https://uk.khebikes.com/

Re-Search & Re-Development: Ruben & His New Signature Fly Tires

A trendsetter gets better

3 Oct 2019

Fly Ruben  Ismael I Bañez 6 09082019 144456 00051

Words by Kerr Bilsland | Photos by Ismael Ibañez

Fly Bikes are OFFICIAL DIG PARTNERS

When you see 'Fly' and 'Ruben' in a title there's a few things you can expect to follow - assured and proven quality with proficient design are guaranteed. Hailed as the first "big" tyre, Ruben has seen his signature tyre with Fly take on many forms through the years. We've had the Rampera and Campillera which have gained legendary status among trail and street riders alike, but even the best can sometimes do with a re-vamp. Enter the new Ruben 2.25 and Ruben Ligera 2.4.

Ruben went out to the the Fly HQ and sat down to extensively go over every inch of the new tyres. While still retaining the claw like tread with smooth centre, on the outside it might look like it has remained the same, however with Fly it's always the subtle changes that matter.

https://shop.digbmx.com/collections/all-clothing
Fly Ruben  Ismael I Bañez 3 07082019 132911 00051

How has your year been so far? Have you been busy with contests and your bike park company?

It's been a great year! So cool to go to contests to see friends and the amazing riding that is going on these days. The skatepark design work has been good too - we did some small fun ones but we're always hoping for bigger projects. Unfortunately though most towns normally don't have big budgets, but let's see in the future .

You've been out at the Fly headquarters working with company founder David Quesada on the latest incarnation of your signature tyre. Do you feel it's important to be directly involved in the final product, seeing and feeling it for yourself to get a better end product?

Of course, this is the most important thing and the way to end up with a good product. It's very cool that these days you can print 3D designs and get really close of the final result, which makes things easier and with less risk, in case you need to make a product mold.

Your signature tyre has been around for a good number of years now and has had much acclaim since it's inception. What brought about the need for a new design?

Just little adjustments to adapt better to the type of riding you need. In this case it is made to ride well in dirt, concrete and street, and also with different materials to hold pressure better and get less flats .

We'll start with the business up front. The 'Ligera' is coming in at a bigger size and still retains that classic claw design. What else is new?

No much more - a lot of people love this tire so we made it in a bigger size, and with good materials to be light and strong.

And for the back, the 'Ruben’ tyre, which has a notably smoother tread and smaller radius. We're assuming it is meant as more of a back tyre option? Are there any changes we should be aware of?

Talking with the team, we realized that we needed a size in between the current Ruben 2.35 and the old Ruben Callegera 2.0 tire, what we used to use in the rear. This tire will have a lower tread and can hold 120 PSI, which is great to ride bowls and trails.

Fly Ruben  Ismael I Bañez 1 07082019 155653 00051

With the advent of the 'big tyre movement' we've seen a lot of tyres only able to reach PSI's of 60-80 while the new Ligera and Ruben are able to hold up to 120 PSI. What was the reasoning behind making this an available option and how will the compound of the tyre prevent it from blowing out at such a high pressure?

What this really means is that in the structure there is more nylon than rubber. It costs more to produce but is much better because is lighter and stronger .

What does it mean being able to work with Fly on yet another signature product after all these years and how many in total now how you guys put out together?

It is always a very exciting process of designing, sharing opinions, see a prototype, testing etc. It is super fun and normally, if all is good, people love it and the positive comments are always grateful.

Fly Ruben  Ismael I Bañez 2 07082019 144922 00051 2

Ruben with the boss-man working on changes to his signature grip.

There's also word that there will be a re-issue of you're signature grip. Care to give us a quick run-down of anything we can expect from that?

Yes, we are working on one! After years riding it you always think of little things to make it run better. This new one will feel just a bit thinner and smoother, because the lines are thinner, and we'l also change the logo slightly and the ends.

And on a final note when can we expect these tyres to hit distros and shops?

Look for them from the end of November.

SPECS

Ruben Ligera 2

RUBEN LIGERA

FLYBIKES RUBEN LIGERA TIRE 2.40

- Ruben Alcantara signature

- Classic Ruben Ligera Tread.

- Light kevlar folding

- “HPPR” layer technology (High Presure and Puncture Resistant)

- Pinch resistant Layer

- High Pressure casing

- Material: 60 TPI Construction

- Max Pressure: 120 PSI - Size: 2.40 x 20”

Ruben Ligera 1

RUBEN LIGERA

FLYBIKES RUBEN TIRE 2.25

- Ruben Alcantara signature

- “HPPR” layer technology (High Presure and Puncture Resistant)

- Pinch resistant Layer

- High Pressure casing

- Material: 60 TPI Construction

- Max Pressure: 120 PSI - Size: 2.25 x 20”

Ruben 225 2

RUBEN 2.25

Get yours via flybikes.com or ask for FLY at these official DIG partner stores worldwide: Source BMX | Bros Store | Kunstform | Lux BMX

Next

Brake Time - Corey Martinez

"Mirra always came through with the heaters for sure."

