Cobra Linear Inner Tube
Thanks to Velomobiles for the head-up on these Cobra Linear inner tubes by flybikes which currently are only available in 20″ (406) but I hope would in time extend to other sizes.
These tubes are cool because you can change a tube without removing a wheel! Velomobile describe the tube thus:
Rather than having a full anulus as in a normal inner-tube the Cobra is a stright (sic) length of tubing sealed at both ends with a small loop allowing the both ends to be joined into a circle at the valve point. I was not aware of the product before, but in hind sight it is really obvious and goes to show how one’s thinking can easily be limited by just doing things the way they have always been done.
As Velomobile suggest, these are particularly cool for velomobile owners but I do think the potential goes well beyond velomobiles if larger sizes are offered.
To see how the Cobra Linear Inner tube works, check out this video on Vimeo.
gawd, you’d think the guy would use a tyre lever on a demo video… still good concept!
Missed that but yes, you would think they would do it properly, but then they are fixie riders
On my ride in this morning I want past three people repairing flats …. I think they would have enjoyed this method.
It does look like it will be quicker to a tube change. Also I now believe they are available for 26″ and 700c wheels.
I had a couple of these in store for my shimano nexus-geared bikes, because I don’t know how/can’t be arsed to remove the rear wheel if I need to change a tube. Halfords used to stock them in a 26″ presta version and quite possibly others, but haven’t carried them for a while now. Good to know they ar still available.
And apparently still available in the bigger sizes too. Did you ever get to use them?