7 replies to this topic

[Flying Frog]

I have actually some 13" wheel with 175 wide tyres (original sportpack)and was look at changing them but reading some some the topics about wheel size and got a bit unsure now.
I originally want some 13"x 7" deep dish but it seem that there is issues with them fitted. At the moment the ride is quite harsh and bumpy. Will 12" or 10" rim would make the ride better without compromising the grip and cornering?

[Gremlin]

With smaller wheels like 12" and even better 10" you would get better handling proving all is well and would make the ride better, it's a win win win situation, better ride, handling and looks ((cue argument)don't wish to have one though)

[Cooperman]

The design of the Mini, which was done in 1958, required the tyres to do some of the work of the suspension, which is why a 10" wheel with a deeper wall height works so well compared to the 175/50 x 13" tyres. Also the wide 13" wheels spoil the scrub angle of the steering geometry.

One of the nicest handling Minis I've driven in a long time was a 1997 Cooper MPI on 12" wheels with 145/70 x 12 tyres. Not the ultimate road holding, but adequate, and fabulous handling.

IMHO the 13" wheels are one of the silliest things ever done by Rover to the Mini design in terms of ride, wet road-holding, wet skid resistance, handling and appearance.

[6joshh6]

I have a set of 5x12 ultralites and I think they are probably the best compromise between grip/handling you will find, as well as allowing you to to fit 8.4 discs which have a slight advantage in terms of stopping power, as well as giving you the option of vented metro turbo 4 pots should you want them.

[m1100s]

I have 6x12 JBW Mambas, they handle far better than with my previous 13s because of the bigger sidewalls. Just wish I could fit 10s over my Metro four pots!!.

Ash.

[jaydee]

Fast road means you need decent handling and road holding, so wheel width must be 4.5 or max 5", either 10" and 12" wheels are proven to be good, probably a 12" will give a slightly better road holding.

[Flying Frog]

I have 6x12 JBW Mambas, they handle far better than with my previous 13s because of the bigger sidewalls. Just wish I could fit 10s over my Metro four pots!!.
Ash.

Very nice car. Those wheel sfill nicely the arch wheels. What size tyres have you got?

[m1100s]

165/60/12 normal wide 12s

Ash.