Atmosphere of Earth - Wikipedia

It's a scam, man.

 

Nitrogen molecules are larger so theoretically they should not leak as quickly as the 'blended' stuff. I check pressures on both cars and both bikes every couple of weeks anyway so I think that I'll skip that added expense. (I've learned that the Harley and one of the cars do need air pretty regularly, while the '85 944 never needs air - ever. Luck of the draw I guess.

 

there is a benefit to using nitrogen, but for a non heavily loaded tire, not worth the cost. we ran nitrogen 100% in our heavy truck tires and at 70k miles, hardly could tell any wear.
the advantage is that nitrogen does not hold heat well so it will reduce tread temperature which reduces tread squirming. the nitrogen molecule is smaller than air and will leak faster, we used inner tubes even though it was a tubeless setup.

 

This is why I love the Forum, I learn **** whether I need to or not.
Here's the scientific analysis.

https://www.getnitrogen.org/pdf/graham.pdf

 

It’s a scam

 

You need to check your blinker fluid and your relative bearing grease though....

 

Grease for relatives? ... Hmmmmmm

 

I only use air that is cultivated in the spring from atop the highest peaks of the Himalayas. Theres an indigenous tribe of sherpas that climb the mountain each spring and use hand powered air compressors to cultivate the air into cylinders. It's an expensive and arduous operation but they claim it will lighten your bikes laden weight by up to 15 percent depending on your elevation. Tires kept properly inflated can last up to twice as long...nothings too expensive for my harley.

 

need apples to apples. air is NOT oxygen!!!! we are not talking about atomic weights.

Composition of air

According to NASA, the gases in Earth's atmosphere include:

• Nitrogen — 78 percent
• Oxygen — 21 percent
• Argon — 0.93 percent
• Carbon dioxide — 0.04 percent
• Trace amounts of neon, helium, methane, krypton and hydrogen, as well as water vapor

Myth: Nitrogen does not leak from tires as quickly as compressed air, and therefore maintains proper tire pressure for a longer time.

Fact: Tires naturally lose small amounts of pressure over time whether they are filled with compressed air (oxygen) or nitrogen. If a tire has a major leak, air is likely escaping through the valve or punctures in the rubber, or from where the tire mounts to the wheel. In these cases, both oxygen and nitrogen escape at the same rate.

Myth: Nitrogen is not affected by temperature changes, and therefore maintains proper tire pressure regardless of climate.

Fact: Tires filled with nitrogen maintain inflation pressure longer than compressed air-filled tires in fluctuating temperatures. This is why nitrogen is used to fill airplane tires, as temperatures can change dramatically between takeoff and landing. Since nitrogen does not completely eliminate temperature-related pressure changes under normal driving conditions, it is of little benefit to vehicle owners who properly maintain their tires.

Myth: Using nitrogen in tires makes them “maintenance free” so there is no longer any need to check the tire pressures.

Fact: The opposite is true. Even tires filled with nitrogen still require regular pressure checks to identify slow leaks. It is also a good practice to visually inspect tires for cuts, tears, bulges and tread wear, or other signs of impending tire trouble.

Myth: The lack of oxygen and moisture in a tire filled with nitrogen reduces the potential for chemical deterioration of the tire liner, and limits the possibility of rust and corrosion on the wheel.

Fact: Compressed air systems at most tire shops have moisture separators that limit the amount of water vapor in the compressed air supply. Limiting water vapor protects the tires and wheels as well as a shop's expensive air-powered tire mounting and installation tools. In relation to the number of vehicles on the road and the total number of tires sold annually, the occurrence of tire and wheel damage caused by moisture is not sufficiently widespread to justify any special concern.

 

Here is my theory.

I start with 78% nitrogen. I ride a lot. My tire needs air. Lets say it drops to 36psi and I want 40psi.

I fill it up with fresh air that is 78% nitrogen and had the water vapor removed.

Since it was mostly oxygen, O2 that escaped, my tire now has roughly 79% nitrogen. In the fall, when it gets cooler, I add another 4psi, and now I’m at 80% nitrogen. I can already feel safer, my ride so must more consistent. Then in the spring, I need another 4psi to top off my tire. Now I’m over 81%.

By the time I sell this beast and start over, I’ll be in the high 90% of pure nitrogen, simply by checking my tires and keeping them at 40psi. I estimate that after only 20 top ups of air, I won’t need the pure stuff anymore. Unfortunately for me, I rarely need to add air, so my ride is screwed. I always thought it was those cheap air shocks, not the tires!

My vintage bikes are probably as close to 100% nitrogen, which must be why they are so much fun to ride.

I feel really sorry for those of you who start out at 100% nitrogen and have to get air at some gas station or portable pump. Your ride must feel like **** afterwards. You must lose sleep at night knowing that those damn .0000000003 smaller oxygen atoms are escaping your tire as you try to sleep.

This just might be the most boring and useless thread of the week. But I didn’t ride today, too much forest fire smoke where I wanted to go. Time for a cold one.