2 ms·
Well yes, reduced road wear is not the primary advantage of super singles. The contact area is slightly larger, which can help slightly (things such as total lo
by Robotbeat 6y ago
Well yes, reduced road wear is not the primary advantage of super singles. The contact area is slightly larger, which can help slightly (things such as total load and outside dimensions and speed being equal—if you like, it can allow a slightly lower tire pressure). It’s still in the same ballpark, as you say, but it should slightly improve road wear characteristics.
- dotancohen 6y agoWhy not have a three-wheel axle, with two wheels at the edges like in conventional vehicles, and the third wheel riding in the middle of the lane? That would transfer ~30% of the load to a portion of the road which is not wearing down anyway.
- wcarron 6y agoStability. Roads very often have curvature built into them for rain/runoff/erosion mgmt. If your road surface is an arch, having a wheel at the apex is not gonna go well. You gon' tip over.
- dotancohen 6y agoInteresting, thank you. I wonder how well a reduced spring pressure would work for that case, though it would negate much of the advantage of transferring load to the center of the lane.
- wcarron 6y agoLikewise, an interesting potential solution to the problem. I hadn't thought of a lower spring rate. It would certainly reduce the braking distance. A lot more complexity, cost, and weight, though.