Has the SMART Tire Company created the ultimate bicycle tire

One year after first previewing airless tires made from space age metal alloys, and making waves with cycling and tech enthusiasts, SMART Tire unveiled a new prototype that addresses key questions about the technology.

First appearing at the Move 2022 mobility conference (London), and later featured at Viva Technology in Paris, the latest tires were seen equipped and in action on a Specialized bicycle, taking test rides around the test track.

Compared to the spring 2021 model, this latest iteration features:

+ A translucent, colored polyurethane casing to keep out dirt and debris

+ An optimized design that is 85% cheaper to produce, targeting a competitive tire price point

+ Integrated rubber treads for optimal grip and all-weather performance

+ Retread capability, for nearly unlimited mileage from the same tire

+ Compatibility with standard clincher rims

According to CEO Earl Cole: "The METL tire has exceeded all of our expectations and we're on track for a 2023 launch. Our biggest challenges from Day 1 were cost, and manufacturability. Now it's all about testing and retesting to ensure we deliver the dream: the ultimate high performance airless tire."

STC is currently working with a major bicycle manufacturer on a futuristic concept bike for Q1 2023, and plans an official consumer launch for later in the year. The waiting list for METL tires remains open here.

In addition to developing NASA-inspired bicycle tires, STC recently debuted their advanced lunar tire designed specially for Project Artemis and NASA's Lunar Terrain Vehicle, which will return astronauts to the moon for the first time since the Apollo era.

Co-Founder Brian Yennie explains: "Something we're doing which is really unique, is carrying the torch for the original outer space applications, while simultaneously adapting the technology for consumer use. Usually space technology filters back to Earth many years later, but both projects can now benefit from each other in real-time."

Related Links
SMART Tire Company
Car Technology at SpaceMart.com

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