Tire Systems Compared

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Inner Tubes

• Aerothan TPU tubes: what they are and their advantages

  Aerothan is a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material Schwalbe developed as a high-end alternative to a standard butyl tube. Rather than incrementally improving butyl, it's a different tube material altogether, aimed at riders who want the lowest possible weight and rolling resistance without giving up puncture resistance. Key advantages: About 40% lighter than a compaFew readers

• Aerothan tubes: installation, repair, and care

  Installation basics Aerothan tubes install just like a standard tube — the material's dimensional stability actually makes it easier, since it doesn't shift or get pinched as readily. One important limit: When pre-inflating prior to installation, only inflate an Aerothan tube until it's round and free of folds — that's roughly 0.3 bar (4.5 PSI) at most. Don't inflate it further while it's off the wheel, otherwise the tube could explode. Once mounted properly inside a tire, normal operaFew readers

Tires for Specific Riding

• Flatless Schwalbe Tires

  Maximum puncture resistance, outstanding rolling behavior and long lifespan. The Schwalbe Marathon Plus tire is unbeatable thanks to the sum of its superior features. Flat-less tires put to the test Smartguard, the patented puncture protection belt found on the Marathon Plus tire is unique worldwide. It is super strong and manufactured from highly elastic special rubber. Even sharp tacks and glass cannot puncture it. This is what makes it Flat-less. [Learn more aboSome readers

• Balloon bikes and extra-wide comfort tires

  A "balloon bike" is our term for an everyday or touring bike fitted with unusually large-volume tires — typically 50-60 mm wide. The idea is simple: a bigger air cushion acts as natural suspension, so you get a noticeably smoother ride without adding complex (and heavier, pricier, more maintenance-hungry) suspension hardware. How it compares to real suspension: in testing, a wide tire like the Big Apple (60mm wide, run around 30psi) reduced vibration reaching the lower back by roughly 25% cFew readers