I've noticed a considerable difference in stability, cornering, and
crosswind performance when increasing tire pressure to 50 psi.  Just one
other factor to consider.

Karl Wolz

----- Original Message -----
From: Fitz-Randolph, Douglas <dfrandolph@TALKAM.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, September 08, 1999 11:07 AM
Subject: Re: Disappointed with Yokohama Y370 Tires

> I'm no expert here, but I've formulated a crosswind theory based on my
> personal
> observations of the following tires:
>
> Nokian Hakkapelitta 10 184R14 D
> Michelin LTX 195/75R14 C
> Uniroyal Laredo 195/75R14 C
> Michelin MXT 205/70R14 R
>
> The worst crosswind performance was observed with the 185's - constant
> corrections required on windy days. The two 195's performed comparably,
and
> were a marked improvement over the 185's, yet the little causeway into
> Portland still wasn't pleasant on a windy day. The 205 - my current tire -
> has virtually eliminated the effects of crosswinds.
>
> Since your previous tire - a Pirelli 6000 non-reinforced 205 mm passenger
> tire - offered better crosswind performance than the 195 mm Yokohamas,
> one would conclude that sidewall reinforcement was not a contributing
> factor.
> The variables in your crosswind equation would be tread design and tread
> width, as these seem to be the major differences between the tires you
> are comparing.
>
> Combining our observations - since I did not see any noticeable difference
> in crosswind performance between the two 195 mm tires - both with
> significantly different tread patterns - it would seem that the only
> remaining factor influencing crosswind performance would be tread width.
>
> Of course wider tires have their drawbacks in other conditions, but it
> would seem that for dry pavement crosswinds wider would be better.
>
> Differing opinions are of course welcome...
>
> Doug Fitz-Randolph
> Yarmouth, ME
> '90 Syncro
>