There’s military-grade run flat tires, and then METL airless bicycle tires made with NASA technology. They use shape memory alloys, which have the ability to remember and recover their original shapes with load or temperature, previously used for NASA’s Mars Rover Program.
METL tires essentially boast an inner skeleton made from a modern material called Nitinol, a shape memory alloy. This means that they are also extremely light, thanks to a highly flexible “superelastic” metal that stretches like rubber, yet is strong like titanium. These tires instantly snap back into its original shape and until now, you needed to work for NASA or a high-end biomedical manufacturer to access this material. How much do they cost? A pair of METL airless tires will set you back $500 USD. You can pre-order the, now, with shipments beginning in June 2024. Kickstarter page here.
- Detailed Lunar Replica - Features a detailed Eagle lunar lander replica with lunar surface, crater, footprints, and U.S. flag for a realistic space...
- Realistic Modular Model - This modular set includes a descent stage with gold-colored landing pads, panels, opening camera, laser hatches, and movable...
- Ascent Stage Interior - The ascent stage boasts a detailed interior with room for 2 astronaut minifigures, finished with an Apollo 11 Lunar Lander...
The moment you try a solid tire on your bike, you’ll see the issue. Your flats are gone, but the remaining experience is no good. Major tire companies have mostly given up on airless applications altogether: the ride is rough, and/or it’s more work to pedal (high rolling resistance). Why? They’re using the wrong materials, stuck in the era of rubber and plastic,” said the company.
