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View Full Version : a note on lighter wheels


thebarber
06-16-2010, 09:15 PM
since i switched from the miata wheels with a relatively heavy tire setup to the rpf1's i noticed two things

1. acceleration has increased

2. the car tracks more easily on the highway.

#2 occured to me on the way into work this evening. i recalled seeing a special wheel you can put on a childs bicycle that has an inner disc that will spin so that the bicycle will stay upright even when its not moving. the idea is that the child is more easily able to learn how to ride as the bike is less prone to tipping.

i imagine the same effect is in place with a heavier wheel/tire setup vs a lighter setup. the weight of the heavier setup will help the front wheels continue running straight over inconsistent roads, while a lighter setup will (as i've noticed) be more prone to following ruts and channels in the road.

just something to note if you're doing mainly highway mileage vs stop and go. it would be more comfortable/easier to drive with a heavier wheel/tire setup on the highway as a lighter setup requires more concentration and corrections

bzinn 1
06-16-2010, 09:25 PM
I ahve over the years noticed the same thing........only thing I dont like about my heavy 17s is the mpg loss,it is on average 3mpg for me,cannot wait to goto RPF1s next year.

jpmck03
06-21-2010, 06:11 PM
Ha, I saw that same segment too thebarber! Interesting concept!