[Toshi]

Did it cross anybody's mind that those things might pack up with mud, dirt and rocks when used in off-road applications, and possibly suffer damage when compressed when packed with incompressible debris? Seems like that almost writes off 4x4 and construction applications, and (depending on width) possibly mountain bike applications as well.

a protective "sidewall" could be envisioned

 

[James]

There was something kinda similar to this in the Neal Stephenson book "Snow Crash," I can't remember what they were called, but instead of tires, the wheels had nanotubes carbon spokes that extended and retracted as needed to allow the vehicle (skateboard, motorcycle, car, etc) move across any surface. Skateboards "'pooning" (harpooning) cars to travel down the 5 in LA at 100mph.
Smartwheels! That's what they were called!
Anyway, cool stuff indeed. I dig that Segway, how much fun would THAT be?
Snow Crash is a fun book too, BTW...

JJames

 

[zedro]

a protective "sidewall" could be envisioned

no kidding...all it takes is a little imagination.

 

[d4p4b]

its seems like the flex would give the wheel more roling resistance ? just a thought ?