all bling and no zing?

[skakidseth]

I'm still looking around for aftermarket wheels, but am having second thoughts about it. The reason is that I found out (thanks FAQ section) that the R81 (7 hole wheels) that comes stock on my cooper weigh only 12lbs each!!! So my question is there any benefit in buying 17" aftermarket wheels? Is it purely for aesthetic reasons with no performance advatages? Does the increase in size make up for the increase in weight because even the lighter 17s like the OZ superleggera are still over 4lbs heavier than the r81s. Anyone have some input on this?

thanks,
seth

[nfo]

you're right!
lightweight 16's are the best compromise.
good looks, light weight!

[Paul]

Quote:

Originally posted by nfo
you're right!
lightweight 16's are the best compromise.
good looks, light weight!

Agreed.

[bigbaddaboom]

The new Velox pg-Rev10 17s are only 11.5 lbs, they don't look too bad either.

[minhi]

i totally agree with Paul BUT

i still bought 17inch wheels, i think they look great and my FORGED 17inch wheels weight around 15lbs, yeah not as light as the 16s, but i also want strength too. the fact their forged helps, but if they're too light they can only be but so strong...

[Mugami]

other thing is the 15" wheel are only 5" wide. while most of the 16" and 17" are 7" wide. The type of tyre that can fit on the bigger rims are softer and sticker than those that can fit on the 15" stocker. Which gives you better take off and handeling. Not saying you cant get a wide 15" which solves even that problem. Currently i run the Centerline Impulse rim 17" which weighs in at 11.5 lbs. But with tire it wieghs in at 31.5 lbs. The Stock 7 hole with tire wieghs only 24lbs. Which is lighter cause your only running half the tyer. than on the 17's. I do run the 15" for the winter being thinner it helps in the snow.