Quote:
Originally Posted by Cruising n Coasting
I think ZenSpeed has a great idea, though timing is everything.
Two months ago, only a couple nice looking 3-lug wheels were available and they cost over $2500.
NOW there are 6 or more becoming available under $1500 from Canada and Europe. Brabus Monoblock VI Replica and Schmidt to name a few.
Tigerwong58 said the ride is very harsh with his Lorinser 17s, and so the 16s that I just listed are becoming the wheel comprise of looks vs ride quality. Since they come as 3-lug already, then the adapters are not needed. And they are wide enough that not even spacers are needed.
When factoring in the bad US economy, then that's where ZenSpeed needs to make a decision. Their product is surely for the exclusive 17" market that does not mind a really harsh ride and wants to save $500 by getting a Lorinser/Brabus/etc replica. Though they must act quickly to set a profitable price point.
I am not sure what their expenses are though it should be looked at carefully before it is too late.
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Thanks for your post, and for the opportunity to respond to some of the points you raise in it.
While it's true that the aftermarket is starting to make some native 3 lug wheels available, the selection of styles and sizes is still extremely limited, and for the most part very expensive. Our adapters open up a world of possibilities that simply aren't available in native 3 lug wheels, including extremely high quality (and comparatively cheap) OEM Mercedes alloys. The 5x112 pattern we use has been used by Mercedes, Audi and VW for a long time, and there are literally thousands of wheels, both OEM and Aftermarket available.
Our adapters allow you to fit your choice of 15"-18" wheels, not "only 17's" as you contend. I personally think that 17's look best on the Fortwo, but if 16's are your thing our adapters will work just fine. Maybe some old school Pie-tin OEM 15's off an old 300D? Again, no problem.
My personal car is on 17" C-Class wheels, on Pirellis, and it rides excellently. I'm not sure why your friend is having harshness problems with his wheels, but it's definitely not typical of all 17's. Perhaps he should check his tire pressure? The installer may have cranked them up to set the beads and then forgot to adjust them back down??
Regarding our price point, at $300 for a full set they're regularly $100 less than adapters offered by other vendors here on the SCOA, and we've knocked them down to $270 for SCOA folks for the month of September. They're made of the absolutely best materials available (Alcoa T6061-6511 billets, machined to exacting tolerances on CNC equipment, with hardware and comprehensive instructions. Considering the costs associated with low-volume production and top quality billet materials (not cast junk) I think our adapters are an excellent value.
Thanks for your interest,
Johnny
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