This airless bicycle tire lets you ride flat-free with NASA technology

A US company has developed a NASA-inspired airless bicycle tire. This incredible innovation will promote sustainability in the biking community.  

California-based The Smart Tire Company has developed this airless bicycle tire called METL. Earl Cole and Brian Yennie founded SMART Company to bring METL’s advanced technology to the consumer market. 

The METL tire has integrated several unique features, including an airless design, lightweight structure, temperature stability, low rolling resistance, and most importantly, shape memory alloy construction. 

This tire will be ideal for a broad range of cyclists, including mountain bikers, electric bike users, commuters, recreational cyclists, and commuters. 

How NASA Sparked the Creation of SMART Tire Company

Scientists initially developed the METL’s shape memory alloy design for various applications in aerospace. The Smart Tire Company has entered into a space act agreement with NASA and is using the aerospace Nitinol technology for their commercial application.

Unique features of the METL tires

The core tire is made from Nitinol which is a type of memory alloy. When the tire flexes or bends, it can return to its original shape. 

Unlike traditional tires, METL tires are airless, which eliminates the need for inflation. The materials of this tire offer elasticity and shock absorption. 

The METL tire can be temperature resilient; it can perform consistently in a variety of temperature ranges. These tires are retreadable; they can be used without discarding. 

Key benefits

The airless feature provides comfortable and hassle-free riding for the cyclists. METL reduces energy loss while allowing cyclists to maintain speed. 

The retreadable design of METL tires promotes eco-friendliness and reduces material usage. Poly rubber materials used in the tires absorb shock and provide comparatively comfortable and safe riding. 

To sum it up, a California-based SMART company has developed an NASA-inspired airless bicycle tire named METL. This innovation reflects the advancement of sustainable product markets around the world. 

Featured image credits: The Smart Tire Company, Bikerumor