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[cruisetopoland]

Also note that the ebay price of £167.99 for FOUR tyres includes either postage or fitting at EARMotorsport in Macclesfield-so £42 each fitted (plus new valve and balancing cost).

I wonder if changing tyres frequently at £42 (£47) each fitted is better than soldiering on with worn premium tyres??

I will let you know 

Now thinking I may try their winter tyres from next October if I can find a very cheap set of additional wheels when the time comes....maybe if the TR918s are ok, the TR777s will be good?

Again, I wonder if using all weather, then winter would be as good as premium?

It's a learning curve for me...

[Omega3]

Just swapped my four tyres for new and there is an instant difference to the handling and accuracy on the road-the tramlining has reduced massively too.

Removed 4x Federal SS535 225/55/16 V, fronts with 4mm, rears 2.5mm-this was done because I got a screw through one of the decent fronts which was too close to the edge to repair and the rears were almost out.  I kept the one 4mm tyre in case anyone needs it to make up a set.

I always keep a matching set of 4 tyres on the car and looked at the options.  I wanted Contis but cheapest was £380 for 4 fitted (cheapest supplier plus local fitter) so I looked around.

The identical Federals were £230 fitted as above, but they tramline spectacularly and I have read good things about (Chinese) Triangle Talons being ok as budget tyres so have had a punt at them

Cheapest was £168 delivered plus £10 per tyre fully fitted-£208, but that meant waiting for delivery while I had a slow puncture, so negotiated with local dealer who had them in stock and agreed on £220 for 4 fitted:- £55 each, including new valve, balancing with the decent stuck on weights and old tyre case disposal.

They have the rim protector style that I like and an attractive tread pattern and I have felt an instant grip difference, but will hold judgment until I have run them for a few months....

I wonder how well they will wear and what the grip will be like in various conditions?  Hmmmm.
Cheap enough, but good value?

I'm dfraid to say i'm a bit of a tyre snob when it comes cheap tyres. I find fault with most top end boots and cant really see tyres in that price range being of use.

of course there is no such thing as an ideal tyre, if there where they would be free,last for ever,stick to the ceiling, track perfectly, be totally silent, and be as good on snow and as they are on tarmac. Never going to happen.

On the Omega, for me, its hard enough to get the car to behave on top range rubber with out adding in cheap tyre varibles. I would rather pay the extra and have decent tyres that wont anoy me too much fot the next year or so.

Having said that though, its always wise to keep an open mind to suggestions. So do let us know how you get on over their life.

Me too, Chris-but needs must and I have already noticed a big improvement.

One car mag commented that a cheap set at 8mm is better than a premium set at 3mm in most conditions-would love to see a test on that..!!  Our roads are wet and rural and I usually replace tyres when they hit 3 or 4mm.

These Talons grip like snow tyres as they are still very sharp and the road noise is low, but I will hold judgement until I see how handle in the dry and how well they wear.  I know its not important but they look great with decent rim protectors and attractive tread pattern-not like the awful Wanlis or other nasties. See:

http://www.triangletire.com/rad_car_specs_n.html mine are the TR918 type

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/225-55-16-TALON-99V-XL-2255516-225-55-16-4-NEW-TYRES_W0QQitemZ170426860606QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Cars_Tyres_RL?hash=item27ae3b843e


One point that may be relevant, though Chris-I often get punctures due to being on building sites or farmyards-usually screws near the sidewall and replacing a top-end tyre that can't be repaired is galling, a cheapie is more bearable....

I am really curious to see how these compare as I think the rubber is the main priority.....

I will update this or do a new thread as the miles go on 

Always read everyone's comments on tyres with interest and it's great to see so many different opinions. The comment about a cheap set at 8mm being better than a worn premium set got me to throw in my thoughts.
I have run tyres from Michelin, Pirelli, Continental, Bridgestone, Fulda, Yokohama, Toyo, Firestone, a few budget brands and some I have probably forgotten along the way. There was a time when I spent any amount of money to get the best I could find and I've still got an old receipt here for almost £1200 for four tyres. One of these was damaged in a pot hole within 3 months...
It was actually the Omega that made me reconsider my policy for road tyres. The first one I had suffered from the common wear on the inner edges of the front tyres and I ended up throwing away several pairs of premium tyres because no one could resolve the problem despite several suspension alignments, new bushes etc. The second Omega (facelift) I had did not suffer as badly in this respect and a local suspension man ventured that there might have been a geometry change. This seemed credible as the turning circle seemed different between the pre and post facelift. Because of this wear pattern I started to buy cheaper but still "premium" tyres and just run them for a shorter time.
I then cam across an article (may have been road and track) that tested premium tyres against lesser brands that more often than not appeared mimic the more expensive tread patterns. Their conclusion was that newer budget tyres outperformed the premium tyres once they were worn.
I currently run Continental Super contact 2 on the 3.2 and Nexen CP641 on the 2.2. The 3.2 still suffers slightly from the inner edge wear but interestingly the 2.2 exhibits no uneven wear at all. I've never had the alignment adjusted on the 2.2 and I'm almost loath to touch it as it seems to be the best i've had.
I now actually quite like the Nexens as they grip well in the dry and are predictable on the limit and if I'm enjoying the rear wheel drive driftability I'm not thinking about wrecking an expensive set of tyres.
I bought the Continentals off the back of a review that said they were quiet running, which they are and have no complaints.

