Rim diameter question
I'm trying to learn about the pros and cons of 15" vs. 16" tire rims -
especially with respect to onroad vs. offroad use Research so far appears to reveal the following general beliefs/"facts": 1) All else equal, 15" rims may be better offroad due to higher tire sidewall (increased flex) 2) 16" rims may be better onroad, due to less tire sidewall (decreased flex) 3) 16" rims fit only metric-sized tires (? is this correct?), but such tires tend to cost more (? again, is this true?) 4) Despite "fact" #1, 16" rims are preferred for rock crawling (if true, why?) 5) Internationally, 16" rims are more "standard" and tires to fit them are more readily available 6) Generally speaking, 16" tires may be used more widely by SUV manufacturers who realize the primary use of such vehicles is onroad (? if true, why would Jeep choose 16" tires as the standard rim size for the Rubicon, unless "fact" #4 is actually true?) Would appreciate someone verifying these "facts" or setting me straight... PLM -- [ ] __OIIIIO__ |||=oo=||| ||| ||| |
Re: Rim diameter question
"Patrick Mills" <plm1954_R_E_M_O_V_E@ix.netcom.com> wrote in message news:pan.2004.02.09.10.50.33.915880@ix.netcom.com. .. > I'm trying to learn about the pros and cons of 15" vs. 16" tire rims - > especially with respect to onroad vs. offroad use > > Research so far appears to reveal the following general beliefs/"facts": > > 1) All else equal, 15" rims may be better offroad due to higher tire > sidewall (increased flex) > Correct. The sidewalls - and more accurately, the shoulder of the tread - is a very important traction aid when the tires are aired-down. But, when the tires are aired down, the rim can be exposed to more damage if the sidewalls are smaller. > 2) 16" rims may be better onroad, due to less tire sidewall (decreased > flex) > Again, correct. The smaller sidewalls have less flex, therefore they provide a more sure footed driving experience on the highway. > 3) 16" rims fit only metric-sized tires (? is this correct?), but such > tires tend to cost more (? again, is this true?) > I have to do some research on this one, but my knee-jerk response is that you are wrong on this point. The metric size that comes on the Rubi can be translated into a 31x9.50 or 31x10.50 (I forget which). But, I am almost 99% positive that you can get a 32" ~ 35" on a 16" rim. > 4) Despite "fact" #1, 16" rims are preferred for rock crawling (if true, > why?) > I am not sure this is true. Given the explanation that I used, I would lean towards the 15" as the better choice. I happen to think that the Rubi has other features that make the 16" tires an "acceptable risk." > 5) Internationally, 16" rims are more "standard" and tires to fit them are > more readily available > I don't think this is true at all. 15" rims have been around for decades, 16" is a relatively new option. > 6) Generally speaking, 16" tires may be used more widely by SUV > manufacturers who realize the primary use of such vehicles is onroad (? if > true, why would Jeep choose 16" tires as the standard rim size for the > Rubicon, unless "fact" #4 is actually true?) > This is a good question, one that I have asked myself. I think that in the grand scheme of things, the manufacturer has to be concerned with liability issues relative to tall tires. I suppose they can mitigate some of those issues with a larger rim. I really don't think the manufacturers set out to build the extreme rock crawlers that we so enjoy. They look at what we do, and try to blend the needs of highway safety with the desire for extreme offroading, and the 16" tires on the Rubi are a happy medium where these two worlds meet. |
Re: Rim diameter question
