From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
The performance, advantages, and disadvantages of balloon tyres.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 6\3\ 03-page16 | |
| Date | 14th March 1924 | |
| R.R. 491A (40 S) (R) CL 12-7-23. J.B. D.{John DeLooze - Company Secretary} 4527 EXPERIMENTAL REPORT. Expl. No. 4565 527 REF: Hel/1/D14.3.24. To CJ. From He. c. to R.{Sir Henry Royce} RE. BALLOON TYRES. Messrs. Dunlop have now replaced the original balloon tyres which we were running - which were 7" for the 20 HP., and 8" for the 40/50 HP. - with 6" tyres for the 20 HP. and 7" for the 40/50 HP. These smaller tyres minimise the disadvantages of the Balloon Tyres and form the best compromise. The disadvantages with balloon tyres are - heavy steering - reduced steering lock - difficulty in obtaining coach clearance especially at the rear. We have read most of the enthusiastic reports in connection with balloon tyres. These are mostly the first impressions of people who have tried them. Several of the advantages claimed for the balloon tyres disappear as the non-skid tread wears down. The only reason we can see why balloon tyres are better for braking and preventing skidding is because there are more notches or abutments on the non-skid tread in contact with the road. As soon as the non-skid tread has worn down, these advantages disappear. We consider the advantages of balloon tyres are definite and will undoubtedly become popular. The chief obstacle against the adoption of the balloon tyres at the moment is the action of the tyre makers. Dunlops, Michelin, North British and the Americans contd: | ||