Video: ReTyre is a Modular Tyre That Lets You Zip on the Tread You Need
We can easily change our riding kit, our suspension settings and even our tyre pressure for different conditions but changing our tyre tread takes a bit more work. Hoping to solve that problem come ReTyre, who claim to have created the world's first modular tyre system.
The premise is pretty simple. You have a base tyre, the ReTyre One, a slick road tyre that can be used on its own but it also has zips along the side of it just above the rim. You can then purchase additional Skins with different treads, that cover the ReTyre One using the zip to secure them. There are currently 4 different skins that all have different intended uses - Winter Traveller, Gravel Chaser, Trail Rider and Ice Rider. The Skins can be fitted with the wheel still on the bike and they also roll up for easier storage.
Photos: ReTyre
What about those zippers, surely they can't stand up to the abuse of riding? Well, apparently these aren't your standard YKK trouser fly, and ReTyre say: "the zippers are specially developed to handle extreme and harsh environments and have the same life expectancy as the tyre" and that they have been placed specifically so there won't be high forces loading on them. They also say the zips are self-cleaning due to "centrifugal forces".
The Skin most of us mountain bikers will be interested in is probably the Trail Rider tyre that is available in 26x2.0" or 28x2.0" (700c) versions. The Trail Rider adds approximately 6mm (0.23 inches) to the height and 14mm (0.5 inches) to the width of the ReTyre One base tyre when mounted. ReTyre say: "Engineered in collaboration with mountain bikers to guarantee optimal results and ensure the best balance of performance, handling and off-road control, on technical trails, mud, wet and slippery ground. The features of the Trail Rider are also perfectly adapted to e-MTB." Weight for the base tyre comes in at 630 grams for the 26" version with the skin adding a further 470 grams.
The brand list some further benefits to their product including a more sustainable model than swapping out whole tyres and some puncture resistance, presumably from the extra thickness of rubber. They say: "What we hope to do is to make biking easier and better, reduce the unsustainable rubber consumption of the tyre industry, and challenge what a tyre can (and should) do."
The brand list some further benefits to their product including a more sustainable model than swapping out whole tyres and some puncture resistance, presumably from the extra thickness of rubber. They say: "What we hope to do is to make biking easier and better, reduce the unsustainable rubber consumption of the tyre industry, and challenge what a tyre can (and should) do."
The Norwegians behind the idea initially wanted to create a tyre that meant they would not have to fully change their front and rear tyres when an overnight blizzard meant their standard road tyres were not up the job anymore. By creating a studded sleeve, it saved them a chunk of time every morning or meant they didn't have to have two separate pairs of wheels ready to go. Three years of development later, the brand brought the concept to the market through a Kickstarter, where it raised nearly $25k through backers. They also received a $1 million EU grant that was used to build a factory and work towards scaling the business.
Do we see this taking over the current tyre model? No, of course not. However, if you're a bike commuter who fancies a bit of cheeky singletrack on the way home, it could be a way to make your road ride easier while still allowing you to have a bit more grip when you hit the trails.
If the concept interests you, then a wired base tyre costs €29, with a beaded version costing €56. Skins cost between €38 and €56 and are sold separately.More info here.
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Zip on handlebar length extensions for when things get gnarly
Whippin’ around with treads for every trail condition.
Let's just say, we may THINK we deserve better, but Waki is what we GOT.
(Detachable Penis Technology)
"Ah yes, you installed you're zippers backwards"
Changing a tubed tire was never difficult. This system has to be really convenient to be worth the downsides, relative to a tubed set-up.
He would love this.
Naturally SRAM will make huge strides into button stiffness and compliance, while still retaining playfulness with their 28.99 mm BCD (Button Circle Diameter) standard.
I will have it be known here, I will not endorse the use of drawstrings, ever.
Actually on second thoughts
I will use the "bonds if goodwill" as shown here in the PB comments section
could go both ways though, if someone is a true friend and cares for you they will take your jansport full of spare...uh...tire strips, find a safe open space away from trees, buildings, overhead wires, etc, and light them on fire, to symbolize the warmth of companionship and love, of course.
You always had extra cookies. That’s a product manager that did not do their consumer research. Glad they’re gone!
Do you go through life thinking anything that does agree with you is fake or a hoax?
This should help with your endeavor of reformation from the condescending sport .
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxsQ7jJJcEA
Me: "Can't. I have sand in my zippers and the knobbies won't come off."
They worked almost as well as advertised.
They felt “squirmy” most of them time as I rode about.
On the rd, the seam was noticeable as it rolled on the road.
They were alright doing some light DH and worked fine for climbing.
I’d rather have a few sets of tires if I need them, but in a unique pinch these were mostly a positive Experience.
Oh wait.... your serious?
Doesn't really seem cheaper, and it's hard to believe there wouldn't be some odd slide/distortion/wear that would start to sacrifice performance...?
There is really little cost savings incentives here. I assume the tire most people 'want' will be the more expensive variant - soft rubber, aggresive tread, robust sidewalls. The economics don't check out here!
***No, you don't.
Well, not me personally but a guy I know. The tire and sleeve *got it on*. Wooo-eee!
***No, they didn't.
No, no, no they didn't. But you could imagine what it'd be like if they did, right...?
