Sam Pearce from Loopwheels has just reinvented the wheel. He has created a spokeless suspension wheel. Strangely enough, he got the idea after watching mothers push children in strollers. After several hours of observing children being jolted each time the front tire struck a bump he decided to make a better wheel.
His design works like this. The wheel has 3 carbon loops in place of spokes that are found on normal bicycle tires. The carbon loops act as a type of suspension by flexing when under stress. For example, if one hits a curb the outer rim would act like any normal rim would. The carbon loop nearest to the impact would compress, bring the hub closer to the wheel, and result in less force to the rider. Brilliant.
Aside from being just plain interesting. Do your see any applications in the motorized world? Will we be seeing a resurgence in custom hardtail choppers with Loopwheels? Or ultra cushy Ultra Classics? I would like to know your thoughts. Please leave them below.
You can find out more about Loopwheels and help fund Sam's project here.
1 comment:
I'd want them just because they look cool...particularly important since I only bike at like 15 mph :)
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