Any pros or cons on having bigger wheels in rear than front?
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,337
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From: Edina, Minnesota
You present a very good question. I think that 18” front-wheels with 19” back-wheels is a nice setup.
Pros:
Cons:
--Spike
Pros:
- You have about the same sidewall height front and rear with this mixed-wheel-size setup. It looks good and provides a more comfortable ride than you get with all 19” wheels.
- Some drivers swear you get better handling when the sidewall height is nearly identical front-to-rear. I have no idea if that is true, but it does makes sense when you consider that the higher the tire’s sidewall, the more flex you will have during hard- cornering.
- Tires on 18” wheels have a higher sidewall and often provide a more comfortable (softer) ride than 19” wheels.
- Curb-rash happens more frequently on front wheels, so the higher your tire’s sidewall the more likely you avoid damaging your expensive wheels.
- Generally (but not always since it varies by brand) tires for 18” wheels cost less than those for 19” wheels, so you might save some $$ buying the front tires for a shorter wheel.
- 18” wheels cost less than 19” wheels, so that might save some $$. But, this advantage could be negated by the deals you get when buying four wheels in a “set,” all the same size.
Cons:
- You might pay more for a mixed set of 18” and 19” wheels. But then again, maybe you could buy this setup for less. It all depends upon how hard you shop.
- If you decide to sell your wheels, you may find fewer buyers willing to go with a mixed 18”/19” setup. That means you might get less $$ for your wheels.
--Spike
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