S07 → N400

The Spike of Fascinating & Unexpected





SPIKE 48
→ TYRE.



© 1. unknown — Bibendum fight / 2. Goodyear Archives — Goodyear Mixing and Retread Plant, Wolverhampton / 3. US History Uncovered — Michael Ochs Houston, Texas (1966) / 4. unknown — Bibendum with a Ford T in Santa Clara, Cuba / 5. Robert Cumming — Anaheim, California (1972) / 6. unknown — L’ orchestre Bibendum-Michelin (1928) / 7. Book Bobruisk — “Here it is, our products! the tyre worker says with pride” (1978) / 8. Goodyear Archives — Goodyear Mixing and Retread Plant, Wolverhampton / 9. unknown — Atlas Bucron tyre / 10. Michelin — The original Michelin Man (1910) / 11. unknown — Detroit’s I-94 Uniroyal tyre was once a giant Ferris wheel at the 1964 NY World’s Fair.

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A tyre is a rubber covering that surrounds the rim of a wheel, providing traction, cushioning, and support for vehicles and other wheeled equipment. They are essential components of automobiles, bicycles, motorcycles, trucks, buses, and aircraft, allowing them to move smoothly and safely over various surfaces. They usually consist of several layers of rubber and other materials, including fabric cords and steel belts, which are bonded together through a process known as vulcanisation. This process creates a strong and durable tyre that can withstand the stresses and pressures of driving, including impacts, friction, and changes in temperature and road conditions. The tread pattern on the surface of the tyre provides grip and traction, allowing the vehicle to maintain control and stability on different surfaces, including dry pavement, wet roads, snow, and off-road terrain. Tyres also contain grooves and channels, known as sipes, which help to disperse water and improve traction in wet conditions. 

Interestingly, the colour of the smoke produced by burning tyres can indicate their composition. Those with a high natural rubber content typically produce black smoke, while those with synthetic rubber or additives may produce coloured smoke, such as white or blue.

The Michelin company, which is known for producing tyres, introduced the concept of the Michelin Guide as a way to promote tourism and encourage people to travel by car. In 1900, the Michelin brothers, André and Édouard, published the first Michelin Guide in France. Initially, the guide provided practical information for motorists, such as maps, tyre repair instructions, and lists of mechanics and hotels. However, it eventually evolved to include restaurant reviews and ratings, which helped establish Michelin as a leading authority on fine dining. Created by the company, the Michelin Man, known as Bibendum, is one of the most iconic brand mascots in the world and was introduced in 1898. The character’s distinctive appearance, made entirely of white tyres stacked to resemble a human figure, has become synonymous with the Michelin brand. The origin of Bibendum’s design is rooted in a chance observation by André Michelin at the Lyon Universal Exhibition in 1894. Noticing a pile of tyres that, if arranged differently, could resemble a man, Michelin saw an opportunity to create a memorable symbol for their company. The idea came to fruition a few years later when André and his brother Édouard commissioned the French cartoonist Marius Rossillon, also known as O’Galop, to bring the character to life. Bibendum’s debut advertisement showed him holding a goblet filled with nails and broken glass, with the Latin motto “Nunc est bibendum” (Now is the time to drink) underneath. This imagery emphasized the resilience and durability of Michelin tyres, capable of withstanding even the most treacherous road hazards. Over time, the mascot’s appearance evolved, transitioning from the rugged, glass-drinking tyre man to a more modern and friendly figure, reflecting changes in the company and societal attitudes. Bibendum’s presence extends beyond advertising; he features in Michelin guides and maps, which have helped countless travellers navigate their journeys with ease and confidence. In the early 2000s, Michelin updated Bibendum’s look to be more streamlined and dynamic, better suited to the contemporary image of the brand. 




→  Sourced from: SYSTEM 03 (Specteore)
→  Stored online: N400 Spikes Repository



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