Wait, what?! Norway is not part of the EU, it's the richest country in the world AND this concept completely sucks.
So why did I have to pay for this.
@makkelijk
I'm sure EU has also funded some bikeparks, trail systems etc. And I'm pretty sure EU has funded shitloads of cycling related project for the Dutch so what are you whining about
But don't you think there are way more pressing matters at hand than this? And since it's fair to say that this idea isn't going to generate profit in the long run, that is a million wasted. A million that could have otherwise gone a long way in paying for more relevant things.
what exactly is the "problem" here? That a company whose product YOU do not find great gets EU funding? Well I can assure you, the EU has funded many, many projects that YOU find stupid that turned out to be very successful. The EU supports the industry with hundreds of millions of Euros every year. It's like any investor: invest in a highly diversified portfolio, accept that most investments will go to shits, but some will become very, very valuable, making it all worth it. Also, the EU never just throws money into a company and says "go, have fun" - it is specifically to build a factory and produce. This literally means that this money flows straight back into the economy (machines, workers, materials, some construction even maybe..). retyre will be forced to pay the money back if they do not spend it on what they planned for (e.g. blackjack & hookers) - so really, it is just a re-distribution of funds within the EU.
Re: pressing matters - getting EU funds is really not that an easy task. They have a pot of money that needs to be assigned to projects in various sectors, and only the best X projects get funded so the pot is used up. It's INSANELY competitive and for 1m€ they either hired a company to help them or spend 2 months writing this stuff (yes, THAT is beaurocracy crazyness). Now, what are "pressing" matters? Most importantly, EU is focused on creating jobs in long-term sustainable markets. Bikes are very much in such a market, and if retyre brings so and so many people to a) buy the product and b) use their bikes more, they achieve two very crucial things: jobs, and sustainable transportation. Now go ahead and tell me how this is not pressing in times where many industries are changing and global warming is more nuts than ever.
The real problem right here is that the pinkbike community really is not the target audience for this product. Or let me specify: probably some of us are, many commute, many don't care about changing tires that often, especially when you live at a place (e.g. Norway..) where it can be snowy / icy any day between.. well, any day, really. So to just slap on some spikes for that day is actually a bit appealing. But really, if anything, this whole discussion is an example of out-of-touch pinkbike readers who apply their own position as the absolute truth of a highly diverse, global target market.
The only truly out-of-touch EU beaurocracy related to this 1m€ project will be the nightmare of reporting to them.
After everything you said, my points still stand. And since there is nothing to rebut or disprove, I'm not going to honor your aggravated and condescending comment with an answer. Good day.
Condescending? I am condescending because I point out that you claim to know better than a bunch of experts what company should get funding? You had zero insights into their application. You know literally nothing more than "I don't like it".
No wonder you can't answer with more than "I know better than your average citizen" (all the while rambling about others being condescending.. get a grip, lol).
I think this kind of tire will work really well for that purpose(commuting)!
Let me know when you’re done your tour of Cuba, Brazil, Guatemala, Argentina and Mexico. We’ll compare notes, I am open to being corrected with accounts of more recent experiences.
[Reply]
I could see something like this being useful if you could have it fast rolling light threaded to pull over your regular tires for fireroad climbs and commuting to trails on road, but that's probably too much hassle anyway.
Better question yet: How and why is our tax money wasted on stuff like this? Why does a start-up company from a non-member state receive 1.0M € out of a European business development fund?
(Edit: EWS and EFTA, duh, but we actually have way bigger problems to solve and since it's fair to say that this idea isn't going to take off, that is literally a million wasted, that could have otherwise gone a long way in paying for more relevant causes.)
The idea might not be perfect, I can't imagine the dirt and grime picked up off the road does much for the zip or the inside of the skin, but I haven't tried it so this might not be an issue.
Pinkbike are clearly baiting us with this stream of out of the box stuff, so no need to get hooked by it, try looking at the bigger picture.
I always thought that the United States was the land of opportunity, but it seems a bit too much to me ......
Edit: sorry, I only read now that I'm Norwegian ........ then it's definitely the fault of the too cold climate.
However, the States remain great!
Frankly a quality XC/ trail tire over inflated for the street and pressure lowered for trails will work much better for so many reasons.
Oh how embarrassing ????
On the winter when its ice i found out that theres no good studded tires for e scooters so a solution like this would work
Last wimnter I took a schwlbe studded biketire glued and cut it to fit the 10” wheels.
Retirement is no long important- keep go and don’t stop.
Only thing i would put these on is a commuter with the slicks and get the studs covers for when there it a snow storm.
Seems like a great way to add weight to your wheels!
Heh....
Wot a load of bollox
www.youtube.com/watch?v=hc8SoPUAtxM
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8X2GMD1TPzg
Guys
Retire
Re-tire
Thats quite humerous
Do better
Or is this a Covid19 situation and you are scrambling do find what to write about?
You do know they accept submissions? Maybe you could try to do better? What's the product you're bringing to market? Did you get €1m development grant because someone can see your idea has real world applications?
Oh I see, you have no product, no investment or idea...
They speak on slogans and lack ability to think ahead. Soviet Union 2.0. Hopeless it is.