Revolutionizing Bicycles with Nitinol Tires: The Next Frontier in Cycling Technology
Are traditional bike tires soon to become a relic of the past? Thanks to the ingenuity of NASA’s pioneering engineers and the entrepreneurial spirit of two Shark Tank alumni, a groundbreaking innovation is taking the cycling world by storm—Nitinol tires. This article delves into the remarkable journey of Nitinol tires, from their inception as a shape memory alloy in NASA’s labs to becoming the latest sensation on Kickstarter.
The Genesis of Nitinol Tires
The story of Nitinol tires begins at NASA’s Glenn Research Center, where engineers were faced with a unique challenge. They needed tires for lunar vehicles that could withstand the Moon’s harsh terrain and heavy payloads without going flat. Traditional air-filled tires wouldn’t suffice. To address this, they conceptualized an airless tire with a web-like structure. While initial lab tests showed promise, they also revealed deformations in the materials. This setback led to the creation of Nitinol, a shape memory alloy derived from nickel titanium. Nitinol possesses the extraordinary ability to revert to its original shape, no matter how much it’s bent or twisted.
From NASA’s Laboratories to Entrepreneurial Triumph
Nitinol, as a material, wasn’t proprietary, so it was only a matter of time before entrepreneurial minds recognized its potential beyond space travel. The transition from NASA’s labs to bicycle tires began within the confines of NASA’s 2020 FedTech Startup Program, a government-backed incubator. Brian Yennie and Earl Cole, participants in the program, presented the concept of Nitinol bike tires as a formidable alternative to conventional rubber tires. Their vision struck a chord and gained significant momentum, eventually propelling them onto the television stage of Shark Tank the following year. While they didn’t secure an investment, Yennie and Cole remained undeterred. They went on to assemble an advisory board and garnered an impressive waiting list of 6,000 eager customers for their venture, The Smart Tire Company.
Kickstarting a Cycling Revolution
The Kickstarter campaign marks the very first direct-to-consumer avenue for obtaining Nitinol tires. Early supporters can acquire a pair of Nitinol bicycle tires in either blue or clear, complete with conventional rubber treads, by contributing $500. For those seeking enhanced benefits, a $1,300 donation will secure a pair of aluminum rims and pre-assembly, while a $2,300 donation will swap those for carbon fiber rims.
It’s important to note that a pair of high-end conventional bike tires typically costs around $130. Therefore, investing in this groundbreaking technology—especially considering the inherent uncertainties of crowdfunding—may indeed be an adventurous endeavor. The Smart Tire Company boldly asserts that their Nitinol tires outclass rubber tires in terms of durability, elasticity, and resistance to shocks. Furthermore, they contend that Nitinol tires render the need for pressure checks, sealants, or patches obsolete. In fact, they go as far as claiming that these tires could be the last ones a cyclist will ever need, as they are virtually indestructible. As a testament to their resilience, the company asserts that they once fired a bullet through a Nitinol tire and continued riding. So, if you’re planning an unconventional cycling adventure, these tires might be precisely what you’ve been searching for.
Supporters of this groundbreaking endeavor can anticipate receiving their Nitinol tires by June 2024, marking a monumental leap forward in the realm of bicycle tire technology.