[cem_devecioglu]

Just swapped my four tyres for new and there is an instant difference to the handling and accuracy on the road-the tramlining has reduced massively too.

Removed 4x Federal SS535 225/55/16 V, fronts with 4mm, rears 2.5mm-this was done because I got a screw through one of the decent fronts which was too close to the edge to repair and the rears were almost out.  I kept the one 4mm tyre in case anyone needs it to make up a set.

I always keep a matching set of 4 tyres on the car and looked at the options.  I wanted Contis but cheapest was £380 for 4 fitted (cheapest supplier plus local fitter) so I looked around.

The identical Federals were £230 fitted as above, but they tramline spectacularly and I have read good things about (Chinese) Triangle Talons being ok as budget tyres so have had a punt at them

Cheapest was £168 delivered plus £10 per tyre fully fitted-£208, but that meant waiting for delivery while I had a slow puncture, so negotiated with local dealer who had them in stock and agreed on £220 for 4 fitted:- £55 each, including new valve, balancing with the decent stuck on weights and old tyre case disposal.

They have the rim protector style that I like and an attractive tread pattern and I have felt an instant grip difference, but will hold judgment until I have run them for a few months....

I wonder how well they will wear and what the grip will be like in various conditions?  Hmmmm.
Cheap enough, but good value?

I'm dfraid to say i'm a bit of a tyre snob when it comes cheap tyres. I find fault with most top end boots and cant really see tyres in that price range being of use.

of course there is no such thing as an ideal tyre, if there where they would be free,last for ever,stick to the ceiling, track perfectly, be totally silent, and be as good on snow and as they are on tarmac. Never going to happen.

On the Omega, for me, its hard enough to get the car to behave on top range rubber with out adding in cheap tyre varibles. I would rather pay the extra and have decent tyres that wont anoy me too much fot the next year or so.

Having said that though, its always wise to keep an open mind to suggestions. So do let us know how you get on over their life.

Me too, Chris-but needs must and I have already noticed a big improvement.

One car mag commented that a cheap set at 8mm is better than a premium set at 3mm in most conditions-would love to see a test on that..!!  Our roads are wet and rural and I usually replace tyres when they hit 3 or 4mm.

These Talons grip like snow tyres as they are still very sharp and the road noise is low, but I will hold judgement until I see how handle in the dry and how well they wear.  I know its not important but they look great with decent rim protectors and attractive tread pattern-not like the awful Wanlis or other nasties. See:

http://www.triangletire.com/rad_car_specs_n.html mine are the TR918 type

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/225-55-16-TALON-99V-XL-2255516-225-55-16-4-NEW-TYRES_W0QQitemZ170426860606QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Cars_Tyres_RL?hash=item27ae3b843e


One point that may be relevant, though Chris-I often get punctures due to being on building sites or farmyards-usually screws near the sidewall and replacing a top-end tyre that can't be repaired is galling, a cheapie is more bearable....

I am really curious to see how these compare as I think the rubber is the main priority.....

I will update this or do a new thread as the miles go on 

definitely..

[feeutfo]

Just swapped my four tyres for new and there is an instant difference to the handling and accuracy on the road-the tramlining has reduced massively too.

Removed 4x Federal SS535 225/55/16 V, fronts with 4mm, rears 2.5mm-this was done because I got a screw through one of the decent fronts which was too close to the edge to repair and the rears were almost out.  I kept the one 4mm tyre in case anyone needs it to make up a set.

I always keep a matching set of 4 tyres on the car and looked at the options.  I wanted Contis but cheapest was £380 for 4 fitted (cheapest supplier plus local fitter) so I looked around.

The identical Federals were £230 fitted as above, but they tramline spectacularly and I have read good things about (Chinese) Triangle Talons being ok as budget tyres so have had a punt at them

Cheapest was £168 delivered plus £10 per tyre fully fitted-£208, but that meant waiting for delivery while I had a slow puncture, so negotiated with local dealer who had them in stock and agreed on £220 for 4 fitted:- £55 each, including new valve, balancing with the decent stuck on weights and old tyre case disposal.

