Tyre size & driving differences

[SD1too]

Originally Posted by goltho

I'd certainly not describe them as shot.

But you did Dougie!

Originally Posted by goltho

... but for the fact that the tyres on them are shot.

Simon

[goltho]

Originally Posted by SD1too

But you did Dougie!



Simon

Thanks Simon. I'm sure you recognise a re-evaluation when you see one though.

Dougie.

[SD1too]

Originally Posted by goltho

Thanks Simon. I'm sure you recognise a re-evaluation when you see one though.

And that is to be roundly applauded. Hail the 'U' turn!

Simon

[bl52krz]

I have 15 inch on my diesel, with Goodyear efficient grip tyres on. Perfect ride. More comfortable than my mates Jag. I have also 16 inch fork spokes, with Avon 205 tyres on. The 15 inch are much more comfortable, and I get more mpg out of them.

[goltho]

Originally Posted by bl52krz

I have 15 inch on my diesel, with Goodyear efficient grip tyres on. Perfect ride. More comfortable than my mates Jag. I have also 16 inch fork spokes, with Avon 205 tyres on. The 15 inch are much more comfortable, and I get more mpg out of them.

I changed the wheels over this morning and am just back from a 20-mile drive on a mixture of A-roads and country B-roads with their fair share of roughness and bends.

My impression is that as people have said, the ride is quieter (although my 16" tyres are Dunlop winters) especially over poorer surfaces. What I'm not so taken with though is some increased lateral roll on straight undulating sections. It feels like softer suspension which I suppose in effect it now has, given the increased tyre profile.

I'll leave them on for a week for a decent trial and see how I feel at that point. Currently lukewarm though. It's not as if I'm trying to cure a ride problem. It's just the fact that I've generously been given a set of rims in far better condition than mine.

Dougie.

[Kevin Williams]

Why not use your 16 inch tyres in winter and switch to the 15 inch in this summer to do a proper long term test and minimise your expense for now? You can then formulate a longer term plan

Just make sure you've got the right spare or the dreaded spacesaver if you swap

Hope this helps

Kevin

[goltho]

Originally Posted by Kevin Williams

Why not use your 16 inch tyres in winter and switch to the 15 inch in this summer to do a proper long term test and minimise your expense for now? You can then formulate a longer term plan

Just make sure you've got the right spare or the dreaded spacesaver if you swap

Hope this helps

Kevin

Yep, it’s a good option. Other than the extent of the 15” tyres’ wear, I don’t have to make a quick decision. Thanks.

Dougie.

[YHT]

I have found that the low profile tyres are more expensive than the chunky ones. I have landrover for rural flood/snow etc use and 18" profile tyres are about £80 cheaper than the 20" (Pirelli Scorpion Zero 20" £216 each, 18" 134 each) . Same make etc. Have avoided the low profiles on any of my 3off 75s (1 in retirement awaiting sills to be done, one pending being back on the road when i re-build and gearbox that doesnt jump out of 3rd gear (and the clutch, 3rd my daily workhorse). Would agree that low profile tyres are a bit hard on the ride; daughter had a Mini with low profiles and it was like riding a lump of concrete. (It could be part of age not coming alone!)

[torque2me]

For a "spare" wheel set, an alternative to using a smaller diameter wheel is that they are better for snow tyres but being an alloy not really suitable for chains (socks should be o.k. But for free.......
Kev