16" or 17" wheels and tires?

[lowndex]

I currently have 16" Schmidt wheels and tires. I realize most are using 17" versus the stock 15". I am wondering if the ride will improve enough to make the $2000 change from 16" to 17".

I welcome input from informed members.

[smartdot]

I don't think the ride "improves by going with 17"s. I've had them on my car as soon as I got it home from the stealership. If you intend on going with 17's and want to keep close to the same diameter, the sidewall will be significantly smaller. Smaller sidewall = harsher ride.
I put up with the harsher ride because of the slightly better handling and the looks.

[El Kabong]

I gotta agree with smartdot. I have 17" Lorinser speedys and am quite happy with them. I didn't put them on for better ride quality, but for better handling and aesthetics. If you want a softer ride, I'd recommend going with 15" rims. Almost everything involves some sort of compromise. Only you can decide what is best for you. See if you can drive, or at least ride in a Smart with 17" rims to be sure. I'm in So Cal, so if you're down this way, let me know, and we can arrange a test drive.

[smartune]

$2000? Are you buying Lorinsers?

I've got some wide 5-spokes coming to market here soon, they will be under $1300.

Best,

-Dan

[lightshire]

I am going to have schmidt space 17"

[RussBarnes]

Large trucks (18 wheelers) use air suspension in the rear. They have four or eight rubber bags to hold the sometimes 40,000# pin weight. They learned long ago how to size airbags and the larger the softer, but smaller carries more weight so they developed formulas for the loads. Years ago tire users learned that larger tires ride better, larger volumne of air that is, but when you take a large tire rim with the same O.D. (i.e. 17") you have a harsh ride. The best ride will be from 185/60-15's all around and a quality tire.

[cubefx]

Originally Posted by lowndex

I currently have 16" Schmidt wheels and tires. I realize most are using 17" versus the stock 15". I am wondering if the ride will improve enough to make the $2000 change from 16" to 17".

I welcome input from informed members.

Shmidt's are one of the best looking wheels available for the smart IMHO.
And I do not think that 17's will improve the ride quality, probably just opposite.

[toogrvy]

Originally Posted by lowndex

I currently have 16" Schmidt wheels and tires. I realize most are using 17" versus the stock 15". I am wondering if the ride will improve enough to make the $2000 change from 16" to 17".

I welcome input from informed members.

I had 17" Lorinser's, too harsh for me. I switched to 15/17 Brabus, MUCH better ride IMHO.

edit: I would stay with the 16" Schmidts---great looking wheel !

[GiantKiller]

I still think my 17" spacelines are the best looking wheel for smart. But there are alot more wheels available now. And some are a close second. 17" will be a rougher ride. But look better, and miner handling improvement over 16". Mine rub a little after I installed Eibach lowering springs. Pictures in my gallery are pre Eibachs. I've got 9.5 on the back I'm hoping to need the extra width. 8.5s would be better choice.

[ronstock]

I just put Team Dynamics 16" with Yoko S-drives. Ride is improved and they look great. The car has much less play and the steering wheel feel when you swerve to avoid a pot hole feels like your floating and in total control. Unlike the stock tires, that fell like you are going to catapult across the highway.