"Patrick Mills" <plm1954_R_E_M_O_V_E@ix.netcom.com> wrote in message news:pan.2004.02.09.10.50.33.915880@ix.netcom.com. .. > I'm trying to learn about the pros and cons of 15" vs. 16" tire rims - > especially with respect to onroad vs. offroad use > > Research so far appears to reveal the following general beliefs/"facts": > > 1) All else equal, 15" rims may be better offroad due to higher tire > sidewall (increased flex) > Correct. The sidewalls - and more accurately, the shoulder of the tread - is a very important traction aid when the tires are aired-down. But, when the tires are aired down, the rim can be exposed to more damage if the sidewalls are smaller. > 2) 16" rims may be better onroad, due to less tire sidewall (decreased > flex) > Again, correct. The smaller sidewalls have less flex, therefore they provide a more sure footed driving experience on the highway. > 3) 16" rims fit only metric-sized tires (? is this correct?), but such > tires tend to cost more (? again, is this true?) > I have to do some research on this one, but my knee-jerk response is that you are wrong on this point. The metric size that comes on the Rubi can be translated into a 31x9.50 or 31x10.50 (I forget which). But, I am almost 99% positive that you can get a 32" ~ 35" on a 16" rim. > 4) Despite "fact" #1, 16" rims are preferred for rock crawling (if true, > why?) > I am not sure this is true. Given the explanation that I used, I would lean towards the 15" as the better choice. I happen to think that the Rubi has other features that make the 16" tires an "acceptable risk." > 5) Internationally, 16" rims are more "standard" and tires to fit them are > more readily available > I don't think this is true at all. 15" rims have been around for decades, 16" is a relatively new option. > 6) Generally speaking, 16" tires may be used more widely by SUV > manufacturers who realize the primary use of such vehicles is onroad (? if > true, why would Jeep choose 16" tires as the standard rim size for the > Rubicon, unless "fact" #4 is actually true?) > This is a good question, one that I have asked myself. I think that in the grand scheme of things, the manufacturer has to be concerned with liability issues relative to tall tires. I suppose they can mitigate some of those issues with a larger rim. I really don't think the manufacturers set out to build the extreme rock crawlers that we so enjoy. They look at what we do, and try to blend the needs of highway safety with the desire for extreme offroading, and the 16" tires on the Rubi are a happy medium where these two worlds meet. |
Re: Rim diameter question
"Patrick Mills" <plm1954_R_E_M_O_V_E@ix.netcom.com> wrote in message news:pan.2004.02.09.10.50.33.915880@ix.netcom.com. .. > I'm trying to learn about the pros and cons of 15" vs. 16" tire rims - > especially with respect to onroad vs. offroad use > > Research so far appears to reveal the following general beliefs/"facts": > > 1) All else equal, 15" rims may be better offroad due to higher tire > sidewall (increased flex) > Correct. The sidewalls - and more accurately, the shoulder of the tread - is a very important traction aid when the tires are aired-down. But, when the tires are aired down, the rim can be exposed to more damage if the sidewalls are smaller. > 2) 16" rims may be better onroad, due to less tire sidewall (decreased > flex) > Again, correct. The smaller sidewalls have less flex, therefore they provide a more sure footed driving experience on the highway. > 3) 16" rims fit only metric-sized tires (? is this correct?), but such > tires tend to cost more (? again, is this true?) > I have to do some research on this one, but my knee-jerk response is that you are wrong on this point. The metric size that comes on the Rubi can be translated into a 31x9.50 or 31x10.50 (I forget which). But, I am almost 99% positive that you can get a 32" ~ 35" on a 16" rim. > 4) Despite "fact" #1, 16" rims are preferred for rock crawling (if true, > why?) > I am not sure this is true. Given the explanation that I used, I would lean towards the 15" as the better choice. I happen to think that the Rubi has other features that make the 16" tires an "acceptable risk." > 5) Internationally, 16" rims are more "standard" and tires to fit them are > more readily available > I don't think this is true at all. 15" rims have been around for decades, 16" is a relatively new option. > 6) Generally speaking, 16" tires may be used more widely by SUV > manufacturers who realize the primary use of such vehicles is onroad (? if > true, why would Jeep choose 16" tires as the standard rim size for the > Rubicon, unless "fact" #4 is actually true?) > This is a good question, one that I have asked myself. I think that in the grand scheme of things, the manufacturer has to be concerned with liability issues relative to tall tires. I suppose they can mitigate some of those issues with a larger rim. I really don't think the manufacturers set out to build the extreme rock crawlers that we so enjoy. They look at what we do, and try to blend the needs of highway safety with the desire for extreme offroading, and the 16" tires on the Rubi are a happy medium where these two worlds meet. |
