The bicycle accessories manufacturer Silca is launching a new tyre sealant for tubeless systems on the market. According to the manufacturer, the Ultimate Sealant with injectable FiberFoam is a further development of the original sealant launched three years ago. The new formula combines natural and synthetic latex in a tubeless tyre sealant for the first time. In addition, the FiberFoam technology has been further refined with individual carbon fibre strands as a sealing agent. In a press conference a few weeks ago, Josh Poertner explained that the carbon fibre strands are now so fine that the sealant can also be filled into the tyre using an injector. This was not possible with the previous sealant. The fine fibres in combination with the latex can seal holes with a diameter of over 6 millimetres, says Poertner. Silca states that the durability in the tyre is over 6 months, even at high outside temperatures.
Improved properties compared to predecessor
Compared to the previous product, Silca has addressed two major points of criticism: The new Ultimate Sealant can be injected through the valve and no longer needs to be poured into the tyre. In addition, a separate refresher product is no longer required to maintain the liquid. According to the manufacturer, the optimised length of the carbon fibre strands results in less clumping and better distribution in the fluid. The combination of natural and synthetic latex should enable improved CO2 compatibility, longer durability and a more even coating on the inside of the tyre.
Use in professional races and development process
Silca states that the new Ultimate Sealant has already been tested by professionals and Silca employees at races such as the Unbound. The development of the product took two and a half years. The long development time was also due to the particular challenge that durability in tyres can only be assessed after months of testing. In order to achieve its goals, the company tested numerous new formulas.
Bonus programme for sponsored athletes
To underline its confidence in the new sealant, Silca is introducing an unusual bonus programme for its sponsored athletes. At races in the Life Time Grand Prix series, the company is paying a "Bad Day Bonus" of 500 US dollars for tyre damage that does not seal itself. Silca wants to show that the use of its products gives the athletes an advantage.
Technical specifications and availability
- Seals holes up to 6+ millimetres
- Injectable through the valve
- Shelf life: 6+ months, even in desert climates
- Mixture of natural and synthetic latex
- Optimised carbon fibre strand length
- Advanced foaming agents that transport carbon strands to a puncture
- Ammonia-free
- Available sizes: 1 litre, 500 millilitres, 65 millilitres
- Prices: 49 euros (1 litre), 29 euros (500 ml), 7 euros (65 ml)
Silca Ultimate Sealant is now available in selected bike shops. Silca offers three sizes: 1 litre at a price of 49 euros, 500 millilitres for 29 euros and 65 millilitres for 7 euros.
Sandra Schuberth
Editor
