KEVLAR®

The brand name of a DuPont™ synthetic fabric that is clothlike in feel and is used in cold outdoor activities (e.g., by bicyclists and motorcyclists). In racing, the material of choice for NASCAR Winston Cup cars. KEVLAR® was chosen by NASCAR because of its durability, because it would hold up under problems on the race track. This material ensures that the nose piece holds its shape, even up to 200 mph. Any drastic changes in the shape of the nose piece will ultimately, and consequently, have a profound effect on the car's handling. It is also used in bullet-proof vests and tires. KEVLAR® is used in tires two different ways, for two different purposes: KEVLAR® beads are used on some high performance tires. Replacing the normal wire bead with KEVLAR® saves about 50 grams per tire. KEVLAR®-bead tires have the additional advantage of being foldable, making them popular as emergency spare tires with touring cyclists. KEVLAR®-bead tires are somewhat harder to mount on a rim, and are more likely to blow off than wire-bead tires. They work best on "hook edge" rims. KEVLAR®-belted tires have a layer of KEVLAR® under the tread surface, with the purpose of making the tire more resistant to punctures caused by small sharp objects, such as thorns and glass slivers. KEVLAR®-belted tires have slightly higher rolling resistance, price and weight than corresponding tires without the belt.