Topic: Suspension wheel for rigids? What!

[fdbrat]

I'm sure it could be made stiffer for a motorcycle. These things are really cool. I love new ideas.

These guys also need funding.

http://www.core77.com/blog/kickstarter/sam_pearces_loopwheel_tangential_suspension_for_bikes_24785.asp

[K5 Keith]

That's an interesting concept. Some really are trying to reinvent the wheel! Just saw this yesterday:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S10GMfG2NMY

[754]

Sprung hubs  have been around since the fifties.. Pricey though
 A billet version came out 10 -15 years ago, lots of money..

[fdbrat]

Yah don't say. Huh. Haha. The video of that wheel made it seem like they invented it.

I wouldn't mind one on the rear of my strutted cb.

[Red Good]

Look for Triumph sprung hubs , 50 ' s ? And maybe someone else in the teens ?

[tbpmusic]

Interesting........
I'm wondering about how well they deal with the lateral forces on a motorcycle wheel??

[DustyRags]

That's exactly my concern, too. Don't seem to have much thought given to lateral stiffness, or dampening for that matter. What's a bit of a jostle on a bicycle can become a nasty standing wave on the freeway. Bad, bad, bad news.

[Ichiban 4]

Another thing that I thought: when spinning @ high RPM's and/or going into turns..there could be a tendency for oscillation..like with bad head or wheel bearings..especially on a motorcycle.  There's very good reason that spoked/laced wheels have more or less equal tension around circumference of wheel; to prevent oscillation.  Ever rode a bike with loose spokes in one area?  Very unstable and erratic handling.

I left seeing video thinking that this may be functional for bicycles..travelling at low speeds..with little power-acceleration issues.  But seemed impractical..even unsafe for motorcycles.

My amateur enginering opinion (and from riding experience)..

Ichi