Posted by chriscase on Friday, December 30, 2005 at 11:46PM :
In Reply to: Combat Wheels posted by Ed Minor on Friday, December 30, 2005 at 10:10PM :
The bolt on flange pinches the beads of the tire against an inner ring. The bolts supplied the clamping force. Most have long since had the inner rings deleted so many owners are not aware of the original concept. Personally, I think it is easier to change a tire on the split rim than the combat rim- if doing it with brute labor in the dirt. Modern conveniences like impact guns, tire machines, air compressors, or service stations may give you a different attitude.