Researchers at the University of Bayreuth have, for the first time, provided concrete figures on the abrasion of mountain bike tyres in off-road conditions. Their findings contribute to a better understanding of the global microplastic cycle. They report on their research in the journal „Science of The Total Environment“.  
  • AnIndefiniteArticle@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    6·
    2 months ago

    So, 1/3 the production rate per tire compared to a car over 100km. Not to mention half the number of tires. I wonder how much of that is due to the weight difference alone.

    Has anyone ever made tires out of something that isn’t plastic? Looks like NASA has. Nickel-titanium alloy flexible mesh. No popping and lasts the lifetime of a bike. Doesn’t look like the company has a mountain-bike version yet.

    • chrisbtoo@lemmy.worldEnglish
      5·
      2 months ago

      So, 1/3 the production rate per tire compared to a car over 100km. Not to mention half the number of tires. I wonder how much of that is due to the weight difference alone.

      It actually appears to be per bike per 100km. I find that quite surprising given it’s half the number of tyres, there’s substantially less initial volume per tyre than a car’s and, as you say, there’s a lot less weight on them.

      Given their focus on MTBs, I wonder if it’s related to the type of terrain being ridden (higher incidence of gravel/sharp rocks than your average road) or different tyre compounds between the two vehicle types.

  • crochetmalaise@lemm.eeEnglish
    3·
    2 months ago

    Look, it’s obviously good to have knowledge like this, but I am not worried about the mountain bikers out trying to get some exercise while having fun.

    We can address this issue later when we detach from fossil fuels as our main power source.