Nitrogen
#41
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
Posts: 11,065
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483 Posts
geez, this is funny.
Coupla people pointed out several obvious points:
Air is 80% nitrogen.
Nitrogen molecules are larger than most of the molecules comprising air (emphasis added).
Air contains significant moisture; nitrogen is completely devoid of moisture.
Nitrogen is an inert element; air contains oxygen which is a very active element.
All that stuff adds up to reasons why nitrogen will do a better job in tire inflation than air. Nothing magic, nothing hoo-doo, just plain ol' science, easily proven in any high school physics class.
That pretty much leaves only economics as a legitimate deciding factor. Use the info, make your choice, and then don't worry about it, either way.
MoparDave had the simplest idea - compressor with air dryer.
Coupla people pointed out several obvious points:
Air is 80% nitrogen.
Nitrogen molecules are larger than most of the molecules comprising air (emphasis added).
Air contains significant moisture; nitrogen is completely devoid of moisture.
Nitrogen is an inert element; air contains oxygen which is a very active element.
All that stuff adds up to reasons why nitrogen will do a better job in tire inflation than air. Nothing magic, nothing hoo-doo, just plain ol' science, easily proven in any high school physics class.
That pretty much leaves only economics as a legitimate deciding factor. Use the info, make your choice, and then don't worry about it, either way.
MoparDave had the simplest idea - compressor with air dryer.
#42
Screw it, I say use Harely approved Helium in your tires, Will make your bike lighter and give you better gas milage.
In all seriousness, MoparDave was dead bang on. Been using a Silica type filter with my compressor for years. Most of the condensate will sit on the bottom of your compressor tank. A filter on the output will get the remainig moisture out. You can pick one up for under 20 bucks.
In all seriousness, MoparDave was dead bang on. Been using a Silica type filter with my compressor for years. Most of the condensate will sit on the bottom of your compressor tank. A filter on the output will get the remainig moisture out. You can pick one up for under 20 bucks.
Last edited by Roadjunkie1; 12-11-2008 at 07:42 AM.
#47
seems to me that Xenon would be the best gas to use for tires, it's inert and has the largest atomic weight of all the non-radioactive noble gases so won't leak as much. Another benefit is if ya go fast enough your tires will glow bright white too.
Last edited by EZ48; 12-12-2008 at 11:47 AM.