Loopwheels: bicycle wheels with integral suspension

You may be interested to check out this innovative bicycle wheel that uses three carbon looped springs instead of spokes. This provides 5cm of suspension on each wheel.

I wonder how bad the transverse (side-to-side) stiffness is? These things seem awfully flexy in the wrong direction.

Edit: do you have a commercial interest in these wheels?

re inventing the wheel

Suspension for road bikes addresses problems the majority of USA road users don't have. It might be different on gravel and dirt, but paved roads are pretty smooth in most places, and we don't have issues standing once in a while to clear a bad patch. I'd venture that a light responsive suspension with 1/2" of travel, would be all that were needed 95% of the time.

It's different where there are still cobbled streets, and I could see a market for something like this if it didn't have drawbacks, such as problem maintenance. Also, suspension is more valuable in smaller wheels, so it might make sense for 20" adult bikes.

But it's one more tool in the box, and another choice for those who want it, and there's never anything wring with that. (if it works).

god gave us legs with jointed segments for our suspension. So to with our arms. And don't forget the anticipating aspect of vision (or paying attention). Andy.

Do you know something? Would it make a difference?

I don't know anything, that's why I asked. Yes, it would make a difference, it would mean that your posting was a disguised advertisement, not an innocent question or discovery.

Apparently the smaller wheels (20") in order to reduce lateral flex.

But how much of that flex can the rims handle? Are they carbon fiber also?

It would make a difference to me. Forums have sponsors for a reason.... if you had a commercial interest in the company I would take that post as a lack of integrity...
if you did not have an interest in the company and were just posting as a curious cyclist that would make it a legit post.

I think he has a commercial interest as he tried to generate interest by posting a similar thread in the folders section maybe 6 months ago. Roger

How much power would your lose pedaling these thing at high power output or when climbing hills? I'll Pass.

Apparently.

I came across an interesting item on bbc and thought you might be interested. If you're not, good for you, but enough of the whackadoodle bike wheel conspiracy theories.

I did? Sorry, but I don't spend much time in the folding bike forum and I should be so lucky to have a commercial interest in anything. And what if I did? It's an interesting product regardless of who brings it to your attention. To repeat, enough whackadoodleness. This is the mechanics forum so perhaps you should keep your comments on topic.

What I don't know is your background or commercial interest in this product. It wasn't a conspiracy theory, it was a simple question but apparently too complex for you to answer directly.

No need for anyone to get ruffled feathers.

This sort of thing happens pretty innocently on a regular basis. The maker's PR company has the press release picked up by a new outlet which reaches a fresh audience, one of whom thinks it's interesting enough to post here on BF.

Think about how often the Danish (or was it Swedish) air bag bike helmet was "introduced" here.

Simple enough but really none of your business and beside the point.

While we're at it, are you a professional wheelbuilder or spokemaker with a commercial interest in preserving traditional technologies? Just wondering.

I find it interesting that you continually attack the questions instead of giving an honest answer. No, I'm not a wheelbuilder, commercial or otherwise, and have no interest in "preserving traditional technologies". I just want to know two things:

1. Do these novel wheels really work?
2. Do you just find them an interesting design or do you have a vested interest in getting readers here to buy them?

So far, you have ignored both questions and argued all around the answers.

As FB pointed out, suspension is hardly needed on a road bike. Most of the time the suspension mechanism is gonna be robbing you of the speed and/or momentum that you need for efficient propulsion. I remember buying a mountain bike when suspension (rear and front) was relatively new. I intended to ride the mountain bike mostly on paved river trails. I really wanted the bike with the rear suspension, but could only afford the hardtail (Cannondale Delta V and the Killer V 900), but today I thank my lucky stars I opted for the Killer V 900, as it is a much more versatile bike for all the right reasons.

Whackadoodle - had to google that.

So, how are these wheels to adjust, install, repair?

see above

Too lazy to search,but there's a guy over in the Folding forum who bought a set of these. He seemed to like them.

Also,judging from the OP's posting history,I seriously doubt he's a shill.

No credibility, but for a different reason... got it

Cute, Wilfred. I'll try to do better.