application of carbon fiber reinforced polymer structures to metal vehicle wheels is effective in reducing the mass of the wheel while retaining suitable stiffness in the wheel structure . for maximum effect the reinforced polymer structure and the metal wheel must operate cooperatively . because of the wide range of operating temperatures experienced by wheels and the large difference in coefficient of thermal expansion between metals and carbon fiber reinforced composites attachment of the polymer structure to the wheel by adhesive alone is problematical . however a wheel with an effective and durable reinforcement may be fabricated by confining , through mechanical interference , the reinforced polymer in a cavity in or on the spoke and by preheating the wheel before curing the polymer .