As you browse our collection you may have noticed that many of our tires come with option of High Rebound  or our Standard Formula.

The High Rebound Formula is a dense, high energy compound which absorbs shock and transfers it evenly. This formula adheres to surfaces more easily and has an extremely high restitution of cohesion. 

The HR formula has been tested by people just like you and the results show that pound for pound (psi) the HR formula has the same rolling resistance as rubber tires and in short sprints can enhance performance and we even have some test data published here on the website.

Our High Rebound material is a heavily cross-linked urethane elastomer compound developed a few of years ago by Bayer Chemical for use in the disability vehicle market. The reason it was developed was to prevent flat spots which occurred on the disability vehicles and to resist weight. In doing so the material has low rolling resistance however it costs more and weighs slightly more than the standard foam tire. This is why you may have already noticed that the HR tires are priced a little higher than the others. If you need a higher performing tire in our Legacy Series Collection the HR is the way to go.

Our testing has shown that the HR material will want to pop back into shape when depressed one and half times faster than a comparably inflated rubber tire. What this means is that the HR material has a fast rate of return. If you like a tighter tire then the HR is for you. However rugged off road use with the HR tire may not feel exactly like a rubber tire but its' traction is as good and and you won't be stranded..

Please keep in mind that our 'standard foam' material has been making people happy for years and it perfectly acceptable for the majority of recreational/ casual cycling, lawn and garden and other uses too numerous to mention here. 

The Standard Formula we use is a two component poly-urethane liquid when mixed with a catalyst will render a lightweight predetermined density foam. The less air trapped with in the foam, the higher the psi. This has been our secret and no one else can do it, including those "Yellow Tire" guys.  The High Rebound formula, however, is a completely different urethane and is the result of years of engineering and testing.

When making the decision between the Standard and the High Rebound formula, please use the guidelines below.

High Rebound
HR weighs 100-300 grams more, depending on the tire.
HR psi is normally 80-90. If you require higher a psi then please select the customize option when using the shopping cart.
HR tires are easier to pedal.
HR is a better formula however it does cost more
Most of the HR tires are configured for wide deep rims so please double check your rims as rims do vary in width

Standard Foam
Standard is lighter in weight
Standard costs less
Standard lasts 4,000 - 6,000 miles
Standard tends to be a bit stiffer 

If you have any questions on which choice is right for you, please call or email us.

Updated 3/05