TWEEL sighting (no more flats)

[bandydesign]

So, I went with my Formula SAE comp team to the Michelin test grounds in SC. We ran our cars and tested different tire compounds. A really fun day! However, at the facility, I got to see the "TWEEL" in person. I read about this a long time ago. A tire with no sidewalls. I got to see it in person and Its pretty cool. Quite stiff to the touch, Im sure that with a load it will have a bit of flex. What a pain that would be to clean tho. Haha. Not sure, but to avoid loss of customer base on account of "fear of change" syndrome, there might end up being a sidewall that just covers it up.
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i266/kevinbandy1/IA/1110071654b.jpg
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i266/kevinbandy1/IA/1110071654a.jpg
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i266/kevinbandy1/IA/1110071654.jpg

[MeanMugen]

looks smooth lol

[korilee13]

i can dig it

[Deke]

I remember seeing these a little while ago. It's definitely a cool idea. You'd think they could just put on some non functional sidewalls so it would look like any other tire.

Edit: Yeah nevermind, I don't think I saw the "tweel." I think I just saw a set of tires using the same concept mounted on some normal wheels.

Edit part deux: NM, they were in fact the tweels. I guess they just put a silver finish on the wheel portion:

http://lltek.com/PRS_bin/PRS_77_tweel/prs_77_img_02_ZZ.jpg

[.blank cd]

Other than the fact that it looks like it doesnt hold air, whats the purpose?

[Deke]

Other than the fact that it looks like it doesnt hold air, whats the purpose?

That's the purpose. No worries of getting a flat or having your tire blow out.

[.blank cd]

hmm. I bet those tweels up top are noisy as hell too...

[DrewS2K]

bet it blows bicycles off the road when its going 60 lol

[Jblizzard]

cool

[ATK_Designs]

talk about brake cooling.....and side walk bush trimming.

[speedminded]

That tread is far too aggresive for speeds over 45-55mph or so....and how on earth are they balanced?!

[bandydesign]

Well, Im assuming that the TWEEL I posted is intended for tractors, construction vehicles and the like. Clearly automotive applications would require different dimensions and tread designs.

[speedminded]

Well, Im assuming that the TWEEL I posted is intended for tractors, construction vehicles and the like. Clearly automotive applications would require different dimensions and tread designs.So the only difference between it and a forklift tire is the hollow webbed center :tongue:

[bandydesign]

Its more aggressive but not far off.

http://www.supergrip.net/Images/PneuFork.jpg

Sorry the pic is sooo huge.

[Deke]

Is the pic of the Audi I posted not showing up for you all or something? They apparently have different styles for different applications.