No more punctures: the new Schwalbe double-chamber system should make it possible to run very low air pressures and thus improve tire performance enormously. Initially, Schwalbe and impeller manufacturer Syntace worked independently on such systems, now both companies are jointly developing the double-chamber system.
Tire performance is known to improve with lower air pressure. The tires can adapt to the ground better and react much more sensitively. They roll over bumps more easily and offer more grip and control. "But you can hardly risk driving normal MTB tires with less than 1,5 bar, because then the risk of punctures is simply too great", explains Markus Hachmeyer, Senior Product Manager. With the current trend towards wide rims, the handling of tires with low air pressure is becoming significantly better and less spongy, but the risk of breakdown remains the same.
The solution should be an innovative double-chamber system. Inside the visible tire is another air chamber. This inner chamber is filled with high air pressure and is intended to prevent the tire from penetrating the edge of the rim. At the same time, the inner system should secure the tire on the rim and prevent the dreaded burping, an air loss of the tubeless system at low pressure.
Depending on the application, the air pressure in the outer chamber can now be safely reduced to 1 bar. "All test drivers have been enthusiastic about the new possibilities so far", reports Markus Hachmeyer and summarizes the feedback:
- With a bar, the grip of the tires is gigantic. The contact area is very large and the tires hardly ever slide on loose ground. Even on the roughest terrain, the tires literally stick to the ground.
- The tire is the most sensitive suspension element on a bike. The more cushioning and traction with the low air pressure leads to much better control over the bike and enables significantly higher speeds.
- No plates through punctures. There are no more dented rims either. Even for tough use you can use significantly lighter tires. In addition, the additional air chamber offers excellent emergency running properties.
In order to take advantage of the low tire pressure without risking a flat, Schwalbe and Syntace worked independently on the same idea and also applied for patents for it. Both companies are now working together to make the system market-ready. "At the latest at the Eurobike we will present precise information on the design and prices", announces Markus Hachmeyer. Schwalbe will produce and sell the system, which is expected to be compatible with conventional tires and rims and will weigh less than 200 grams.
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