Thanks for the links (though I will say, I was already familiar with
these concepts, it is nice to see other voice echoing my statements).
I've overloaded (other) vehicles before. I'm just as happy to squander
a few 2 dollar bills on quality shoes for my forest hotel, to make
sure it stays upright, as well as forthright.

Metallurgy is a fascinating (and still evolving) field.
On Sep 14, 2009, at 3:36 PM, Al Knoll wrote:

> Lots of opinion here:
> http://www.hrewheels.com/blog/tech-talk/cast-wheels-vs-forged-wheels/
> and here:
> http://www.hrewheels.com/blog/tech-talk/rotational-inertias-effect-on-performance/
>
> For those wheel nuts among us who dabble in strength of materials and
> metallurgy and occasionally step into the mire of machine design,
> the above
> references give a peek into pandoras box.
>
> Many of us run our escape pods on the edge or beyond the edge of the
> design
> limits.  Doing so with some knowledge of the possible outcomes
> allows us to
> get away with such flagant excursions most of the time.
>
> Vertical mass distribution and its effects on sideloading of your
> tires and
> wheels is a handy concept to ponder.  Our road divas are no longer
> tall and
> willowy, they now sport artificial enhancements like roof racks,
> kayaks, ski
> boxes, extra gas, and excessive firewood, placed well above the
> nipple line.
>