Related Content

Sem Kok Screen
Play Button

Sem Kok For Fly Bikes

The latest transition trail blazer

17 Jun 2019
Courage Adams 2019 Savanna Flybikes
Play Button

COURAGE ADAMS 2019 SAVANNA - FLYBIKES

You all know it, bike control for days

2 Jan 2019
Ruben Purple Fufanu Dig 16 Lettering Webfinal

Ruben Alcantara: The Master Re-Mastered

His etnies Forward and Grounded Parts Reborn

28 Jun 2016
Alcantara Bmx Mementos Spain Main Rd

10 Things That Matter - At Home With Ruben

Mr. Alcantara gives us the lowdown on some sentimental household items...

4 Nov 2016
Sem Kok Thumb
Play Button

DIG RAW - 60 Seconds with Sem Kok

Full Roast

23 Aug 2019
Ruben alcantara BMX face tight VP

Re Print: DIG Legends - Ruben Alcantara

“He sees things very differently, and what makes sense to him, leaves most people scratching their head.” - Joe Rich

22 Jan 2015
Sergio Thumb
Play Button

SERGIO LAYOS 2019 SIERRA PROMO - FLYBIKES

Bowl slaying with one of the best...

5 Jul 2019
https://kinkbmx.com/collections/handlebars

Latest Content

Fise 2025 thumb semi
Play Button

FISE 2025 STREET SEMI FINAL

16 riders go head to head in 8 red versus blue battles.

31 May 2025
Vpd Z h t Kj8hqdefault
Play Button
Xas UI Oqg0d Ehqdefault
Play Button

FISE X THE BLOOM BMX - 2025

Cash For Tricks

30 May 2025
SVX2 JJ0 Lu Qhqdefault
Play Button

SABBATICAL

Janis Oriovich takes a year off from work to live the good life and film some clips in between.

30 May 2025
MG4 Gf Dso D Oghqdefault
Play Button
Ugsczgpb Jashqdefault
Play Button
QV Iktuy Tb Mwhqdefault
Play Button

DIG 'CASH FOR TRICKS' / HIGH HOP - FISE MONTPELLIER 2025

"We got breakfast cooking with DIG Best Trick at 11am"

29 May 2025
5 SX5x5p0v2ghqdefault
Play Button

Matt Coplon - Year 48 - PROFILE BMX

Continuing to shred in his late 40s

27 May 2025
Wree00 Kbp B Ahqdefault
Play Button

TUMBLE

Jayden Fong, Kyle Ralston, Will Fraser and more

26 May 2025
HP3 Pw Z Gu Tlchqdefault
Play Button

Chad Kerley Bike Check 2025

The Henney Monster

26 May 2025
Cw NMR2cohr0hqdefault
Play Button

CULTURESHOCK

A Slaughterhouse Production

25 May 2025
R FXUC2 N Fymshqdefault
Play Button

Source BMX: Dennis Enarson Bike Check 2025

All-around machine

23 May 2025

DIG Partner stores

More Dig This

Joe Jarvis x pegs CPH

MONSTER ENERGY 'CASH UP' 2025 - EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Another Year - New Locations - Even More Jams!

26 May 2025
Street station graphic

STREET STATION RETURNS for 2025

"Not your average BMX jam"

26 May 2025
Vans 11 27 21 014 Bruno Gap wall

BRUNO HOFFMANN INTERVIEW - 'FOREIGN'

"I think the scene is doing good..."

21 Apr 2025
RIXIN BIG APPLE ANGLE RAW ON WHITE 2500

PRODUCTIVITY - RIXIN Big Apple Frame

Billy Perry's signature frame - Built around what he needed.

8 Apr 2025
Rad teaser

Rad Day 2025

Anniversary movie screenings and RAD documentary release.

18 Mar 2025
Expert Top 3 Roll On crop

REPO: Keeping it local at the UK 'ROLL ON' Flatland Jam

"My desire was to give something back" – Mike O'Connell

5 Mar 2025
Snow Fight – Naoki Gaman2

20 Tips For Surviving Simple Session 2025

Check yourself before you wreck yourself!

20 Feb 2025
SS finals samples 4

SIMPLE SESSION 25 WRAP UP

Highlight videos, results and more

19 Feb 2025
Stack

DIG BOOK #2024

AVAILABLE VIA THESE BIKE SHOPS AND DISTROS

30 Dec 2024
New dig apparel main image

NEW DIG BMX APPAREL

Available now

27 Dec 2024
30 YRS POSH BOOK MNTN V V 004

(Almost) 30 YEARS OF POSH WOODS

Now available

24 Dec 2024
BSD Grime Safari Reed Stark Austin 6

Reed Stark - A Photo Safari

Safari Forever...

6 Dec 2024