Learning from experience, Chen Zhou developed a new understanding of wheel manufacturing.
He realized that using solid wood for single-piece wheels had few advantages aside from requiring less technical skill.
These wheels were heavy, structurally weak, and not durable. They wouldn't last long even on an asphalt road, let alone a mountain path.
Live and learn.
For the next wheel manufacturing attempt, if the wood bending technique isn't mature, Chen Zhou plans to cut out a large piece of wood, draw two concentric circles on it, and remove all the wood around the concentric circles to hollow out a wooden ring.
This wooden ring will be divided into eight or sixteen pieces, reassembled after adding spokes.
This segmented design helps distribute pressure, making it easier to replace or repair any damaged part, effectively doubling the wheel's lifespan.
