18 replies to this topic

[mcaville]

I drive a mini with 12" rims, but i've seen from this forum that there is a trend for people to downsize to 10" rims. Why is this? Is it purely aesthetic or are there handling benefits to be gained?

Also, if i were to want to go down this route, what would i need to do to convert to running 10" rims (other than buy a new set of wheels).

[Liam Mini 35]

I drive a mini with 12" rims, but i've seen from this forum that there is a trend for people to downsize to 10" rims. Why is this? Is it purely aesthetic or are there handling benefits to be gained?

Also, if i were to want to go down this route, what would i need to do to convert to running 10" rims (other than buy a new set of wheels).

nnot too sure as to the performance benefits, although they will lower the car thur reducing the centre of gravity giving you better grip i believe. To convert you will need to buy a 12" to 10" conversion that you an get from mini sport.

[stickycreambun]

Once you go small(er) you wont go back!

[Cooperman]

I drive a mini with 12" rims, but i've seen from this forum that there is a trend for people to downsize to 10" rims. Why is this? Is it purely aesthetic or are there handling benefits to be gained?

Also, if i were to want to go down this route, what would i need to do to convert to running 10" rims (other than buy a new set of wheels).

nnot too sure as to the performance benefits, although they will lower the car thur reducing the centre of gravity giving you better grip i believe. To convert you will need to buy a 12" to 10" conversion that you an get from mini sport.

They won't really lower the ride height as the 10" tyres have a higher side wall depth than those on a 12" wheel. If both sizes have new tyres with full tread depth, a 165/70 x 10 will lower the car by about a 1/4" over a 165/60 x 12. The 10" wheels are generally thought to handle slightly better, although that can be down to the accuracy of the suspension geometry and tyre choice. Even tyre pressures.
If you have a disc-braked car on 12" wheels you need either the Cooper 'S' brake set-up with 7.5" discs, or Fiesta callipers. There is a thread on fitting Fiesta callipers on here.

[Shifty]

Advantages...

They look ace!!

Disadvantages...


None!!


(I may be biased!!)

[dougie1142]

They have great steering response, and tend not to "rail" as much in ruts in the road.. Definately feel a lot better than driving any larger wheel size. Tires are cheaper and they look the BOMB! Once your 10.. 12/13's never again!

[Dan]

You will get a nicer and more original ride quality, the original suspension design uses the tyre to provide some of the spring and support for the car. A 12" wheel has to use a lower profile tyre to fit within the arch and so there is far less compliance in it.

[minidave_69]

haha I'm with shifty!!

10's are phatt... Ild never go any bigger

[mcaville]

Ok, there's some good answers there. I doubt i would get a more original ride quality as i ditched the rubber donuts a couple of years back and went to fast road springs.

The arguments to downsize are certainly convincing. Yes, i have discs on my 12's. I'll definitely check out the thread on fiesta callipers

[RayBoogs]

Advantages, as said before they look AMAZING! feels better when you drive, gives you more progressive handing,


Disadvantages, you might lose a little bit on the top end but not by much as the rolling diameter won't change that much from a 12" wheel so long as you are using a 165 profile tyre. Also the brake conversion can be a bit pricey but it is 100% worth it!!!

I'd say go for it

[daddycool]

I was told the car may suffer from 'bump steer' but I can honestly say I've never noticed it!

[AVV IT]

All the brake options for the mini are explained in an excellent thread in the FAQ section called The Low Down On Brakes - Click Here All the options for fitting under 10" wheels are highlighted in green.

Be warned though, when you add in the cost of the brake conversion and the 10" wheels with tyres including a spare, it ain't cheap my estimation came to around £620 See Here.

[RayBoogs]

Be warned though, when you add in the cost of the brake conversion and the 10" wheels with tyres including a spare, it ain't cheap my estimation came to around £620 <you>See Here</you>.

Mine only cost about £380, but then again my wheels only cost £60

[mcaville]

All the brake options for the mini are explained in an excellent thread in the FAQ section called <you>The Low Down On Brakes - Click Here</you> All the options for fitting under 10" wheels are highlighted in green.

Be warned though, when you add in the cost of the brake conversion and the 10" wheels with tyres including a spare, it ain't cheap my estimation came to around £620 <you>See Here</you>.

Just read your previous thread, and i agree, that is a dilemma. With a spare £440 i could get i nice new cylinder head. I guess it comes down to priorities.

Out of interest, what did you decide in the end?

I think that when i come to NEED a new set of wheels, or NEED a new set of breaks, then i will definitely consider making the change. But like most other people on here, my definition of 'NEED' is a bit different to my wife's

[AVV IT]

Out of interest, what did you decide in the end?

I bought a decent set of second hand set of minilites with tyres from another TMF member for £100, then sold on my tatty old minilites minus the tyres for £125, to someone who was convinced that they were the rare & valuable RSP version of the minilte wheel. So I ended up with a better looking set of wheels, five spare tyres and £25 in profit to boot.... Result!!