What do you think of the Michelin Tweel - airless, sideless tire?

Interesting. Really the "tire of the future" or a gimmick?

http://www.michelinman.com/differenc...01102005a.html

"Doc" > wrote in message
ups.com...
> Interesting. Really the "tire of the future" or a gimmick?
>
> http://www.michelinman.com/differenc...01102005a.html

This press release is over two years old and we still aren't seeing them on
the road. What do you think?

On May 29, 10:19 am, "Noozer" > wrote:

> >http://www.michelinman.com/differenc...lease01102005a....
>
> This press release is over two years old and we still aren't seeing them on
> the road. What do you think?


I don't know whether it's a concept with the potential to be superior
- and it may not be - but I also don't know that this time frame
necessarily leads to a conclusion that it's not viable. I imagine
there have been longer time frames than this between working prototype
and refined product.

"Doc" > wrote in message
ps.com...
> On May 29, 10:19 am, "Noozer" > wrote:
>
>> >http://www.michelinman.com/differenc...lease01102005a....
>>
>> This press release is over two years old and we still aren't seeing them
>> on
>> the road. What do you think?
>
>
> I don't know whether it's a concept with the potential to be superior
> - and it may not be - but I also don't know that this time frame
> necessarily leads to a conclusion that it's not viable. I imagine
> there have been longer time frames than this between working prototype
> and refined product.

Buy you'd expect to see the occasional updates.

"Doc" > wrote in message
ups.com...
> Interesting. Really the "tire of the future" or a gimmick?
>
> http://www.michelinman.com/differenc...01102005a.html
>
I wonder how they would hold up on high horsepower drivin wheels on take off
or on hard cornering.?

They were suposed to be an option on some BMW's, or so I seem to
remember from TV show. Ops...showing my education again.

disston

Doc wrote:
> Interesting. Really the "tire of the future" or a gimmick?
> http://www.michelinman.com/differenc...01102005a.html
>
Yes, there was a science show on tv about them. I'd have to test drive
them to know.

On May 29, 9:46 am, Doc > wrote:
> Interesting. Really the "tire of the future" or a gimmick?
>
> http://www.michelinman.com/differenc...lease01102005a....

Airless yes, it substitutes a flexible core of ribs for the baloon of
air most tires use for cushioning. But it is hardly sideless. The
press release described the automotive application of the tweel as a
"concept" which tells me it is a long way from production.

Sounds interesting, although our lingo will have to change from having
a tire that is flat to a wheel that is broken when it inevitably
becomes no longer round. Wonder if they are repairable or just
throwaway wheels?

John S. wrote:
> On May 29, 9:46 am, Doc > wrote:
>> Interesting. Really the "tire of the future" or a gimmick?
>>
>> http://www.michelinman.com/differenc...lease01102005a....
>
> Airless yes, it substitutes a flexible core of ribs for the baloon of
> air most tires use for cushioning. But it is hardly sideless. The
> press release described the automotive application of the tweel as a
> "concept" which tells me it is a long way from production.
>
> Sounds interesting, although our lingo will have to change from having
> a tire that is flat to a wheel that is broken when it inevitably
> becomes no longer round. Wonder if they are repairable or just
> throwaway wheels?
>

Yeah, that's a very good point. When the threads wear out, you
again change the entire wheel?