New Pirelli Winter 190 Snowcontrols on Rial rims

[jwight]

Just in from Tire Rack:

[Dunerunner]

You really go first class!! I really like the Rial wheels! What happened to finding a set of Pure steelies to run this winter?

[wahi]

Good job, jwight!! I got my 190s last Friday! I think buying them is a cost-effective solution for the smart!

[PerryA]

May I ask the delivered price, and did you order tire pressure monitors also?

[smart fortimo]

If I recall correctly, the scPDX price for full set steelies + TPMS + Pirelli 190 Snowcontrol's was $1200+ all in and on the car.

The same setup from TireRack is $1260 +Tax (can't recall if delivery is built into their number). Fairly close numbers, not far from the dealer/steelie price.

So my decision maker would include:

Do I allow for the possibility of sliding into a curb? In that event, would prefer the steelie. (no sliding by me-- under control at all times )

Do I intend to use chains at any time, which could cosmetically damage an alloy finish? (hmm, tough one-- I do have a big comfortable AWD/4WD with new treads for the worst of situations)

I haven't decided, still on the fence. I could be sold either way but I'm leaning toward TireRack Rials and Pirelli's. Either way it will be a min. of $1200 to buy in.

Cheers,
Timo

[jefferios]

Nice set jwight!

Seems like all of the people on this forum have tons of money for new wheels too, I'm just getting the tires and putting them on the stock wheels. Is anyone with me?

[mvaldes]

Just FYI, here it is without the center cap:

[blackbeagle]

The important question is how do they perform on snow/ice. I've driven on the Blizzaks and am convinced they are the best snow/ice tires made. I've also driven on the Michelin X. Those were good too. How are these in icy condition? That remains the important question.

[blackbeagle]

Originally Posted by jefferios

Nice set jwight!

Seems like all of the people on this forum have tons of money for new wheels too, I'm just getting the tires and putting them on the stock wheels. Is anyone with me?

IF I go with the 190s, which I probably will, I will go with the tires and mount them on the existing wheels. I'll upgrade the stock tires with new wheels/tires ( 195/50r15) another time next spring (after tax season).

[jwight]

Originally Posted by Dunerunner

You really go first class!! I really like the Rial wheels! What happened to finding a set of Pure steelies to run this winter?

Turns out I was able to get a good deal on this combo which put it within a few bucks of a set steel wheels from a smart center with the same tires. Did not do the TPMS sensors - drove cars for years without them so a few months in the winter shouldn't be a problem. BTW, at around 4-5 months a year in snow these tires should last forever.

The important question is how do they perform on snow/ice. I've driven on the Blizzaks and am convinced they are the best snow/ice tires made. I've also driven on the Michelin X. Those were good too. How are these in icy condition? That remains the important question.

You are correct - that's the real question. Won't know until we get our first real snow when I can go play in a big parking lot. As far as ice, nothing's any help there (chains maybe but I'm not going there with the Rials.) Besides, being retired if the weather's too bad I just roll over and go back to sleep.