The big problem with these airless systems is that they are extremely inefficient. The compressed air in your tire supports the tread and provides a spring with the hysteresis (internal flexing friction) losses of the tread and sidewall being the main resistance. This loss is VERY minimal and it is the reason we haven't yet replaced pneumatic tires with some other system for over 100 years. The fact that the tire is an air spring is also a valuable tuning tool to alter the feel and traction of the bike without changing parts. Also, it turns out air is much lighter than any plastic/rubber spring. People have been experimenting with airless tires that conform to the ground for a long time and they just don't work better than pneumatic tires.
June 19, 2019, 10:58 a.m. - WheelNut
The big problem with these airless systems is that they are extremely inefficient. The compressed air in your tire supports the tread and provides a spring with the hysteresis (internal flexing friction) losses of the tread and sidewall being the main resistance. This loss is VERY minimal and it is the reason we haven't yet replaced pneumatic tires with some other system for over 100 years. The fact that the tire is an air spring is also a valuable tuning tool to alter the feel and traction of the bike without changing parts. Also, it turns out air is much lighter than any plastic/rubber spring. People have been experimenting with airless tires that conform to the ground for a long time and they just don't work better than pneumatic tires.