A punctured tire can ruin a biker's day, but opting for puncture-resistant tires involves a trade-off, because they are generally heavier and slower than other types of tires. French bike tire manufacturer Hutchinson is touting a new "knitted mesh" Gridskin technology that aims to offer a high level of puncture resistance in a lighter weight product. The company has released tires with the Gridskin reinforcement textile designed to isolate external damage to a tire, reducing the chance of an embedded sharp object creating a larger hole or an eventual puncture. The technology is the result of two years of research and development and extensive testing. According to the company, the bead-to-bead reinforcement improves the tire's grip and comfort, allowing lower pressures while offering greater resistance to punctures and cuts. Two of the company's tires, the limited edition Fusion 5 road tire and Touareg gravel tire, are using the Gridskin treatment. In the Touareg tire, the technology results in an 8 percent weight reduction verses the standard hardskin reinforced model. Test results showed outstanding cornering feeling, traction, safety and enjoyment. The design is discreet from afar but reveals a reptilian appearance on the sidewalls when viewed up close.
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