Re: Rim diameter question
I would consider using 16" wheels if needed to provide clearance for larger
calipers - don't know if that has anything to do with the reason the rubi has them.... -- Carlo F. Serusa, Jr. RPh carlo.jr at comcast DOTnet '98 Sahara TJ - '89 YJ - '79 Scout II O|||||||O '92 Explorer '65 Mustang "CRWLR" <beerman@yahoo.com> wrote in message news:102fjd79t1kas19@corp.supernews.com... > > "Patrick Mills" <plm1954_R_E_M_O_V_E@ix.netcom.com> wrote in message > news:pan.2004.02.09.10.50.33.915880@ix.netcom.com. .. > > I'm trying to learn about the pros and cons of 15" vs. 16" tire rims - > > especially with respect to onroad vs. offroad use > > > > Research so far appears to reveal the following general beliefs/"facts": > > > > 1) All else equal, 15" rims may be better offroad due to higher tire > > sidewall (increased flex) > > > > Correct. The sidewalls - and more accurately, the shoulder of the tread - is > a very important traction aid when the tires are aired-down. But, when the > tires are aired down, the rim can be exposed to more damage if the sidewalls > are smaller. > > > > > 2) 16" rims may be better onroad, due to less tire sidewall (decreased > > flex) > > > > Again, correct. The smaller sidewalls have less flex, therefore they provide > a more sure footed driving experience on the highway. > > > > > 3) 16" rims fit only metric-sized tires (? is this correct?), but such > > tires tend to cost more (? again, is this true?) > > > > I have to do some research on this one, but my knee-jerk response is that > you are wrong on this point. The metric size that comes on the Rubi can be > translated into a 31x9.50 or 31x10.50 (I forget which). But, I am almost 99% > positive that you can get a 32" ~ 35" on a 16" rim. > > > > > 4) Despite "fact" #1, 16" rims are preferred for rock crawling (if true, > > why?) > > > > I am not sure this is true. Given the explanation that I used, I would lean > towards the 15" as the better choice. I happen to think that the Rubi has > other features that make the 16" tires an "acceptable risk." > > > > > > 5) Internationally, 16" rims are more "standard" and tires to fit them are > > more readily available > > > > I don't think this is true at all. 15" rims have been around for decades, > 16" is a relatively new option. > > > > > > > 6) Generally speaking, 16" tires may be used more widely by SUV > > manufacturers who realize the primary use of such vehicles is onroad (? if > > true, why would Jeep choose 16" tires as the standard rim size for the > > Rubicon, unless "fact" #4 is actually true?) > > > > This is a good question, one that I have asked myself. I think that in the > grand scheme of things, the manufacturer has to be concerned with liability > issues relative to tall tires. I suppose they can mitigate some of those > issues with a larger rim. I really don't think the manufacturers set out to > build the extreme rock crawlers that we so enjoy. They look at what we do, > and try to blend the needs of highway safety with the desire for extreme > offroading, and the 16" tires on the Rubi are a happy medium where these two > worlds meet. > > > |
Re: Rim diameter question
I would consider using 16" wheels if needed to provide clearance for larger
