john banks

For a roughly surfaced undulating back road, which would give more grip in the wet and dry and which would have the more progressive breakaway?

It sounds like tyres like the RE070 are quicker around a track.

I know some have tried both.

P1 NUT

iTrader: (1)

RE070 are best i dry but scarey in the wet. F1's are the dogs in all conditions.

urban

iTrader: (1)

Although different comparison to what you're after, but I've had RE070 & Pilot sport 2's on my MY05 STI.
Had F1's on previous MY02 STI.

RE070 in the dry are seriously good, especially with the very stiff sidewalls.
In the wet they very good aswell, just a bit dodgy in damp/greasy conditions.

I've only had the PS2's on for about 1K now, but the wet & damp/greasy grip is seriously good.
Dry is just as good I'd say at the RE070.
Only different I can really feel is the sidewalls flexing on cornering compared to the RE070.

RE070 are seriously noisey though, and do tramline a lot on uneven surfaces almost to the point were they become dangerous towards end of tread life.

I didn't rate the F1's in damp/greasy conditions by the way, plus they don't last - we'll at least the set I had didn't.

Shaun

john banks

Thanks

DuncanG

I've very recently changed to Vredestein Ulrac and so far I'm impressed. Much easier to live with than the RE070, more grip and more stable than the F1s in the dry and at least as good in the wet/damp.

Havent pushed them to breakaway yet - the limits are pretty high.

JohnS

iTrader: (1)

I've used a variety of tyres in a number of circumstances

RE-070s are fantasic in the dry (when warmed up). Great steering feel due to the stiff sidewalls, very sticky - almost silly levels of grip that you would be a fool to try and reach on public roads. Last long sessions on track without much degradation in grip, or suffering heavy wear. Downsides: Noisier than average, firm sidewalls cause CD to jump over ruts/drains etc., tramline a bit more, and the ABS kicks in over rough surfaces where a more compliant tyre doesn't. Low level of grip (particularly braking) in damp conditions, especially if roads are bumpy.

F1s - much softer sidewalls. Reasonable levels of grip in the dry and good in the wet. Steering feel a bit woolly unless pressures are higher. Lowish noise levels when driving. Can be a bit soft if you push on a lot - shoulders are prone to wearing out first before the rest of the tyre (inside or outside edge). They also feel a few Kg lighter than the RE-070s which feel heavy. Downsides: Dry grip isn't startling, don't last long on track before grip starts to go, and they wear quickly. A good all-rounder, particularly on damp roads where the road surface isn't ideal.

Which would I choose - well I would choose both and have two (or 3) sets of wheels I've got a set of F1s for use from about April - June, and October - December. From May/June to end September I would have the RE-070s on, plus for any track events.

I've also got a set of Michelin Pilot Alpin winter tyres (still on the car), which have proved nothing short of astounding this winter past. Amazing levels of grip in slush, snow and ice compared to the others, particularly under braking. I was able to slow down and stop on an icy downhill slope in about 1/3 of the distance that a VW polo with skinny tyres wasn't able to before it crossed the road and crashed into a parked van on the other side Also better grip and braking when the roads are wet and it's very cold (like most commutes for the past 3 months!)

It may seem like a lot of hard work/hassle, but having different tyres for different times of the year allows you to get the most out of the car for most of the time. OK for much of the time I'm not pushing the car to near it's limits, but the improvement in safety margin is astonishing.

I would hate to think of anyone using RE-070s in the snow and ice - probably about the worst combination I can think of!

John

john banks

Thanks Duncan and John. Just the in depth info I wanted John, and relevant to Scotland too

John Stevenson

John, surely you need all three sets for any normal day at knockhill ?

---john---

Yes, I know Dr B, I'm just away out to the garage

john banks

You have text message BTW.

JohnS

iTrader: (1)

John (St) correct indeed - may even need mud tyres if people get too enthusiastic and go off during the wet season, which runs from March - February

gogsie

What he said!

ronanharper

Guys

whats this "tramline" thing you refer to? I think I have this problem on my RE070's that are about 70% worn??? Feckin car darting all over ther road???

Cheers
Ronan

Trout

iTrader: (1)

I have been out in the snow and ice this winter with the RE070s and as John says - completely useless! Great everywhere else though - especially on track.

p1doc

i like my avon zz-3 predictable with quite stiff sidewalls,how about toyos?
martin

urban

iTrader: (1)

Yep, thats it!

Shaun

mitchster26

F1's are really grippy in the wet