Technical tires for 15" rims

Currently reading:
Technical tires for 15" rims

Of course they'll fit. The options in 195/50 R15 seem quite cheap. You won't really need to worry about a wider rim if you're only going for a 195.
 
I have 205/50/15; they fit with no problem at all on wider wheels (I have them on Panda 100hp wheels, which are fitted to my 500). They are also slightly closer in percentage terms to the standard 175/65/14 circumference than 195/50/15. They give masses of grip for keeping up momentum in the corners. :)
 
and a big surface area for aqua planing

Sure, I agree that in extreme conditions the additional 1cm might make a slight difference, but the risk in terms of the differential is negligible. 195s with 2-3mm tread depth could be worse than 205s with 4-5mm. It's neither here nor there in the real world.

For general use it's a load better. Less bouncy at the rear, better steering feel, and more grip. And they've lasted over 25,000 miles so far without even getting half worn. That can't be a bad thing.

As the froggies say: chacun a son gout.
 
Last edited:
why do people always think they can do better than the manufacturers recommended and homologated fitment?

remember tyres are the only thing between the car and road and massively influence the handling characteristics, too wide a tyre on the rim will move around and feel horrible and vague

if you want better grip get a softer compound (y)

too wide can be hazardous as when the grip does let go it will happen suddenly and hard to catch

progressive loss of grip is more fun too

rule of thumb however is up one on width, down one on profile so 185/55 to 195/50 should be ok
 
You mean like changing to non standard suspension and stuff like that?

no that's different, suspension is made for the car, massive tyres are not made for smaller rims, same as small tyres are not made for massive rims like the euro dudes do

but Gordini has changed his rims so i assume they are bigger? so the flexing wont happen?
 
Last edited:
why do people always think they can do better than the manufacturers recommended and homologated fitment?
Because standard fitment is typically designed to be a compromise across all types of driving (i.e. a mix of town/motorway/A-road). If, for example, you spend most time on b-roads, then you might want to adjust the engine/suspension/brakes/tyres/etc so that it's more suited accordingly. Yes, you may end up making its behaviour worse in town, but if you rarely go into town then that doesn't matter.
 
no that's different, suspension is made for the car, massive tyres are not made for smaller rims, same as small tyres are not made for massive rims like the euro dudes do

but Gordini has changed his rims so i assume they are bigger? so the flexing wont happen?
Yes, they are 6.5Jx15 wide, so 205/50/15 is correct width for the rims whilst having pretty much the correct rolling circumference. I went for 15" rather than 16" wheels, as 15" gives a better ride, and I didn't feel that any of the factory optional 500 alloys (of either 15 or 16) worked well with the car's shape (IMO, of course). So, I looked around for aftermarket wheels, but again none worked well with the proportions of the 500. Then I looked within the Fiat range, and noticed that the chunky curves of the 100hp spokes were very sympathetic with the shapes/curves of the 500 body. So I did a photoshop, and it looked spot on.

Visually it would work even better with slightly lower suspension, but I live down an unmade road, so that's not an option.
 
Oh, and just to add: The 205s are Toyo Proxes. But during winter (i.e. now) I use the original steel 14" wheels fitted with proper 175 winter tyres.
 
Back
Top