Bridgestone develops bicycle tyres without punctures

The company has created bicycle tyres that do not need to be inflated with air

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Bridgestone's bicycle tyres do not need to be inflated with air

BS B2B Bureau Tokyo, Japan

Last Updated : Apr 19 2017 | 2:52 PM IST

Bridgestone Corporation, together with Bridgestone Cycle Co Ltd, has developed a next-generation bicycle tyre as an effort to realise practical application of the ‘Air Free Concept’, a technology for creating tyres that do not need to be inflated with air. The companies will advance feasibility studies seeking to make this new tyre available in market by 2019.

The Air Free Concept is a technology that eliminates the need for tyres to be inflated with air to support the weight, using a unique structure of spokes stretching along the inner sides of tyres. In addition, the resins that are used in the spokes and rubbers help realise more efficient use of resources.

Bridgestone Corporation and Bridgestone Cycle adapted the Air Free Concept to develop bicycle tyres without punctures. The high flexibility for design granted by resin has also enabled proposals of next-generation bicycles which have never been seen before.

“The Bridgestone Group aims to propose new ways of cycling utilising the Air Free Concept while also adapting this technology to be used in various other types of tyres. The Bridgestone Group is committed to continuously working toward a sustainable with the universal and eco-friendly mobility for supporting people’s lives,” said the company in a press release.

In addition to tyres, Bridgestone Corporation also manufactures a broad range of diversified products, which include industrial rubber and chemical products and sporting goods.