The slit rim/split ring wheels have been discussed several times and some have asked about the tire cage used for inflation safety. Was at the tire shop this AM and snapped a pic. As you can see it has battle scars. They use a hose with a snap on air chuck so so no hands are inside the cage. My experience has been they are quite trouble free unless someone has warped the ring by pulling up on one end instead of prying off evenly or has dented the ring by hitting it with the bead breaking hammer. That said, I much prefer one piece wheels. I hope I can post the pic in the right position, if not it will look like it's laying on it's side. Where's Zig when he's really needed?
Thanks for the "Graphic" That picture is worth a thousand words, especially the right side bottom bar. Now I know why my grandfather never let me break them down or air them up. Thanks for the reality check!
Hey Evan~ Is that what the person wore that had to go screw with the wheels? Did they slip that over themself and then sneak up on the tire hoping it wouldn't explode just because? The guy has one arm extendend through the cage- a tire preasure gauge clutched tightly in his hand. He tries not to let his hand tremble as he reaches out for the valve stem. He tries to look, but can't help but close his eyes and turn his head away. Just then he hears the last sound he'll ever hear- BAMMM! he's toast... Years later, his protective cage shows up as an "attached thumbnail" put on display by Evan~ Suddenly the ghost of that poor service attendant springs to action! Evan is never heard of again... hmmmm
I remeber when I got my 47 when I was 12 my grandpa always told me to watch the wheels when I was airing the old rotten tires up because they could come loose and kill you and Ive herd of a cage but never seen one, now I have
Like Zig Said : The tire guy gets inside the cage and reaches out with the air hose.... Everyone else in the shop cowers in the corner... I remember guys literally flying through the air when a split rim popped.... I don't expect to ever use them again .