In 1920, Firestone perfected a method of insulating tire cords against internal heat called "gum-dipping," and in 1922, factory production of the industry's first low-pressure
balloon tire began.
Kevin Ancell park riding a purple-flaked
balloon tire. And Mic-E Reyes cranking out on some fixed gear alley cat path racer.
(The low-pressure
balloon tire pioneered by Firestone in 1922 nearly doubled tire life from 8,000 to 15,000 miles.) Without large up-to-date plants Goodrich could not compete successfully against Goodyear and Firestone to supply tires to the big three auto makers.
"Even a Schwinn coaster with big
balloon tires was a challenge for me.
Fat bikes are mountain bikes with huge
balloon tires, usually about 4 inches wide, twice the size of a normal mountain bike tire.
Suspension: tire suspension through special
balloon tiresImpact on the land is a mere one to two pounds per square inch for a self-propelled hoverbarge and four to five pounds per square inch for a tractor with oversized
balloon tires, he noted.
This PC360 story is excerpted from: The rules also define an all-terrain vehicle as "a four or six wheel motor vehicle equipped with
balloon tires or crawler treads, designed for use on rugged terrain or rugged terrain and water."
The CMC recommended that the decision to ban the use and import of
balloon tires should be reviewed until suitable alternatives are adopted.
Beginning with Harroun's rearview mirror and continuing through
balloon tires, front-wheel drive racers, and the gas turbine engine that almost won the race in 1967, Indianapolis has always fostered innovation.
With its
balloon tires, it was able to negotiate the most rugged roads and terrain.
Henry Ford refused to recognize that his beloved T was long past its "use by" date, although, at the prodding of company officials and his son, Edsel, he did agree to offer wire wheels and
balloon tires, as well as different body colors.