In our second installment of SEA ODD'ER we look at the ADAPTRAC Inc. adjustable tire pressure system. Another expo find that everywhere it went, created a buzz on both sides of the opinion fence. This was the first time the system has made a public appearance and it seemed like reactions ranged from "Frankenstein Monster!" and "Why?!", to "Absolutely Brilliant!" and" Where do I get one?" Quite honestly I think those may just be the things running through our head. But put your initial thoughts aside and look at the system and you will see where there are plenty of practical applications. Combine that with the way technology evolves and this very well could be the next competitive advantage for some, or the product that allows more ride flexibility for others. Upon first sight I figured this was a tubeless only type setup but that is not the case. Currently the Adaptrac only works with conventional tube setups as CO2 natural properties are presenting some challenges in the tubeless environment.
Photo: Adaptac.com
The air is channeled into the system thanks to QR15 technology where Adaptrac used the natural pathway to the hub as its delivery system for the CO2. One of the biggest challenges was creating the hubs with a low friction seal that would be up to the challenges and rigors of mountain biking and delivering/maintaining system pressure. Adaptrac claims they seep about 1 PSI an hour which is nothing when considering that a mid ground 12oz. CO2 canister can handle 10 complete inflation cycles of both wheels from 20 up to 50 PSI.
Gauges give you accurate reading for both tires.
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You can see the slick 90 degree fitting and hub to valve setup
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So is the system just one more attempt from companies to take the purity away from the ride or is this beneficial for us riders? Well you will have to decide for yourself, but imagine switching your SS HT from a suspension fork to arigid fork and Adaptrac setup instead. You could likely gain a 1/2 lb. weight advantage and be able to deflate your tires down for climbing and traction needed situations, while upping the pressure on hardpack to 50PSI while gaining a ton of rolling momentum. The proposition here is interesting and we will keep an eye on this in the future as we had contemplated building up a solid hardtail here at DirtyWheel HQ. Below you will find the system performance specs and tech bits. If you have more questions or to order you can visit the Adaptrac Inc.website.
Performance: A simple projection: expect one complete cycle (20-50psi) with both tires per ounce of CO2. Only carry what you expect to use. The Powerpack consists of the paintball style CO2 tank itself (2.5,3,4,5,7,9,12,&20oz capacities)
Inflation time: (20-50) psi approx 7 seconds.
Deflation time: (50-20) psi approx 20 seconds.
System weight: Adds about 690g (1.5lbs) to your bike weight, with an empty 9oz CO2 tank.
One can adjust the tire pressure desired in increments as little as 1 psi – up or down. This is a more realistic scenario, as conditions change on the trail.
Our normal ride incorporates a some climbing and descending around a connecting loop that is mostly hardpack. It would be interesting to see what kind of advantages could be made to our overall times using this technology.
Performance: A simple projection: expect one complete cycle (20-50psi) with both tires per ounce of CO2. Only carry what you expect to use. The Powerpack consists of the paintball style CO2 tank itself (2.5,3,4,5,7,9,12,&20oz capacities)
Inflation time: (20-50) psi approx 7 seconds.
Deflation time: (50-20) psi approx 20 seconds.
System weight: Adds about 690g (1.5lbs) to your bike weight, with an empty 9oz CO2 tank.
One can adjust the tire pressure desired in increments as little as 1 psi – up or down. This is a more realistic scenario, as conditions change on the trail.
Our normal ride incorporates a some climbing and descending around a connecting loop that is mostly hardpack. It would be interesting to see what kind of advantages could be made to our overall times using this technology.
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