Engadget article and comments:
Michelin's Tweel combination air-less tire and wheel
Posted Jan 5, 2005, 4:00 AM ET by Donald Melanson
Related entries: Transportation
What's a future car without a future tire? Well, Michelin's got
us covered with a combination wheel and tire that doesn't use air,
making it impossible to go flat. The "Tweel" uses flexible
polyurethane spokes and promises to last two to three times longer than
traditional radial tires, and when it does wear out it can simply be
retreaded. The first commercial use for the tires will be on Dean
Kamen's iBot wheelchair, with military applications likely to follow
before you'll be able to stick 'em on your car. There is one
potential drawback, however, it's not clear whether they'll be able
to be chrome-plated or not.
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Reader Comments
1. Posted Jan 5, 2005, 6:23 AM ET by anthony
I'll take mine on dubs. 8-)
2. Posted Jan 5, 2005, 8:10 AM ET by rlarue
wow that is seriously sweet stuff. I'll take 4 for my XA thanks.
I wonder if they are working on a version of this for bicycle tires?
3. Posted Jan 5, 2005, 9:27 AM ET by todd m
And do forget the poor Gas Stations that charge 50 cents for air.
4. Posted Jan 5, 2005, 9:28 AM ET by cafn8
I wonder if they will mold holes in the tread for water evacuation.
Seems like a good opportunity for tires that don't use air pressure.
Imagine the "Cheese Grater" snow tire. There's a freebie for you,
Michelin. I'll expect my free set sized for a 2002 Subaru Impreza.
5. Posted Jan 5, 2005, 9:44 AM ET by NitroNeo
This would put a real damper on spike strips... heh, heh...
I can see law enforcement/government trying to put a damper on the
realease of this technology.