A business supported by Innovate UK has designed a wheelchair with suspension that is improving the comfort of users across the globe. From: Innovate UK and UK Research and Innovation Published 21 June 2019 A £24,000 Innovate UK grant in 2013 helped them to develop the loopwheel for wheelchairs, and a further £240,000 grant in 2017 allowed them to partner with other companies.
'But as soon as you ride,on a gravel road, it feels like velvet - there is no noise from the road, and it is exactly like riding a normal bike.
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From an aesthetics point of view they are gorgeous to look at, but from riding them it is obvious that Sam and Gemma have created something special. Riding 20″ slicks is not normally the most fun way to enjoy the farm tracks of the UK, but with the Loopwheels it suddenly changed, the rough buzz disappeared and you find yourself enjoying the ride rather than worrying about your wheels and the bike bouncing everywhere!
This was clearly made by someone who has never had to get two carburetors to work simultaneously or two flutists.
'But as soon as you ride,on a gravel road, it feels like velvet - there is no noise from the road, and it is exactly like riding a normal bike.
The design most likely requires a drum or disc brake since the rim’s position would likely change too much for rim brakes. We’re thinking this could be a fun design for commuter and city bikes where aerodynamics and weight are slightly trumped by comfort, particularly where the streets are a bit rough. More info as it comes online, and another pic after the break… Androo on April 14th, 2013 - 1:57pm
'I first made myself a mountain bike wheel, and it was incredibly noisy and wouldn't steer - but it worked.
The story of loopwheels is one of determination, and a streak of madness. They were invented and developed by Sam Pearce, in his home in Nottinghamshire, England. By training and profession, Sam is a mechanical engineer and industrial designer. By nature, he is some one who loves making things: designing, building, doing. He loves simplicity, and products that work well. Sam is practical and hands-on. He is stubborn and doesn’t give up easily. All useful traits when you find you’ve set out on a journey to reinvent the wheel . . .
These wheels have a standard axle bearing diameter of ½” (12.7mm), but are not supplied with axles. Buy axles separately here if needed. If you need a 12mm axle bearing instead of ½” then please contact us.
What do you get when you cross a Stealth Fighter Jet with a single speed bike? You get the B-9 Nh Black Edition Urban Stealth Bicycle ($8700). The bike was inspired by the F-117 Nighthawk aircraft. It features a carbon fiber frame and fork, one piece carbon stem-handlebar, BME Design’s unique carbon S72 Saddle system […]
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December 2013 Update: Loopwheels exceeded its crowdfunding goal, and individual tires, wheel sets, and the Loopwheels 3-speed folding bike are now available for direct purchase through the company's website--follow the link below.
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"Better mobility could not do enough to help - we had a very tight turnaround time and Beth went to great lengths to make sure our order arrived in time for discharge. Great service, would absolutely recommend."
Once the 20inch wheel is in production, there are plans for a larger version for mountain bikes and even the possibility of a car version in the future.
So what's the alternative? Better keep your large-diameter, low-profile alloy wheel and tire set for the summer months, when the frost heaves have quit poking Buick-sized boulders through the road surface. From late October to the first of May, consider investing in a winter wheel and tire package, including steel wheels in a slightly smaller diameter than the 19-inchers that may come on your car.