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NeuroBeaker · May 12th, 2008, 12:00 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul (original)

We had a MINI One with 15s for a number of years, plus I've had a play in a few other MINIs with the 15" OEM and I find them too skittish, not enough grip on the tyres provided (cornering and wheels spin wise), and the larger sidewall I think for me just tips them into the "too squishy" zone.

Yes, the OEM Pirellis were definately skittish and gave poor grip. Also surprising was that they would aquaplane quite easily.

I'm still running the OEM wheels - but now I'm using a wider tyre. Much better for aquaplaning (due to superior tread design on the Kumho over the Pirelli) and much better for grip (awesome cornering and haven't wheel spun since I fitted the Kumhos).

As for squishy - yep, they are that. I sometimes would like a bit more of an instantaneous reaction to steering input - but tall sidewalls will do that. I think the sidewalls of the Kumhos are a little stiffer (not a lot in it) than the Pirellis, so steering is a little more direct.

Overall, I think if you pick the right tyre, the 15-inch wheels are fantastic. But I didn't like the combination of 15-inch wheels with the stock Pirellis - that was comparatively awful even in the best conditions.

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul (original)

For me, our local roads are more like road stages of rallies (or even gravel stages) than they are a nice shiny predictable race track!

Same round here - one of the reasons why (apart from cost) I wouldn't want to change to 16/17/18-inch wheels... a ride as soft and compliant as possible keeps you more in contact with the road.

May 12th, 2008, 12:00 PM	#10
NeuroBeaker Where's my navigator?! Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Behind the wheel Local Time: 11:01 PM Posts: 5,756 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Paul (original) We had a MINI One with 15s for a number of years, plus I've had a play in a few other MINIs with the 15" OEM and I find them too skittish, not enough grip on the tyres provided (cornering and wheels spin wise), and the larger sidewall I think for me just tips them into the "too squishy" zone. Yes, the OEM Pirellis were definately skittish and gave poor grip. Also surprising was that they would aquaplane quite easily. I'm still running the OEM wheels - but now I'm using a wider tyre. Much better for aquaplaning (due to superior tread design on the Kumho over the Pirelli) and much better for grip (awesome cornering and haven't wheel spun since I fitted the Kumhos). As for squishy - yep, they are that. I sometimes would like a bit more of an instantaneous reaction to steering input - but tall sidewalls will do that. I think the sidewalls of the Kumhos are a little stiffer (not a lot in it) than the Pirellis, so steering is a little more direct. Overall, I think if you pick the right tyre, the 15-inch wheels are fantastic. But I didn't like the combination of 15-inch wheels with the stock Pirellis - that was comparatively awful even in the best conditions. Quote: Originally Posted by Paul (original) For me, our local roads are more like road stages of rallies (or even gravel stages) than they are a nice shiny predictable race track! Same round here - one of the reasons why (apart from cost) I wouldn't want to change to 16/17/18-inch wheels... a ride as soft and compliant as possible keeps you more in contact with the road. * * * * * NeuroBeaker Proud owner of "Zeus" (a 'slightly modified' 2004 Mini ONE).