Square tubes from Michelin

[rice rocket]

http://cdn.mos.bikeradar.com/images/news/2011/03/25/1301046782598-1brvgjjo4za8k-670-75.jpg

For 35mm+ wide, and it weighs 200g, but the idea is interesting. And it's actually coming out for retail.

http://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/michelins-new-wild-racer-tire-and-protek-max-inner-tube-29696/

[Louis]

Maybe it was designed for this bike:

http://amsracing.com/weird_stuff/square_wheels.jpg

[Ken Robb]

is this a leftover post from Friday? :)

[rice rocket]

Article was out March 25th.

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.


Louis, that pic is hilarious.