While I can see where the Military would be interested in this, it seems Michelin Tire is working on a version of these solid rubber tire/wheels for the civilian market…In this system, the wheels become flexible enough to absorb impacts…But a lot of questions remain, beginning with cost… http://www…

Apparently the Tweel vibrates too much at highway speeds to be sold in mass market applications. It was first announced in 2006, and hasn’t reached us yet. I consider it vaporware at this point.

The End Of The Pneumatic Tire? “in the works” for as long as I can remember. Nothing beats air. Everything else adds to un-sprung weight and not as adjustable. I didn’t know frequent flats were that big a deal if you don’t rob banks or run over land mines. Can you just imagine how sensitive to vibr…

First, a pneumatic tire uses all of its air for cushioning when rolling over road irregularities, Airless tires use only the material that’s under load, so the ride will be harsher. Second, friction losses in expanding and compressing air are extremely low, far lower then flexing any solid materi…

I wonder too how much the ride will be affected by cold weather. The entire air mass pretty much changes temperature uniformly in a pneumatic tire. I doubt that’s the case with poly spokes. And, if a rock gets stuck in one of the cavities and you go 80 mph,what would the survival chances be ?

I think Mr. Sanders has it…They are just not practical for everyday driving…Too much downside, very little upside…

I can see it comming into use for specialized use, like off roading. Gradually , in some form it may evolve into something as cheap as air…But I’m neither holding my breath or looking forward to it. I would rather see better integration standards with mp3 players. :=)

Looks like a great idea for a lawn tractor or wheelbarrow application. Maybe for a “Bobcat” style skid-steer or other similar construction equipment? I don’t see it being practical on higher speed passenger vehicles.

Lawn tractors need extra weight as low as possible to lower the center of gravity. That prevents tipping of hills. I guess that the manufacturer would add weight ; maybe at the hub.

I would like a solid tire of substantial weight on tractors. Though I have never had a problem with The liquid calcium mixture in the rear tires, something else would be appealing.

The End Of The Pneumatic Tire?

General Discussion

ken_green February 12, 2012, 2:37am 4

I had sponge rubber tubes in my Schwinn 10 speed.
Made me wonder…why not cars ?

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The End Of The Pneumatic Tire?

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