14" to 15" or 16"

So those of us who've been running 14" wheels are having a tough time finding the 'hot' tire in 14" sizes.

I'm considering a jump to 15" but am wondering if maybe 16" wouldn't make more sense. Will 15" become the new 14" in a couple of years...?

Thoughts?

With the plethora of Miaters and Civics I don't see the 15's disappearing anytime soon. I had to step up to 15's with the Swift to even think about competing...

Ha! Try running 13" wheels (Spitfire)...

It seems like the best selection is in the 17" sizes...

I think wheel weight should also be a factor.

I agree on the best selection seeming to be 17s.. i run that size on both the saab and bmw.. and the amount of tyres availible in that size is staggering..

tjthom wrote: So those of us who've been running 14" wheels are having a tough time finding the 'hot' tire in 14" sizes. I'm considering a jump to 15" but am wondering if maybe 16" wouldn't make more since. Will 15" become the new 14" in a couple of years...? Thoughts?

Over (a very long) time, I'm afraid that's exactly what will happen. DOT R-compounds will still be available, but street touring type tires are already limited in Miata/Civic friendly sizes from some manufacturers.

I'm hoping for a reversal of the giant-tire-and-wheel trend from the OEMs. Tire manufacturers are simply trying to make a buck, so creating products that have limited current OEM fitments doesn't make sense financially. More 15" OEM tires would mean more options for appropriately-sized aftermarket tires.

With all of that said, though, I think I'd stick with 15's for another few years at least. There are still some really good options out there in those sizes.

Falken Azenis Rt615's come in 14"

Honestly, 15" will never go out because of drag racers. While that may not compute with road race/autocross tires, it does mean there will always be performance tires available. 14" isn't all that bad (compared to 13" anyways, I hated trying to find stuff for 13"s!) but 15" is better. I think there's still more 15" stuff than 16". 16"s got kind of forgotten as an oddball unless you're shopping OEM sidewall height (like a 225/60/16).

It really depends on the width you want to run. 205 or less and 15" will be fine for a while. 225 or more 17" is the best option right now.

Ian F wrote: Ha! Try running 13" wheels (Spitfire)... ..

Yea.. for real

spitfirebill wrote:

Ian F wrote: Ha! Try running 13" wheels (Spitfire)... ..

Yea.. for real

or a Fiat....

What kind of car?

15s... many more options in width and overall height

fiat22turbo wrote:

spitfirebill wrote:

Ian F wrote: Ha! Try running 13" wheels (Spitfire)... ..

Yea.. for real

or a Fiat....

Try running 10" wheels

mad_machine wrote: I agree on the best selection seeming to be 17s.. i run that size on both the saab and bmw.. and the amount of tyres availible in that size is staggering..

I remember my dad freaking out about the complete lack of options in 17" not that long ago. Crazy the way the industry moves.

My father bought a Mercury that came with 18's, in a size that was only available through the Mercury dealership at the time.

Woody wrote: What kind of car?

99 Miata...of course

205 is what i'm thinking...

Is there a 205 14" street tire available that would fit a Miata?

Woody wrote: My father bought a Mercury that came with 18's, in a size that was only available through the Mercury dealership at the time.

Seems to be a popular thing of the past few years. Two Biggest offenders have been Nissans and Chryslers.

When the Crossfire came out it had 19s in the rear and 18s in the front. The salesman was trying to use that as a selling point. Talk about lack of selection. That was the same time my dad got his Chrysler and was worried about the 17s.

tjthom wrote:

Woody wrote: What kind of car?

99 Miata...of course

I just picked up these 16's, but I may not be using them. If you're interested drop me a note.