calipers - don't know if that has anything to do with the reason the rubi has them.... -- Carlo F. Serusa, Jr. RPh carlo.jr at comcast DOTnet '98 Sahara TJ - '89 YJ - '79 Scout II O|||||||O '92 Explorer '65 Mustang "CRWLR" <beerman@yahoo.com> wrote in message news:102fjd79t1kas19@corp.supernews.com... > > "Patrick Mills" <plm1954_R_E_M_O_V_E@ix.netcom.com> wrote in message > news:pan.2004.02.09.10.50.33.915880@ix.netcom.com. .. > > I'm trying to learn about the pros and cons of 15" vs. 16" tire rims - > > especially with respect to onroad vs. offroad use > > > > Research so far appears to reveal the following general beliefs/"facts": > > > > 1) All else equal, 15" rims may be better offroad due to higher tire > > sidewall (increased flex) > > > > Correct. The sidewalls - and more accurately, the shoulder of the tread - is > a very important traction aid when the tires are aired-down. But, when the > tires are aired down, the rim can be exposed to more damage if the sidewalls > are smaller. > > > > > 2) 16" rims may be better onroad, due to less tire sidewall (decreased > > flex) > > > > Again, correct. The smaller sidewalls have less flex, therefore they provide > a more sure footed driving experience on the highway. > > > > > 3) 16" rims fit only metric-sized tires (? is this correct?), but such > > tires tend to cost more (? again, is this true?) > > > > I have to do some research on this one, but my knee-jerk response is that > you are wrong on this point. The metric size that comes on the Rubi can be > translated into a 31x9.50 or 31x10.50 (I forget which). But, I am almost 99% > positive that you can get a 32" ~ 35" on a 16" rim. > > > > > 4) Despite "fact" #1, 16" rims are preferred for rock crawling (if true, > > why?) > > > > I am not sure this is true. Given the explanation that I used, I would lean > towards the 15" as the better choice. I happen to think that the Rubi has > other features that make the 16" tires an "acceptable risk." > > > > > > 5) Internationally, 16" rims are more "standard" and tires to fit them are > > more readily available > > > > I don't think this is true at all. 15" rims have been around for decades, > 16" is a relatively new option. > > > > > > > 6) Generally speaking, 16" tires may be used more widely by SUV > > manufacturers who realize the primary use of such vehicles is onroad (? if > > true, why would Jeep choose 16" tires as the standard rim size for the > > Rubicon, unless "fact" #4 is actually true?) > > > > This is a good question, one that I have asked myself. I think that in the > grand scheme of things, the manufacturer has to be concerned with liability > issues relative to tall tires. I suppose they can mitigate some of those > issues with a larger rim. I really don't think the manufacturers set out to > build the extreme rock crawlers that we so enjoy. They look at what we do, > and try to blend the needs of highway safety with the desire for extreme > offroading, and the 16" tires on the Rubi are a happy medium where these two > worlds meet. > > > |
Re: Rim diameter question
I would consider using 16" wheels if needed to provide clearance for larger
calipers - don't know if that has anything to do with the reason the rubi has them.... -- Carlo F. Serusa, Jr. RPh carlo.jr at comcast DOTnet '98 Sahara TJ - '89 YJ - '79 Scout II O|||||||O '92 Explorer '65 Mustang "CRWLR" <beerman@yahoo.com> wrote in message news:102fjd79t1kas19@corp.supernews.com... > > "Patrick Mills" <plm1954_R_E_M_O_V_E@ix.netcom.com> wrote in message > news:pan.2004.02.09.10.50.33.915880@ix.netcom.com. .. > > I'm trying to learn about the pros and cons of 15" vs. 16" tire rims - > > especially with respect to onroad vs. offroad use > > > > Research so far appears to reveal the following general beliefs/"facts": > > > > 1) All else equal, 15" rims may be better offroad due to higher tire > > sidewall (increased flex) > > > > Correct. The sidewalls - and more accurately, the shoulder of the tread - is > a very important traction aid when the tires are aired-down. But, when the > tires are aired down, the rim can be exposed to more damage if the sidewalls > are smaller. > > > > > 2) 16" rims may be better onroad, due to less tire sidewall (decreased > > flex) > > > > Again, correct. The smaller sidewalls have less flex, therefore they provide > a more sure footed driving experience on the highway. > > > > > 3) 16" rims fit only metric-sized tires (? is this correct?), but such > > tires tend to cost more (? again, is this true?) > > > > I have to do some research on this one, but my knee-jerk response is that > you are wrong on this point. The metric size that comes on the Rubi can be > translated into a 