Bridgestone Corp., together with Bridgestone Cycle Co., Ltd., has developed an airless bicycle tire as part of its "air free concept" technology, the Japanese tire-maker announced April 17. The two companies will advance feasibility studies and seek to make this new tire available in the market by 2019.Bridgestone's "air free concept" uses a structure of spokes stretching along the inner sides of tires, eliminating the need to inflate tires with air to support the weight. In addition, Bridgestone said, the resins that are used in the spokes and rubbers allow for "more efficient use of resources." The company, however, did not provide further details on the materials used in the tire.
The concept tire is part of Bridgestone's efforts to develop bicycle tires that resist punctures.
