The added components don’t make the wheels all that much heavier, too, as each Loopwheel only weighs 300 grams more than a similar spoked equivalent. Because they use hubs and rims similar to standard wheels, they can be installed on any bicycle designed to take 20-inch wheels. Other sizes may come soon, although that will likely depend on how well the current size sells.
Usually the half-axle is broadened into a V with front and rear pivots to keep it from twisting. Pivots allow the bar to twist, but to a limited degree so that rolling is controlled.

But the negatives are pretty significant, especially in and around Boston, where our roads are rapidly deteriorating, and potholes are a regular occurrence.
First developed to smooth the ride of people confined to wheelchairs, Israeli-based SoftWheel has taken their in-wheels suspension concept and refined it for a wide of cyclists. By essentially isolating the bicycle rim from the hub with a set of three tunable shocks with hydraulic rebound damping, the Fluent bike wheel is said to deliver an unmatched level of comfort, while maintaining ride control and stability, and actually reducing energy lost when riding over obstacles and surface irregularities. Take a closer look at options for city and even e-bikes after the jump…