[taj]

Hi Guys

One of my Bridgestone runflats needs replacing, at £200 per tyre im thinking of going for a complete change to non runflats.

I'm thinking of Vreds

Will these sizes be ok. 235 35 19. front 265 30 19 rear.

Are these the correct sizes that I should go for.

Thanks

Taj

[F31-340i]

Original sizes if you're on OEM 19"s would be 225/35/19 and 255/30/19.

I just went to non-RFTs and got 225/35/19 front and 265/30/19 rear - I got Falkens and 255/30/19s are not available as 452s (£440 for the full set). I've had no problems, so you should be fine.

The difference in size in width and radius is very small - for example the 265 tyre is only 6mm larger in diameter in total than a 255 (636mm vs 642mm - this is because the height of a 30 section tyre is actually a % of the width - so same % of either 255 or 265). Hence a brand new 255 tyre with 8mm of tread has exactly the same rolling radius as a 265 tyres with 5mm of tread remaining. Your slightly bigger front size of 235 is 7mm bigger diameter than a stock 225 tyre - so I wouldn't expect any issues.

There is quite a difference between RFTs and non-RFTs, but this is down to the relatively soft side wall on a non-RFT tyre - ride is much better, but handling, esp turn in, is impacted slightly, but is still fine.

You can sell the RFTs here as they have a residual value due to their high initial price, depending on their wear etc. I sold my fronts with 5-6mm tread for £100 - so total cost of new rubber alround for me was £400 fitted (£50 fitting). Should be a lot cheaper to run long term. Don't forget to buy a can of TyreWeld!

[taj]

Thanks ajd,

very informative and clears thinks up for me, I just need to find a place that offers them at a good price.

Cheers

Taj

[rabble]

try camskill, mytyres, etyres for best online price.

If your going down the 265 30 19 rear route then id recommend falken 452 all round as their the best value for the money imo as mentioned above.

Check with your insurer first though, some can be gay if you put different profile tyres on + non runflats.

[F31-340i]

+1 for camskill - that's where I got mine - delivered straight to my village garage who fitted them for me.

I looked at Vreds and Contis, but nearest I could get on price was £650+. Might be slightly better, but I couldn't imagine them being £200 better than Falkens.

Insurance wise, I had no problems & no charge - Bell Insurance (cheap offshoot of Admiral) - not suggesting you change, but you can use as evidence that some insurers don't charge when you ring yours up. I had already told them I had 19" M 225 style wheels, which had Bridgestone RFTs.

[YvesD]

How do you find the Falkens for front end grip/tyre noise?

Thinking of putting a pair on the front axle of the Miggins's Espace. Saving £200 over the OE Michees.

Cheers

Yves

[F31-340i]

Originally Posted by YvesD

How do you find the Falkens for front end grip/tyre noise?

Thinking of putting a pair on the front axle of the Miggins's Espace. Saving £200 over the OE Michees.

Cheers

Yves

Falkens are fine for noise & grip. Can't see any issue putting them on an espace.

The only issue is that the increased compliance of a non-RFT tyre does make the turn in slightly less sharp compared to RFTs. To put another way the handling is brilliant on non-RFTs, but it is just a tad sharper on RFTs (but you pay for it in the ride!).

If they were cheaper I'd have stuck with RFTs I think, but at around £800 a set its just not worth the extra for me - though I don't dispute the safety benefits.