ICON has a 'NEW' wheel - it's their version of beadlock

Beadlocks - without a ring.

Available in Black or Bronze.

Test results for beadlock unseat are identified, but there's no mention of tire spin. Not saying they didn't test it, it's simply not mentioned.

https://iconvehicledynamics.com/wheel/15050/icon-alloys-rebound-pro/21817858347SB/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7a5QnA51oE

 

No one cares?

I'm shocked &

Compatible with a wide variety of tires.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOhDB_J8yK8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uciCAdLzYrs

 

Meh. Almost 400 bucks each, looks like a painted TRD OR wheel.

 

So I'm thinking you'd have to remove all those bolts to put on a new tire?

If you're one to run very low air pressure off road, these would be useful. Way too much work cleaning if someone got these just for the look.

 

Function over form.

 

It's an interesting concept, but seems kind of gimmicky to me. Over time, I could foresee potentially chasing small air leaks via the bolt holes; and also, true beadlocks clamp the full bead on to the lip, whereas these are just sort of poking up behind the inside of the bead... I don't see these really and truly preventing the tire from breaking bead, just maybe keeping the bead in the same general location when it does break (which isn't all that helpful, the PITA part is getting a bead to seat again when on the trail, not so much for just getting the bead back in position to re-seat it).

One other consideration - tire shops generally will not touch beadlock wheels due to liability issues... these could potentially be an exception as they just have to insert those inner bolts and not relying on them to clamp a full bead down... BUT... what if they wouldn't touch these either? Real beadlocks are easy to mount tires on your own (a bit tedious to install the rings, but still easy to do overall); not so much with these as you've got a traditional lip you've got to pull the tire over now. So def not DIY friendly.

Anyways, just my two cents. I do think it's an interesting idea... if overtime they're proven to work well for retaining the bead, and not chasing other issues like leaks, I could certainly see myself picking up a set.

 

So, for those who have used beadlock rims in the past, I see that these (and other beadlock tires) only have a locking mechanism on the outside. Are they never de-beaded on the inner surface? Seems weird otherwise.

 

Asked myself the same question. A little research revealed the outer bead, is the one most likely to fail.

Edit: Have not verified this thought, but it makes sense, generally.

"The outer bead on the wheel is a bit smaller to allow tire to be mounted from that side. The inner bead is a bit larger and holds the tire better than the outside does."

 

There are some companies that make a double beadlock; but it's far more common to only lose the outer bead. I've seen my fair share or popped beads, but only once have I seen a fully unseated tire; and that was on a high horsepower buggy that was just trying to skinny pedal bash through everything.

 

I think Icon had a good idea with their 700-series wheels with the grippy surface on the outer bead. I think this is a nice approach as well.

 

I typically agree with that statement. However with these wheels, I don't really see that being true. I think if one needs a beadlock, one should buy a true beadlock. And in the context of this being a 4runner site, I don't think anybody is really doing the things that necessitate the extremely low pressures that would require beadlocks. So in that aspect, these actually do kind of become form over function.

 

I remember when people said the same thing if you didn't own a steel '32.

As far as beadlocks go. I can see their value based on where I am geographically. Sand, miles and miles and miles of sand. Low pressure and keeping the tires on the wheels makes a lot of sense. To me.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2jlqqrGr_Y