Reduce the risk of a flat tire with the Banger technopolymer insert

By Garrett Hulfish May 16, 2017

Anti-flat system for MTB & eBike | Banger by MrWolf | Kickstarter Technology

Riding a mountain bike off the trails can be fun, but the tricky terrain can really do a number on the tires. When a tire has a puncture, it loses all its ability to support a rider. Instead, to reduce the risk of a flat, Banger is a low-density technopolymer designed to fit inside any mountain bike tire.

With Banger installed, the volume of air inside the tire reduces by 95 percent. As a result, tires absorb shock and reduce vibrations, and riders gain an increased feeling of stability.

1 of 6

banger anti flat tire 1 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

banger anti flat tire 2 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

banger anti flat tire 3 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

banger anti flat tire 4 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

banger anti flat tire 5 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

banger anti flat tire 6 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

In a normal tubeless system, the air has a naturally elastic behavior. When a tire makes an impact, it has an elastic rebound. Banger responds differently. The compound absorbs the energy, maintaining the grip and control for a smoother, sturdier ride. On uneven terrain, Banger provides more constant contact with the ground as it shapes itself around the bumps.

One would think that these attributes would affect rolling resistance. However, testing demonstrated that the wheel maintained rolling resistance in off-road use. In comparison with a tubeless system, Banger only loses one percent while adding puncture prevention, shock absorption, anti-burping, increased traction, and improved comfort.

While Banger replaces 95 percent of the air in a tubeless bicycle tire, the final 5 percent allows cyclists to customize their ride. No matter what type of tire or rim shape, Banger can adjust. And even if the bike loses that last small amount of air, cyclists won’t be left in the dust. The technopolymer provides support to the tire casing even during flats.

Currently, Banger is available for pre-order on Kickstarter. By pledging $196, riders will earn a Banger kit for two wheels. Aside from the technopolymer, the kits include two single-dose tire sealants, two “T” reductions for valves, and a valve core removal tool. The available sizes include 26 inches, 27.5 inches, and 29 inches. Shipments go out in July.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Garrett Hulfish

Contributor

Garrett is the kind of guy who tells you about all the tech you haven't heard of yet. He also knows too much about other…

Outdoors

EV Flash Sale: Save on e-bikes, e-mopeds, and even e-go karts

The Aventon Aventure e-bike ridden at night.

Interest in e-bike deals has steadily been growing as the technology behind these electric vehicles have improved by leaps and bounds. E-bikes, as well as e-mopeds and e-go karts, are increasing in popularity because they can let you get to your destinations quickly -- faster than using a regular bicycle, and possibly also quicker than cars because they can weave through traffic. The good models are understandably expensive, but fortunately there are discounts that you can take advantage of. Here are some of the top offers that you can shop right now, but you'll have to hurry because these probably won't last long.
Segway Ninebot KickScooter F30 -- $400, was $650

The Segway Ninebot KickScooter F30 is an electric scooter that offers a maximum range of 18.6 miles and a top speed of 15.5 miles per hour. There are three riding modes for you to choose from: Eco, Standard, and Sports, all of which are accessible through its LED dashboard. The Segway Ninebot KickScooter F30 also comes with a regenerative braking system that collects energy to give you a boost when needed, and compatibility with the Segway Ninebot app for functions such as monitoring your riding status, locking the electric scooter, and upgrading its firmware, among others.

Mobile

The best golf apps for iPhone and Android: 8 best ones in 2023

smart golf club

If you play golf, then it's likely you live and breathe golf, and like everyone else, you're probably always looking to improve your game. Hiring a coach and other methods are great ways to improve, but have you considered starting out by downloading an app? Golfing apps are some of the most advanced applications out there and make heavy use of artificial intelligence and GPS to both track your movements and analyze your swing. Golf apps can track an enormous amount of data about the way you play and can help you to turn those bogeys into birdies. Here are the best golf apps for iPhones and Android phones.

Looking for more useful apps? Check out our lists of the best Android apps and best iPhone apps you can download today.

Outdoors

Goal Zero’s new Skylight is an LED palm tree for emergencies

A Goal Zero Skylight shining LEDs lights into a darkened hallway.

Goal Zero is expanding its lighting range today with a backup LED system called the Skylight. The Goal Zero Skylight is an all-in-one set that includes a 33Wh battery built in and six LED panels that can blast out 6,000 lumens all told.

There are four brightness settings available, if that much light is overkill for your needs, and the panels can angle outwards as needed to cover a larger area. Combined with the 12 feet of telescoping available from the tripod, you can cover quite the range with visibility. A handle with a one-button release allows you to quickly deploy the Skylight for outdoor work or play, and stakes stored in the legs give you the option to keep it in place. A dedicated spool stows the charging cable when you're not using it, and a carrying case is included to store and move the whole kit.