What is the difference in performance between air tyres and semi solid tyres on bicycle?

Question

I know solid tyres are not as good in performance as standard bicycle tyres filled with air. But I am not sure why apart from the added weight.

What are the main factors that are reduced when a tyre is solid rather than air? For example, acceleration, control performance down/up hill etc

I will be getting microcellular polyurethane tyres for my bmx, as I am so fed up with punctures. These tyres are not really solid, they are more like semi solid, so a lot lighter than what solid tyres are.

I am using solid tyres as an example, because the tyres I am getting are something in between solid and air and want to know exactly what specific downsides are in performance.

Since I don't often use this bike I am happy to sacrifice performance for low maintenance, so don't try to convince me otherwise.

Answer 1

It seems like you already made up your mind.



Semi-pneumatic (your "semi-solid") tires are basically very thick walled tubes of rubber with a tread on them. Since you cannot pressurise them they tend to feel a lot like they need to be inflated. This may make it easier to damage the rim if you land wrong. Careless installation can also allow the tyre to rotate independently of the rim- if you start off pedalling hard the wheel may move but the tyre may not.



Rotational mass is a VERY big consideration. Each additional ounce of tyre weight is like adding a pound of weight when it comes to performance so the bike will not only BE heavier it will have a very dead feeling.

Answer 2

Your silly as solid tyres make you crash. Tyres such as the Schwalbe Marathon Racer are very hard to puncture plus are nearly the correct pattern for a BMX. The Schwalbe Marathon Plus has the same puncture resistance as solid tyres as it's drawing pin proof plus again it has a tread that is very similar to BMX tyres so you do not need solids. Fitting solid tyres will destroy your rim plus only fit one width as otherwise they come off. Also store your tyres till the smell goes as this is the tyres curing which makes the rubber a lot harder. With Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres cannot understand your need for solids. Make sure the tread on both these tyres run in the direction of travel as it will push the puncture debris forwards and most importantly outwards.

Answer 3

" Since I don't often use this bike I am happy to sacrifice performance for low maintenance, so don't try to convince me otherwise. "



Why bother asking then ? I love people that ask a question but already made up their mind.

Answer 4

Greentyres?



Personally, you should consider going tubeless with a Stan's conversion or similar. Less flats, no drawbacks of the solid tires.

Answer 5

I will be getting microcellular polyurethane tyres for my bmx



=ok so you come back and tell us



=b. you said you don;t ride it much anyway, so what does it matter?





wle