More About Tubeless Road

We've mentioned Specialized's new release of their S-Works Turbo Tubeless road tire and we have also discussed Campagnolo's production of their new 2-Way Fit wheels for 2009.

There's now a little more information about both, this time courtesy of Bicycle Retailer:

"The tubeless wheel will use a Campy rim with the exact outer profile of the ALX alloy clincher. What changes is the internal rim shape has been made to conform to the tubeless road standard,” said Josh Knoll, who handles equipment research and development for Specialized. “This shape will still allow riders the ability to run a normal tire and tube set up if they so desire. Options, options, options."

So, Specialized S-Works Turbo Tubeless road tire will be made for them by Hutchinson and their tubeless rims will be made for them by Campagnolo.

Amtel-Vredestein Tires

Sibur Russian Tyres has purchased a 70% stake of Amtel-Vredestein for about $370 million.

Amtel-Vredestein, a Dutch manufacturer of bicycle and auto tires, had been struggling to turn a profit and to retain market share over the past few years. Sibur's Russian Tyres controls a little over 30% of the Russian tire market and by acquiring Amtel-Vredestein will become one of the top ten tire manufacturers world wide.

Given that Russia currently is, population-wise, 9th in the world and that Russia has seen considerable economic growth over the past decade, Sibur's acquisition of Vredestein should work out well.