SMART Makes Use of NASA’s Airless Tire Technology
One day you may not be able to use a flat tire as an excuse for escaping your miserable existence at work. Originally invented by NASA for use on inter-planetary rovers, SMART is going to bring airless tire tech to a bicycle near you.
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SMART, in a partnership with NASA, is creating the first consumer application of NASA‘s airless SMA (Shape Memory Alloy) to develop a bike tire called METL. Its composed of lightweight materials known as NiTinol+. These tires are elastic, a lot like rubber, yet strong like titanium. Also, they have a perfect shape memory, so they return to their original form.
This revolutionary material is long-lasting and drastically reduces the need for elastomer or rubber sidewalls.
Cyclists will not be able to wait to get their hands on these very cool-looking, space-age METL tires that don’t go flat. The unique combination of these advanced materials, coupled with a next generation, eco-friendly design make for a revolutionary product.
Earl Cole – CEO SMART Tire Company
shape memory alloys look extremely promising in revolutionizing the entire terrestrial tire industry, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Santo Padula, PhD, materials science engineer at NASA
SMART is also working with Felt Bicycles, a company that provides bikes for research and development. SMART aims to establish METL tires as the premier high-tech component for the modern cyclists. Also, the company is also working with Spin to develop SMA tires for e-scooters.
You can get METL tires on your bike as early as next year. Check out SMART’s website if you want to keep tabs on the progress of bringing these new tires to market.
