XL Tyres

[john milner]

I will be buying some new tyres shortly. One of the brands that caught my eye only does my size in an XL (87) version. I have never really thought about this previously but is there a problem with an XL tyre on a lightweight car such as a Caterham? I think the main difference is the rigidity of the sidewalls. I'm assuming that the sidewalls need to flex by a certain amount for the tyres to work correctly. An 83 tyre may on paper be a better option but there are fewer available tyres and the prices tend to be a bit higher.

[admaraujo]

Can of worms... Some people will say it affects others will say no.

[Wrightpayne]

My old Skoda superb was spec'd with 45 profile XL tyres. I had a puncture one time and didnt know the tyre was flat for many miles!

My advice is avoid them on the seven as all the components will have been designed and put together around standard side walls with a certain amount of give and flex.

Out of interest what size?

[john milner]

205/45 16.

I had started looking at Nankang NS2 & then 20 but they are XL only. For 83s I have found Avon ZV7 but am undecided due to zero Caterham related comments. I only drive on the road and then quite sensibly so no need for anything exotic.

[Wrightpayne]

Arh - HPC wheels - nice looking but not renowned for their handling characteristics on a seven, due to their size and tyre fitment. 
 

I'd still try and find a suitable non XL but IMHO I dont think you'll notice much difference on 16s.

Have you looked at Toyo road tyres?

Ian

[Wrightpayne]

Just looking at oponeo and the majority of that size are XL.

There is a Uniroyal Rainsport 5 which is not XL. Many owners are using uniroyal's for more of a touring tyre with good wet performance. Perhaps search the archive via google?

[john milner]

Thanks I'll have a look at the Uniroyals.

The HPCs are good for going in a straight line but not so good on tight corners and parking. As for purely looks I prefer high profile fat looking tyres (dragster, Cobra etc.).