Air-less wheel concept for the heavy duty 4x4

[Buji]

Similar to the tweel concept discussed here before, the University of Wisconsin has announced a new airless tire solution:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13639_3-10...=2547-1_3-0-20

Doesn't require the full face hub cover that the tweel does, and seems to be geared towards heavy duty offroad applications.

So this is one step beyond the kevlar tubes I have on my van.

Of course, the question of adjust-ability comes up. (airing down equivalent).

[BroncoHauler]

Very cool. I'd be curious to see how they perform in mud.


Herb

[Psomaki]

I see the linked story says these things won't cost any more than "current units." Just how much does a 37-inch tire go for, anyhow?

[jage]

I think your adjustibility is zero on that. At best they would come out with a softer and harder version, but I don't see how adjustiblity would be accomplished once the compound is selected.

I wonder what happens when one does fail- not puncture, but over time.

I also wonder what the tread life is overall... a 1,000,000 mile tire and I might give up the ability to air down on my SMB.