31x9.50 or 31x10.50 (I forget which). But, I am almost 99% > positive that you can get a 32" ~ 35" on a 16" rim. > > > > > 4) Despite "fact" #1, 16" rims are preferred for rock crawling (if true, > > why?) > > > > I am not sure this is true. Given the explanation that I used, I would lean > towards the 15" as the better choice. I happen to think that the Rubi has > other features that make the 16" tires an "acceptable risk." > > > > > > 5) Internationally, 16" rims are more "standard" and tires to fit them are > > more readily available > > > > I don't think this is true at all. 15" rims have been around for decades, > 16" is a relatively new option. > > > > > > > 6) Generally speaking, 16" tires may be used more widely by SUV > > manufacturers who realize the primary use of such vehicles is onroad (? if > > true, why would Jeep choose 16" tires as the standard rim size for the > > Rubicon, unless "fact" #4 is actually true?) > > > > This is a good question, one that I have asked myself. I think that in the > grand scheme of things, the manufacturer has to be concerned with liability > issues relative to tall tires. I suppose they can mitigate some of those > issues with a larger rim. I really don't think the manufacturers set out to > build the extreme rock crawlers that we so enjoy. They look at what we do, > and try to blend the needs of highway safety with the desire for extreme > offroading, and the 16" tires on the Rubi are a happy medium where these two > worlds meet. > > > |
Re: Rim diameter question
The Rubi can run 15" or 16" wheels, it uses 16" (probably) due to larger
wheels being more stylish right now. Jerry -- Jerry Bransford To email, remove 'me' from my email address N6TAY, PP-ASEL See the Geezer Jeep at http://members.cox.net/jerrypb/ "Carlo" <carlo.jr@comcast.net> wrote in message news:Pc2dnU1CM6c6ZrrdRVn-uA@comcast.com... > I would consider using 16" wheels if needed to provide clearance for larger > calipers - don't know if that has anything to do with the reason the rubi > has them.... > > -- > Carlo F. Serusa, Jr. RPh > carlo.jr at comcast DOTnet > '98 Sahara TJ - '89 YJ - '79 Scout II > O|||||||O > '92 Explorer '65 Mustang > > > "CRWLR" <beerman@yahoo.com> wrote in message > news:102fjd79t1kas19@corp.supernews.com... > > > > "Patrick Mills" <plm1954_R_E_M_O_V_E@ix.netcom.com> wrote in message > > news:pan.2004.02.09.10.50.33.915880@ix.netcom.com. .. > > > I'm trying to learn about the pros and cons of 15" vs. 16" tire rims - > > > especially with respect to onroad vs. offroad use > > > > > > Research so far appears to reveal the following general beliefs/"facts": > > > > > > 1) All else equal, 15" rims may be better offroad due to higher tire > > > sidewall (increased flex) > > > > > > > Correct. The sidewalls - and more accurately, the shoulder of the tread - > is > > a very important traction aid when the tires are aired-down. But, when the > > tires are aired down, the rim can be exposed to more damage if the > sidewalls > > are smaller. > > > > > > > > > 2) 16" rims may be better onroad, due to less tire sidewall (decreased > > > flex) > > > > > > > Again, correct. The smaller sidewalls have less flex, therefore they > provide > > a more sure footed driving experience on the highway. > > > > > > > > > 3) 16" rims fit only metric-sized tires (? is this correct?), but such > > > tires tend to cost more (? again, is this true?) > > > > > > > I have to do some research on this one, but my knee-jerk response is that > > you are wrong on this point. The metric size that comes on the Rubi can be > > translated into a 31x9.50 or 31x10.50 (I forget which). But, I am almost > 99% > > positive that you can get a 32" ~ 35" on a 16" rim. > > > > > > > > > 4) Despite "fact" #1, 16" rims are preferred for rock crawling (if true, > > > why?) > > > > > > > I am not sure this is true. Given the explanation that I used, I would > lean > > towards the 15" as the better choice. I happen to think that the Rubi has > > other features that make the 16" tires an "acceptable risk." > > > > > > > > > > > 5) Internationally, 16" rims are more "standard" and tires to fit them > are > > > more readily available > > > > > > > I don't think this is true at