I wonder if skinning something like poplar with carbon fibre would produce a usable wheel...

It would certainly confuse the termites.

 

Fred

I prefer hardwood like oak myself longer lasting,  and like Brijo said you can start big and turn them down to whatever you like    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not seen Bobs corner so full for a long time, I'll have a pint, CHEERS Good health Bob  

I prefer hardwood like oak myself

Poplar is a hardwood.

Poplar is a hardwood.

I know but oak looks better 

And for winter use you could have lignum vitae skinned with carpet (turned down to 16" obviously).

Don't forget the  Chinese ones in MDF.

Personally I'm an exotics chap - nice bit of wenge or cocobolo...

For the Old Hippies - Tangerine paintwork with Purpleheart.  Cool

Or for the Barbie signature model, pair that purpleheart with some pink ivory...

Alloy wheels are rarely any lighter than their steel equivalent.

Alloys are more decorative.

Alloys are rarely stolen nowadays.

You can't see what wheels you have when you are driving.

You can't get 17" wheels in steel.

 

Erm...  incorrect on the steel 17" wheels Graham.  The VW T5 proudly wears 17" steel wheels when you order it with the top 180hp engine. Granted these have the wrong PCD but they are steel and they are 17".  

 

They look like this - they don't have round holes around the edge but have "spokes":

Also the VW Phaeton has a 17" steel spare wheel.