Big Wheels

[Karl Roth]

Perhaps some of you can explain to me what the fascination with Big wheels is all about. To improve grip the first thing to do is go for a stickier tire. They wear out quicker, what the heck. If I get something wider on there it improves lateral grip often at the expense of drag. Contact patch refers to the rubber actually in touch with the road. If I put the biggest Wheels and tires I can find on my car the contact patch will stay the same size. The shape will probably change but the size will stay the same.
A small front wheel on a bike makes it turn in faster no such effect on a car. Just for looks, seems such a waste to play slave to fashion. HI Ho.
karl
Be careful what you wish for you just may get it

[stevenvillatoro]

Bigger could mean wider OR taller, in the case of wheels. A taller wheel would necessitate a lower-profile tire, which would give a harsher ride. I don't think I would be up for swapping, and the 55-series tires with stock wheels look great to me. You are correct on your other points, as well.

[Old smart]

At the demonstration I attended, a 450 G&K owner also was there with his car. He had it pretty much "Brabas-ized," big wheels and all. He admitted to losing 13%-15% of his mileage due to the wheels.

[Karl Roth]

Originally Posted by Old smart

At the demonstration I attended, a 450 G&K owner also was there with his car. He had it pretty much "Brabas-ized," big wheels and all. He admitted to losing 13%-15% of his mileage due to the wheels.

life is a compromise, give up some mileage for...we be stlylin, pass. Would like some more grip. like the MB spec rim protector sidewalls will keep looking for replacements as these wear. Not in any big rush as these seem a decent compromise on the street.
karl

[SmartCard]

I agree with all of you as well. Stylish large diameter rims and low profile tires can look great (but can be overdone as well!) and thats fine if you don't intend to drive your smart too much and just take it too cars shows. As a daily driver however, practicallity takes over, and you want a combo of a good ride and grip. A modest bump to 16" is ok, but don't know about going to 17" and esp 18" on a fortwo.

[Karl Roth]

Originally Posted by SmartCard

I agree with all of you as well. Stylish large diameter rims and low profile tires can look great (but can be overdone as well!) and thats fine if you don't intend to drive your smart too much and just take it too cars shows. As a daily driver however, practicallity takes over, and you want a combo of a good ride and grip. A modest bump to 16" is ok, but don't know about going to 17" and esp 18" on a fortwo.

WHY would you "plus one" the tires are 60 and 55 series already help me see thru the fog here.
karl

[jonnysan]

Originally Posted by Karl Roth

WHY would you "plus one" the tires are 60 and 55 series already help me see thru the fog here.
karl

Would not get it for us here in the Northeast, Karl.....namely wider tires. I have found even the Conti's to not be so bad on Winter roads. Imagine how well it will handle with a world class STOCK sized all season radial like a Nokian...

I will put the larger 175/55's on the front as well only so I can rotate the tires for better tire mileage as I've stated numerous times here on this forum already.

Otherwize, I am in agreement with all of what you've said about the larger tires. For the sake of having larger tires, why would one give up more than $1,000, 13-15% gas mileage, a poorer, harsher ride (but alittle better handling) The dollars and sense is just not there for me....emphasize *for me*.
John

[Karl Roth]

Originally Posted by jonnysan

Would not get it for us here in the Northeast, Karl.....namely wider tires. I have found even the Conti's to not be so bad on Winter roads. Imagine how well it will handle with a world class STOCK sized all season radial like a Nokian...

I will put the larger 175/55's on the front as well only so I can rotate the tires for better tire mileage as I've stated numerous times here on this forum already.

Otherwize, I am in agreement with all of what you've said about the larger tires. For the sake of having larger tires, why would one give up more than $1,000, 13-15% gas mileage, a poorer, harsher ride (but alittle better handling) The dollars and sense is just not there for me....emphasize *for me*.
John

I like you choice in rides, makes sense to me too

karl

[bmx43]

Originally Posted by Karl Roth

Perhaps some of you can explain to me what the fascination with Big wheels is all about. To improve grip the first thing to do is go for a stickier tire. They wear out quicker, what the heck. If I get something wider on there it improves lateral grip often at the expense of drag. Contact patch refers to the rubber actually in touch with the road. If I put the biggest Wheels and tires I can find on my car the contact patch will stay the same size. The shape will probably change but the size will stay the same.
A small front wheel on a bike makes it turn in faster no such effect on a car. Just for looks, seems such a waste to play slave to fashion. HI Ho.
karl
Be careful what you wish for you just may get it

ur showing your age

i think the big wheel thing is one of those things that if you don't understand, it's not for you. in my opinion, any car can look better with larger wheels. however, larger wheels require larger tires that cost much more to replace. if you look at virtually ALL concept cars, they always use oversized huge wheels (to make the car look aggressive and cool) only to drastically downsize for production. Go back and compare the original concept pics of the IQ and compare to the production car pic to see this.

bigger wheels have nothing to do with road grip, especially on a car like the Smart. it's pure looks, and nothing more.

[Old smart]

Beware light car, fat tires. Hydroplaning!!