Improvements are disclosed regarding the way in which vehicle wheels are designed and assembled, including ultralight, airless vehicle wheels adapted for mounting on a rim to receive a tire. One or more flexible ring-shaped tendons are disposed over the rim. A stuffer component is disposed over the tendons, and the wheel is disposed over the stuffer. A cover is bolted onto the rim holding the stuffer and tendons in position. Importantly, the tendons, stuffer and cover are all installed onto the rim from the outside toward the vehicle, thereby easing installation and maintenance. The invention may be adapted for all-terrain vehicles, and the wheel may have diameter on the order of 7 inches, 14 inches, or any other appropriate dimensions.
