3 ms·

I like the look, and the aerodynamic possibilities are intriguing. That being said, spokes play other important roles in current wheel designs. For one thing,

I like the look, and the aerodynamic possibilities are intriguing. That being said, spokes play other important roles in current wheel designs. For one thing, a typical spoked wheel uses spokes that are tightened until they stretch a small amount. When the rim is subjected to stress, it can bend a little and be pulled back into true by the spokes. A spokeless wheel would probably need a very stiff rim that could resist deformation. This would produce a harsh ride, but problem can be solved with suspension.

bmj 17y ago
Your comment about aerodynamics is interesting. Generally, time trialists use a disc rear wheel and a minimally spoked front wheel (typically with bladed spokes, or even a tri-spoke composite wheel). While these designs have proven to be the best for pure aerodynamics, they are obviously very susceptible to cross winds--the reason why racers don't use two disc wheels on the road. I suppose this design could make sense for a course that is buffeted by cross winds (even with a minimally spoked wheel, steering is compromised). As for comfort, this would be more of an issue for recreational riders. The deep dish or disc wheels that racers use for speed already give a fairly rough ride.
- raganwald 17y ago
  I agree with your comment. FWIW, shock absorption has implications for control on uneven surfaces. A very stiff wheel bounces on obstructions while a flexible wheel deforms and maintains contact. Thus, softer tires and suspension font forks are extremely useful for off-road bikes. Really stiff wheels work well on extremely smooth surfaces, so time trialists and track riders love them. Weirdly, cyclo-cross riders also love the "deep dish" rims, although more for their ability to resist mud build-up than aerodynamics.
  - bmj 17y ago
    Yep. I think 'cross racers choices are influenced by their ability to ride really, really low pressure tubulars, which mitigate the effects of the deep dish wheels. It's also worth noting that many PRO teams run very, very standard wheels (aluminum rims with 32 spokes) for the roughest classics, like Paris-Roubaix (see http://froggy100.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/paris-roubaix.jpg http://froggy100.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/paris-roubaix.j... for a good example of the terrain).

bmj 17y ago

Your comment about aerodynamics is interesting. Generally, time trialists use a disc rear wheel and a minimally spoked front wheel (typically with bladed spokes, or even a tri-spoke composite wheel). While these designs have proven to be the best for pure aerodynamics, they are obviously very susceptible to cross winds--the reason why racers don't use two disc wheels on the road. I suppose this design could make sense for a course that is buffeted by cross winds (even with a minimally spoked wheel, steering is compromised). As for comfort, this would be more of an issue for recreational riders. The deep dish or disc wheels that racers use for speed already give a fairly rough ride.

raganwald 17y ago
I agree with your comment. FWIW, shock absorption has implications for control on uneven surfaces. A very stiff wheel bounces on obstructions while a flexible wheel deforms and maintains contact. Thus, softer tires and suspension font forks are extremely useful for off-road bikes. Really stiff wheels work well on extremely smooth surfaces, so time trialists and track riders love them. Weirdly, cyclo-cross riders also love the "deep dish" rims, although more for their ability to resist mud build-up than aerodynamics.
- bmj 17y ago
  Yep. I think 'cross racers choices are influenced by their ability to ride really, really low pressure tubulars, which mitigate the effects of the deep dish wheels. It's also worth noting that many PRO teams run very, very standard wheels (aluminum rims with 32 spokes) for the roughest classics, like Paris-Roubaix (see http://froggy100.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/paris-roubaix.jpg http://froggy100.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/paris-roubaix.j... for a good example of the terrain).