Just gotta ask.
Anybody ever played with it?
(and don't reply "yes! I put 78% nitrogen in the tires every time I fill them with air")
Very common in drag racing, where slight amounts of tire pressure really make a big difference. But I don't think it would be worth the hassle and expense for roadracing.
QuoteVery common in drag racing, where slight amounts of tire pressure really make a big difference. But I don't think it would be worth the hassle and expense for roadracing.
If its not worth the hassle then why do factory teams do it? ??? I think its for that extra edge like rebuilding an engine after a race type thing that they do.
Depends.
It's been done at Daytona with Dunlops.
I know it's common in drag racing, nascar, probably AMA, every airline tire, and now available at many common tire stores when you get new tires. Just didn't know if anyone 'local' has tried it.
Nitrogen itself is very cheap and extremely available, so expense isn't really an issue.
the main reason is not that its the magical properties of nitrogen.
It's that it is something CONSISTANT !
no changes humidity in the air or stuff like that.
No, its not lighter
No, it doesnt change the termpature of the tire.
No, its not gonna get you in the 12's
QuoteIf its not worth the hassle then why do factory teams do it?
We're talking about CCS racing here. I doubt that any of us at the club level could tell the difference.
Better to spend your money, time or other resources you have on something that's really going to make you faster or keep you safer.
I wonder if Ed Key is lurking this thread... ;D
I know for some it is just easier, a tank of nitrogen is easier to haul around than an air compressor, and find a good outlet that won't trip etc etc.
For most people they will not notice a difference, but there are people that want to eliminate as many variables as possible boiling water in tires, summer/winter, EPA zoned, formulations and debris/water in pump gas, etc etc
I'll settle for round, black and sticky...regardless of what's in 'em! ;D
QuoteI wonder if Ed Key is lurking this thread... ;D
Nah. Ed's way beyond nitrogen. Knowing him, he's probably using helium for lighter weight... ;)
Heck, Ed is probably using Hydrogen. Helium is too heavy! ;D
We use nitrogen in tires because it is a clean gas. It contain no contaminents that may harm the air chamber of the tire.
Hauling those tanks around is a pain during race support. It would be much easier to use a compressor using outside air.
QuoteHeck, Ed is probably using Hydrogen. Helium is too heavy! ;D
Oh the humanity!
Just for fun, I filled my front tires on my F350 with Nitrogen late fall and left the back with compressor air. Checked them when the temperatures dropped in November. Fronts were at 55 psi where I had set them rears were at 48 psi, one was actually 45 but found out I had a really small leak in the valve stem when it was filled (weird). But the small Nitrogen tank costs little (was given to me) and for 5 bucks I can get it refilled locally. But wiith 2900 psi it takes a lot before it needs filling.
I had braided lines made to fit the regulator from O'Reilly for 8 bucks so it can reach out of trailer (35 ft.
But I have no idea if it will really matter in lower volume bike tires.
Actually any of you dunlop guys at the midwest rounds we were at had nitrogen in your tires. That is all we used there. Jim