[Edited: Corrected spelling and clarified] Make a bicycle wheel that can be collapsed when in need: Perhaps an umbrella type of contraption on both sides of wheel hold it up with spokes and all, but when you want to fold, simply release the holding contraption, and the wheel collapses into 8 or 10 segments allowing you to neatly fold it up.

Or maybe just have the spokes fold, with a clip catching the spoke so it cannot buckle.

Or how about some small inflatable contraption in the middle (not the whole tire) which keeps the spokes held in place. To fold the wheel, you simply deflate the middle. Then the spokes (Not very safe, huh?)

After the "Square Wheel" on wikipedia, there is no reason why a bike wheel should not be collapsable.
-- pashute, Jul 06 2006

(?) A wheel that folds... http://shop.sailboa...279654717&group=456
Not for a bicycle, but still... [pashute, Jul 06 2006]

Collapsible Wheel http://www.scooterp..._innerTube_logo.jpg
[DrCurry, Jul 06 2006]

Folding wheel http://www.paynesma...es/foldingwheel.jpg
[skinflaps, Jul 06 2006]

Could folding wheel solve commuters' conundrum? http://www.bikerada...ers-conundrum-14375
[xaviergisz, Sep 28 2009]

Pretty cool http://www.inewidea...08/04/image0084.jpg
[bbglas007, Nov 10 2009]

If you're inflating the thing, you don't need spikes (spokes?) - the air pressure alone can keep the wheel firm. But I think someone already invented tires.
-- DrCurry, Jul 06 2006


Instant bun for re-inventing the wheel :)
-- pertinax, Jul 06 2006


[pertinax] +
-- Galbinus_Caeli, Jul 06 2006


This is something that I have thought about from time to time. I couldn't think of a solution, either.
-- Ling, Jul 06 2006


Baked , definitely by VW and I think possibly by porsche too.
-- webfishrune, Jul 06 2006


Answers:

To [DrCurry]: Not baked at all! And I did give a few directions to how it would work.
The tire you posted as link, has no spikes of course, and cannot hold up a car or bicycle alone.
My idea of an inflatable inner part, is about a very small "bearing" type of part, perhaps a ball, which only stops the spikes from moving freely (which would cause the wheel to collapse) and locks the spikes in place.

[skinflags] The folding wheel you show is not for bicycles, only as a ship's "steering wheel". So yet needs to be baked as a vehicle wheel. See the first link which I posted.
-- pashute, Jul 07 2006


Call for drawing. Can anyone help?
-- pashute, Jul 07 2006


[skinflags] - Now there's an idea in itself.
-- wagster, Jul 07 2006


I'm not changing it again.
-- skinflaps, Jul 08 2006


Edited.
-- pashute, Jul 11 2006



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