to work.

Perhaps Xerxes just has a particular ring to it, and the tires do seem like they could roll over a group of Spartans. These feature fast-rolling rubber tread, which is flanked with 140 aluminum-carbide studs. So regardless of the name the Xerxes could be the tires that will let you conquer the snow and ice this winter.

45NRTH Official Website

Bike Spiked

There has been a notable trend in winter bicycle riding with several companies crafting fat tire “snow bikes” but another option is to get the right snow tires for winter riding. One solution is Bike Spikes, a unique solution that doesn’t even mean changing the normal tires but rather putting this series of flexible, studded plates – which are connected by a wire – over the tire. The details on this system aren’t entirely clear but we’ll be sure to keep an eye out for anyone riding with these! Video after the jump

Interbike 2012: Michelin’s Call of the Wild and Mud

We know what you’re thinking: “It’s 2012 can there really be innovation in mountain bike tires? Seriously!” The answer is yes, there is always innovation, always some improvement. That’s par for the course at Eurobike or Interbike.

But then we saw the Michelin Wild Mud Tire and it could be a game changer for those who ride in situations where the ground isn’t bone dry. So while they might not hear the call of the Wild Mud in drought-plagued Texas, for those where the rain falls and snows leave mud this is the tire that can cut through it like no other. Continue reading Interbike 2012: Michelin’s Call of the Wild and Mud

Flat Free Wheels

As we’ve often said a flat tire can be annoying. While it won’t ruin the day, it can ruin a bike ride. But @cme is a new brand that is looking to solve an old and all too common problem. The company, which was founded by bicycle industry veteran Steve Boehmke, looks to solve the flat tire problem.

Currently in a Kickstarter campaign to raise funding, Boehmke’s concept is aimed at causal riders who might be turned off from riding because of flats. The company developed and introduced its no-flat tire system. The catch is that the system works on very specific sized rims and are a bit difficult to install. The tires also weigh more than most traditional tires too, but the tire is rated to last 3000 miles and the company can build the wheels, pre-mount the tires and ship them to users for use on the rider’s bikes. Video after the jump

Moto Tires Have Off-Road Mojo

WTB proves it once again has some serious off-road mojo as it introduces its new line of “Moto” tires, which include open spiked knobs, lower profile tread, DNA rubber and inner peace sidewalls – the latter no doubt helps with some peace of mind when on the trail.

The WTB tires were developed by company founder and rubber designer Mark Slate, and these are now available in 26-inch and 29-inch versions. These feature double center blocks for traction in wetter conditions, spiky knobs to penetrate the trail surface, good transition edge knob placement for control where control is hard to come by, and a more open pitch to get a grip on almost any surface. Continue reading Moto Tires Have Off-Road Mojo

Bontrager Goes to the Races With Trek

Trek won’t be a stick in the mud, or rather stuck in the mud, but the 2012 Trek World Racing gravity squad will instead pin its hopes to get through the mud – and much more – with the Bontrager G-Mud and G4 tires it was announced last week. The world’s top-ranked downhill team will race on the newly developed models. Press Release after the jump

Tired Old Tires Turned in Bike Stands

If you have a high-end bike, then you probably have that sense of dread when having to use the typical a bike rack. There is the worry of scratching the frame’s paint or decal, and the fact that the wheel-in-first racks are designed for bikes from decades ago. Even the general “metal” loops are poorly designed to allow for adequate positioning, as there just isn’t enough space to lean the bike.

A Wellington, New Zealand firm may have the answer, and it is one that solves another problem in the process. Duncan Forbes and Matt Hammond of Bikerakk have created a cycle stand that has a solid steel core frame but has a softer outer layer made of recycled car tires. And to encourage businesses to adopt these stands, the rack is in the shape of a bicycle, allowing the rear wheel to be a glass disc that can light up at night for advertising and signage.

So far the Bikerakk is only available in central Wellington, but the company hopes to eventually get the stands throughout the island nation. Maybe it will catch on, as it is a great use of recycled tires and provides a bit of padding. Plus it could be just the thing to remind people that two wheels make a good way to get around.