Hi!

I know tyres are a "Oh so much" debated topic among forums but I am looking... for alternatives, when due, to my rubbish tin top Nankang XR-611.

My Seven is a wet sump Caterham SV with an apollo tank, tweaked to around 150bhp.

I run Caterham anthracite 13" wheels with 185/60 tyres at the moment.

Being in Portugal, it is very difficult to find a wide range of tyres. Exceptions for cheap thingys and Toyos R888. Everything else seems to be cheaper to buy from the UK.

What are your personal experiences/views about: Yoko A021R, Yoko A048R, Toyo R888, Avon ZZR or something from the 1a tyre list, that might tick the following boxes:

I am looking for a usable road tyre, track oriented or not.

Lightness of the tyre will be very important to me. The lighter the better.

Mileage is a factor I will take in count. I can't buy a new set every year and, a trip to the Alps is on this year's wish list.

Wet performance, depends, as I tend to drive very carefully and slowly anyway. I am used to those tin top tyres.

The size will have to be close to what I have. CR500 are out of the question on 175/55.

As such, what are the views of what is round?

I know that A021R's seem to be a huge favourite but would like to have as much information as possible. This topic might even help future Seveners.


Thanks,
Andre

Andre, from what I know Avon will be bringing out their new ZZS later this year, it will replace the outgoing CR500. The new ZZS has same profiles as the ZZR so may well suit you.

Thanks Ian. Are there any more informations about the future ZZS? I only read something about it on a press piece about the R300 championship.

What about everyone else, no opinions?

Got to give the Yoko 48's and 21's a big
The 48's are the only proper motorsport based tyre in this list and they have kevlar as a key part of the sidewall construction
Also very good at this -

No information yet about the ZZS, but the tyre is under construction as we speak, the R & D is via the R300 championship, so sometime later this year when they are happy they will E mark them

By the way, does tyre weight really affect driving?...

My inertia maths says it will, but how noticeable?

I guess in real world terms it all boils down to how confident you are with your car and its set up.
I decided on the 48's for a few reasons, lightness, dry grip, aesthetics and the confidence they give me in the car.

I did try CR500's and Kumho's as well.

You will not notice the weight difference.
The ZZS is coming out late March but not sure they will be E Marked, the CR500 may not be available after this year

I am inclined to either Yokos A048 or the new ZZS, when it comes, and if price is similar to ZZR.

Mad Hatter, what is the mileage on A048s like?