Does anyone here have Air Free tires, and if so, are they slower than normal tire/tube setup?

Question

Does anyone here have Air Free tires, and if so, are they slower than normal tire/tube setup?

Answer 1

I don't have them, but for a few minutes I pedaled a bike that had them on it.  They're HEAVY.  And they're heavy in the absolute worst place on a bike that they could possibly be.  

The technical answer to your question is that no, they aren't slower.  BUT...because they're so much heavier, they will cause you to work harder to maintain the same speed as a lighter tire/wheel setup.  So the practical answer is yes, they're slower.  

If you ever have the chance to swap wheels on a bike and ride them....something with a pound or more of difference....you'll see right away the difference that good, light wheels make on your bike.  

This doesn't matter to some people, so it's not like the air-free flat proof tires are the devil or anything.  Just be aware of their (large) shortcomings.  If you're looking for flat protection, I'd suggest getting tires with a kevlar puncture-resistant belt under the tread, or using Slime in the tubes if it's on a fat-tire bike.  Much better solution.   :o)