Helium in the tubes?

[hank]

Ahoy,
Maybe I have too much time on my hands but has anybody else thought of using helium in the tubes instead of air?
No idea of the cost of helium -- or if it is possible but it would make the power to weight ratio better.
Just a thought
hank

[geoff]

Expensive, impractical and negligable weight advantage. Helium molecules are very small and will tend to leak through the tubes. However, I have heard that it is used to inflate the tyres on track bikes for those who want that little extra performance.

[prairie tuber]

Originally posted by geoff
However, I have heard that it is used to inflate the tyres on track bikes for those who want that little extra performance.

I used to do some velodrome racing, and yes, helium was (not sure if it still is) used in some of the elite riders tires at international caliber events. I am doutful it made any difference though.

[Pete7]

Helium is between 1 and 2 pence per litre in addition it is a very light gas and therefore tubes which are leak free with air may suddenly develop leaks as the Helium tracks along seems and out through the edge of the tube materials.

Keep to air, its free and the exercise in pumping up tubes on a regular basis will keep your heart in good condition and pep up your sex life.

Pete

[thewavehumper]

Originally posted by Pete7
Helium is between 1 and 2 pence per litre in addition it is a very light gas and therefore tubes which are leak free with air may suddenly develop leaks as the Helium tracks along seems and out through the edge of the tube materials.

Keep to air, its free and the exercise in pumping up tubes on a regular basis will keep your heart in good condition and pep up your sex life.

Pete

If you are going to buy gas to make your boat go faster, you could always consider Nitous Oxide

[Pete7]

We breath it for deep diving. So sqeaky voices and its bloody cold as well.

Pete

[narked]

Yeah save the helium for Trimix divers, it's expensive enough as it is. A couple of pence per litre doesn't sound much, but once you start compressing it, and the number of litres is reach the thousands, it's a bit pricey

[hank]

thanks for the replies guys- it is back to the drawing board for me
hank

[Red Fox]

You could try using hot air!