all. 15" rims have been around for decades, > > 16" is a relatively new option. > > > > > > > > > > > > > 6) Generally speaking, 16" tires may be used more widely by SUV > > > manufacturers who realize the primary use of such vehicles is onroad (? > if > > > true, why would Jeep choose 16" tires as the standard rim size for the > > > Rubicon, unless "fact" #4 is actually true?) > > > > > > > This is a good question, one that I have asked myself. I think that in the > > grand scheme of things, the manufacturer has to be concerned with > liability > > issues relative to tall tires. I suppose they can mitigate some of those > > issues with a larger rim. I really don't think the manufacturers set out > to > > build the extreme rock crawlers that we so enjoy. They look at what we do, > > and try to blend the needs of highway safety with the desire for extreme > > offroading, and the 16" tires on the Rubi are a happy medium where these > two > > worlds meet. > > > > > > > > |
Re: Rim diameter question
The Rubi can run 15" or 16" wheels, it uses 16" (probably) due to larger
wheels being more stylish right now. Jerry -- Jerry Bransford To email, remove 'me' from my email address N6TAY, PP-ASEL See the Geezer Jeep at http://members.cox.net/jerrypb/ "Carlo" <carlo.jr@comcast.net> wrote in message news:Pc2dnU1CM6c6ZrrdRVn-uA@comcast.com... > I would consider using 16" wheels if needed to provide clearance for larger > calipers - don't know if that has anything to do with the reason the rubi > has them.... > > -- > Carlo F. Serusa, Jr. RPh > carlo.jr at comcast DOTnet > '98 Sahara TJ - '89 YJ - '79 Scout II > O|||||||O > '92 Explorer '65 Mustang > > > "CRWLR" <beerman@yahoo.com> wrote in message > news:102fjd79t1kas19@corp.supernews.com... > > > > "Patrick Mills" <plm1954_R_E_M_O_V_E@ix.netcom.com> wrote in message > > news:pan.2004.02.09.10.50.33.915880@ix.netcom.com. .. > > > I'm trying to learn about the pros and cons of 15" vs. 16" tire rims - > > > especially with respect to onroad vs. offroad use > > > > > > Research so far appears to reveal the following general beliefs/"facts": > > > > > > 1) All else equal, 15" rims may be better offroad due to higher tire > > > sidewall (increased flex) > > > > > > > Correct. The sidewalls - and more accurately, the shoulder of the tread - > is > > a very important traction aid when the tires are aired-down. But, when the > > tires are aired down, the rim can be exposed to more damage if the > sidewalls > > are smaller. > > > > > > > > > 2) 16" rims may be better onroad, due to less tire sidewall (decreased > > > flex) > > > > > > > Again, correct. The smaller sidewalls have less flex, therefore they > provide > > a more sure footed driving experience on the highway. > > > > > > > > > 3) 16" rims fit only metric-sized tires (? is this correct?), but such > > > tires tend to cost more (? again, is this true?) > > > > > > > I have to do some research on this one, but my knee-jerk response is that > > you are wrong on this point. The metric size that comes on the Rubi can be > > translated into a 31x9.50 or 31x10.50 (I forget which). But, I am almost > 99% > > positive that you can get a 32" ~ 35" on a 16" rim. > > > > > > > > > 4) Despite "fact" #1, 16" rims are preferred for rock crawling (if true, > > > why?) > > > > > > > I am not sure this is true. Given the explanation that I used, I would > lean > > towards the 15" as the better choice. I happen to think that the Rubi has > > other features that make the 16" tires an "acceptable risk." > > > > > > > > > > > 5) Internationally, 16" rims are more "standard" and tires to fit them > are > > > more readily available > > > > > > > I don't think this is true at all. 15" rims have been around for decades, > > 16" is a relatively new option. > > > > > > > > > > > > > 6) Generally speaking, 16" tires may be used more widely by SUV > > > manufacturers who realize the primary use of such vehicles is onroad (? > if > > > true, why would Jeep choose 16" tires as the standard rim size for the > > > Rubicon, unless "fact" #4 is actually true?) > > > > > > > This is a good question, one that I have asked myself. I think that in the > > grand scheme of things, the manufacturer has to be concerned with > liability > > issues relative to tall tires. I suppose they can mitigate some of those > > issues with a larger rim. I really don't think the manufacturers set out > to > > build the extreme rock crawlers that we so enjoy. They look at what we do, > > and try to blend the needs of highway safety with the desire for extreme > > offroading, and the 16" tires on the Rubi are a happy medium where these > two > > worlds meet. > > > > > > > > |
