Michelin's Tweel combination air-less tire and wheel

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.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

I'll take mine on dubs. 8-)

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

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?

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

And do forget the poor Gas Stations that charge 50 cents for air.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

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.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

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.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

Re: #5,

Maybe car manufacturers will have remote engine disablers integrated into all new cars by the time this tire hits the consumer market. I know this was discussed on one of those news digest shows a couple years ago.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

Unlikely for bike tires or other inline wheel applications as the outside surface of the tire is used for cornering. Unless the sides can be enclosed, it won't work.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

Another exciting development in the long line of inventions by Yorkshiremen. (T'internet, T'Radio, T'internal combusion engine, T'wheel...)

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

I agree cornering will be a challenge(although for some it already is). My question is how much? It my be cheaper just to buy another car.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

Great concept

Not sure how well this would work in any environment where there is snow....chunks of ice and snow all well compacted and jammed in odd sections of the spokes..... I'm trying to think if I could get into the routine of balancing my airless tires on a daily basis in the winter??

In addition, if its being marketed as a tire of the future, you would think that the design would lean towards a low roll-resistance, high efficiency type of tire.

Just a few nutty thoughts;)

Mikey

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

I hate to be the sceptic but, I can't help but think of the problems this may cause in colder climates. I am from Canada, and we have some nasty Winter months here. I feel there would be alot of issues with ice build up within the spokes, which would further lead to balancing issues. I know Michelin warns there are some issues to address, and they don't plan on implementing it on automobiles for 10-15 years. Hopefully it works though it's a great idea, especially since most of the population is too lazy to take care if their cars, even when it's as easy as checking the air pressure. 3 out of 4 cars on the road have at least one tire that is below the recommened psi.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

I believe i read somewhere that the spokes would be covered with some sort of material, and that the tweel can be re-treaded.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

This going to change everything, almost. I think the sporting industry should take note. Imagine mountain bike tire that maintain the proper pressure and never get a pinch flat?

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

what about mud ? .. etc on the snow thing .. just . i was wondering where is an official site coz iv begun looking. and what kinda tests/results are there .. besides pretty pictures .. also .. what is the spokes made of .. er what else .. yar hey .. the whole stick in the bycicle wheel spoke thing occurs here .. kinda .. hmm

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:14AM]

i think they should have those spokes, but inside the normal tyre .. and witth enuff gap space for things to move .. and maybe and "airlet" so that mudd and stuff wont particularly just "get into the tyre" hmm ..

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 25th 2005 2:16PM]

I think this is a great idea

does anyone know if these would be good for winter driving?? Love the concept though. And would buy 4 in a heart beat if they are good in all kinds of weather.

'-)

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 27th 2005 6:27PM]

In reply to 7.



According to the michelin.com site they are working on tweel for bikes. Apperently it was shown on a bike fair in milano. Here's a link to a swedish article on tweel for scooters (can't find it in either US or UK sites, sorry).

http://www.michelin.se/se/front/affich.jsp?&codePage=20050323184108_25112005150505&lang=SE&codeRubrique=20050323184108



This is scooters tires. Don't know if why they don't mention any tweel for high speed bikes. According to the article the tire will have a lifespan of the scooter itself, they say.





If you can't access the article in the future maybe the image of the tire will still be there, so here it is:

http://www.michelin.se/se/ImageServlet?imageCode=8910515890&codeSite=SUEDE

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 27th 2005 6:36PM]

I knew the link would fail...

second try and a PDF, in swedish, still



http://www.michelin.se/se/front/affich.jsp?&codePage=20050323184108_25112005150505&lang=SE&codeRubrique=20050323184108



http://servicesv2.webmichelin.com/repository/backoffice/DocumentRepositoryServlet?codeDocument=1125&codeRepository=SUEDE&codeRubrique=news