Foam Core Tires for Ebikes

[bob armani]

Hello-

Anyone have any thoughts or suggestions or experience using these tires? Seems like a great idea, but not sure how good the rolling resistance or durability is with these.

 

[Dean Turnbull]

I picked up a pair of Tannus tires a couple of months ago. So far so good. I wouldn’t install these on a regular bike because there is more rolling resistance than I would like, but I commute at night, so the guarantee of no flats outweighs that concern. Having said all that, I still get tempted to put some faster tires on at some point....

 

[michael mitchell]

I picked up a pair of Tannus tires a couple of months ago. So far so good. I wouldn’t install these on a regular bike because there is more rolling resistance than I would like, but I commute at night, so the guarantee of no flats outweighs that concern. Having said all that, I still get tempted to put some faster tires on at some point....

What kind of speed difference are you seeing vs air filled tires? And is the ride quality noticeably rougher? I've thought about switching my rear tires to eliminate possible flats.

 

[rich c]

Tannus claims the foam hardness is equivalent to having the tire inflated to 100psi. I don't ride anything inflated that much. Also nothing over 26".

 

[Dean Turnbull]

I went for a good long ride the other day with no boost just to get a real good feel of these tires. Rode out with no boost, and came back with boost on. I had some long straight fast sections and some good hills. Pretty sure my top speed on the flats was down by 2-3 km/hr. But I really felt it on the hills. Both up and down. Ascending steep hills felt way harder than on my other bikes, and with gentle down grades I would slowly loose speed while coasting. These aren’t fun to ride on rough roads. The whole time I’m trying to balance out the whole “ never flat again”, vs more performance, and realizing that if I decide to take off the tires, there is no going back, as I will have to cut them off.
My commute is 44 km round trip. One of my plans for this bike is to get a good unassisted ride into work, then on the way home use the motor. I want a fast pedalling bike that I can hammer on, with the option to use the motor. Soooooo, I’ve decided to cut them off and switch over to some Marathons.

 

[bob armani]

I went for a good long ride the other day with no boost just to get a real good feel of these tires. Rode out with no boost, and came back with boost on. I had some long straight fast sections and some good hills. Pretty sure my top speed on the flats was down by 2-3 km/hr. But I really felt it on the hills. Both up and down. Ascending steep hills felt way harder than on my other bikes, and with gentle down grades I would slowly loose speed while coasting. These aren’t fun to ride on rough roads. The whole time I’m trying to balance out the whole “ never flat again”, vs more performance, and realizing that if I decide to take off the tires, there is no going back, as I will have to cut them off.
My commute is 44 km round trip. One of my plans for this bike is to get a good unassisted ride into work, then on the way home use the motor. I want a fast pedalling bike that I can hammer on, with the option to use the motor. Soooooo, I’ve decided to cut them off and switch over to some Marathons.

Thanks Dean! That is very informative and I was on a needed to know basis based on other reviews I have read. I myself would probably opt to cut them due to the increases rolling resistance as you have indicated. I had made a clear 'assumption' that what you have reported is exactly what I thought would be the end result. Looks like they need to work further on perfecting the design/technology before making a purchase. Not sure if other airless tires would react the same. Thanks for posting and ride safe!

 

[michael mitchell]

I went for a good long ride the other day with no boost just to get a real good feel of these tires. Rode out with no boost, and came back with boost on. I had some long straight fast sections and some good hills. Pretty sure my top speed on the flats was down by 2-3 km/hr. But I really felt it on the hills. Both up and down. Ascending steep hills felt way harder than on my other bikes, and with gentle down grades I would slowly loose speed while coasting. These aren’t fun to ride on rough roads. The whole time I’m trying to balance out the whole “ never flat again”, vs more performance, and realizing that if I decide to take off the tires, there is no going back, as I will have to cut them off.
My commute is 44 km round trip. One of my plans for this bike is to get a good unassisted ride into work, then on the way home use the motor. I want a fast pedalling bike that I can hammer on, with the option to use the motor. Soooooo, I’ve decided to cut them off and switch over to some Marathons.

Yeah, this is exactly what I needed to know. Thanks. I guess I'll stick with my Marathon Plus and can of fix a flat.

 

[Ken M]

It's very hard to mimic the dynamic properties of a gas with a solid. I think eBikes deserve a good air volume tire with some leak sealant that prevents about 95% of common hazards flats from real world commuting.

Maybe someday they figure out airless tires but not even close yet.

 

[Dean Turnbull]

Well, as a follow up, I received my Marathons the other day, and spent way too much time swapping tires. But after today's ride, it was definitely worth it. Smoother and faster. Probably get more km's per charge too.

 

[bob armani]

Well, as a follow up, I received my Marathons the other day, and spent way too much time swapping tires. But after today's ride, it was definitely worth it. Smoother and faster. Probably get more km's per charge too.

I hear you Dean. Sounds like we are opening up a new can of worms with those foam cores. Stay away from those bad boys for awhile. Thanks for the update. I currently have the stock Kendra tires. I think the Marathons are the way to go when I need a new set. Looking for maximum puncture protection. Hope you slimed them. That may give you a little more insurance moving forward...