Re: Rim diameter question
The Rubi can run 15" or 16" wheels, it uses 16" (probably) due to larger
wheels being more stylish right now. Jerry -- Jerry Bransford To email, remove 'me' from my email address N6TAY, PP-ASEL See the Geezer Jeep at http://members.cox.net/jerrypb/ "Carlo" <carlo.jr@comcast.net> wrote in message news:Pc2dnU1CM6c6ZrrdRVn-uA@comcast.com... > I would consider using 16" wheels if needed to provide clearance for larger > calipers - don't know if that has anything to do with the reason the rubi > has them.... > > -- > Carlo F. Serusa, Jr. RPh > carlo.jr at comcast DOTnet > '98 Sahara TJ - '89 YJ - '79 Scout II > O|||||||O > '92 Explorer '65 Mustang > > > "CRWLR" <beerman@yahoo.com> wrote in message > news:102fjd79t1kas19@corp.supernews.com... > > > > "Patrick Mills" <plm1954_R_E_M_O_V_E@ix.netcom.com> wrote in message > > news:pan.2004.02.09.10.50.33.915880@ix.netcom.com. .. > > > I'm trying to learn about the pros and cons of 15" vs. 16" tire rims - > > > especially with respect to onroad vs. offroad use > > > > > > Research so far appears to reveal the following general beliefs/"facts": > > > > > > 1) All else equal, 15" rims may be better offroad due to higher tire > > > sidewall (increased flex) > > > > > > > Correct. The sidewalls - and more accurately, the shoulder of the tread - > is > > a very important traction aid when the tires are aired-down. But, when the > > tires are aired down, the rim can be exposed to more damage if the > sidewalls > > are smaller. > > > > > > > > > 2) 16" rims may be better onroad, due to less tire sidewall (decreased > > > flex) > > > > > > > Again, correct. The smaller sidewalls have less flex, therefore they > provide > > a more sure footed driving experience on the highway. > > > > > > > > > 3) 16" rims fit only metric-sized tires (? is this correct?), but such > > > tires tend to cost more (? again, is this true?) > > > > > > > I have to do some research on this one, but my knee-jerk response is that > > you are wrong on this point. The metric size that comes on the Rubi can be > > translated into a 31x9.50 or 31x10.50 (I forget which). But, I am almost > 99% > > positive that you can get a 32" ~ 35" on a 16" rim. > > > > > > > > > 4) Despite "fact" #1, 16" rims are preferred for rock crawling (if true, > > > why?) > > > > > > > I am not sure this is true. Given the explanation that I used, I would > lean > > towards the 15" as the better choice. I happen to think that the Rubi has > > other features that make the 16" tires an "acceptable risk." > > > > > > > > > > > 5) Internationally, 16" rims are more "standard" and tires to fit them > are > > > more readily available > > > > > > > I don't think this is true at all. 15" rims have been around for decades, > > 16" is a relatively new option. > > > > > > > > > > > > > 6) Generally speaking, 16" tires may be used more widely by SUV > > > manufacturers who realize the primary use of such vehicles is onroad (? > if > > > true, why would Jeep choose 16" tires as the standard rim size for the > > > Rubicon, unless "fact" #4 is actually true?) > > > > > > > This is a good question, one that I have asked myself. I think that in the > > grand scheme of things, the manufacturer has to be concerned with > liability > > issues relative to tall tires. I suppose they can mitigate some of those > > issues with a larger rim. I really don't think the manufacturers set out > to > > build the extreme rock crawlers that we so enjoy. They look at what we do, > > and try to blend the needs of highway safety with the desire for extreme > > offroading, and the 16" tires on the Rubi are a happy medium where these > two > > worlds meet. > > > > > > > > |
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