Taichung, Taiwan – Air Fom has a new take on run-flat bicycle tyres and is using Covestro's expanded thermoplastic polyurethane for the key components.
Air Fom said the project overcomes problems with earlier run-flat bike tyre systems. '[The tyres are] just as lightweight and elastic as an air-filled tyre,' it said. 'They can be fitted quickly and firmly on standard rims. They are maintenance free and recyclable.'
This is in contrast to the standard butyl rubber tubes and liners used in conventional cycle tyres, which are not recyclable. Solid rubber tyres and other puncture-proof options are both heavy and expensive. The plastic versions of ride-flat systems are not recyclable, and neither are conventional tyres with butyl rubber tubes or liners.
Air Fom said its infills are moulded into shape using particle foam casting, providing the correct properties on the rim.
The tyre insert is being aimed at large-scale leasing and rental operations that need their bicycles to be constantly ready to use.