They have the rim protector style that I like and an attractive tread pattern and I have felt an instant grip difference, but will hold judgment until I have run them for a few months....

I wonder how well they will wear and what the grip will be like in various conditions?  Hmmmm.
Cheap enough, but good value?

I'm dfraid to say i'm a bit of a tyre snob when it comes cheap tyres. I find fault with most top end boots and cant really see tyres in that price range being of use.

of course there is no such thing as an ideal tyre, if there where they would be free,last for ever,stick to the ceiling, track perfectly, be totally silent, and be as good on snow and as they are on tarmac. Never going to happen.

On the Omega, for me, its hard enough to get the car to behave on top range rubber with out adding in cheap tyre varibles. I would rather pay the extra and have decent tyres that wont anoy me too much fot the next year or so.

Having said that though, its always wise to keep an open mind to suggestions. So do let us know how you get on over their life.

Me too, Chris-but needs must and I have already noticed a big improvement.

One car mag commented that a cheap set at 8mm is better than a premium set at 3mm in most conditions-would love to see a test on that..!!  Our roads are wet and rural and I usually replace tyres when they hit 3 or 4mm.

These Talons grip like snow tyres as they are still very sharp and the road noise is low, but I will hold judgement until I see how handle in the dry and how well they wear.  I know its not important but they look great with decent rim protectors and attractive tread pattern-not like the awful Wanlis or other nasties. See:

http://www.triangletire.com/rad_car_specs_n.html mine are the TR918 type

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/225-55-16-TALON-99V-XL-2255516-225-55-16-4-NEW-TYRES_W0QQitemZ170426860606QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Cars_Tyres_RL?hash=item27ae3b843e


One point that may be relevant, though Chris-I often get punctures due to being on building sites or farmyards-usually screws near the sidewall and replacing a top-end tyre that can't be repaired is galling, a cheapie is more bearable....

I am really curious to see how these compare as I think the rubber is the main priority.....

I will update this or do a new thread as the miles go on 

definitely..

except falken 912s v worn out Dunlop sport maxx which was still far better grippier and more stable. ime.

[Kevin Wood]

except falken 912s v worn out Dunlop sport maxx which was still far better grippier and more stable. ime.

Agreed. In any case, there's always a compromise with budget tyres, IME.

Poor stability
Poor grip in wet / dry / both
Excessive noise
Excessive wear rate

If you can put up with one or more of the above, then they are fine.

On the other hand, many would say that we presumably spend more money to run Omegas as opposed to a cheap FWD repmobox because they offer better handling, lower noise level, better comfort, etc. so why throw it all away by scrimping on the tyres?

Inner edge wear requires a trip to Tony at wheels in motion. Most alignment centres use ridiculously wide tolerances for the front camber on the Omega. That combined with an operator who adjusts only what's not "in the green" without understanding how suspension works means tyre outfits rarely pick up the reason for inner tyre wear.

Kevin

[Shackeng]

Just swapped my four tyres for new and there is an instant difference to the handling and accuracy on the road-the tramlining has reduced massively too.

Removed 4x Federal SS535 225/55/16 V, fronts with 4mm, rears 2.5mm-this was done because I got a screw through one of the decent fronts which was too close to the edge to repair and the rears were almost out.  I kept the one 4mm tyre in case anyone needs it to make up a set.

I always keep a matching set of 4 tyres on the car and looked at the options.  I wanted Contis but cheapest was £380 for 4 fitted (cheapest supplier plus local fitter) so I looked around.

The identical Federals were £230 fitted as above, but they tramline spectacularly and I have read good things about (Chinese) Triangle Talons being ok as budget tyres so have had a punt at them

Cheapest was £168 delivered plus £10 per tyre fully fitted-£208, but that meant waiting for delivery while I had a slow puncture, so negotiated with local dealer who had them in stock and agreed on £220 for 4 fitted:- £55 each, including new valve, balancing with the decent stuck on weights and old tyre case disposal.

They have the rim protector style that I like and an attractive tread pattern and I have felt an instant grip difference, but will hold judgment until I have run them for a few months....

I wonder how well they will wear and what the grip will be like in various conditions?  Hmmmm.
Cheap enough, but good value?

Worth knowing that there are permitted repairs to this sort of damage. Most tyre depots don't do it, but we have a specialist here who does, its saved me twice in the past.

[cem_devecioglu]

except falken 912s v worn out Dunlop sport maxx which was still far better grippier and more stable. ime.

Agreed. In any case, there's always a compromise with budget tyres, IME.

Poor stability
Poor grip in wet / dry / both
Excessive noise
Excessive wear rate

If you can put up with one or more of the above, then they are fine.

On the other hand, many would say that we presumably spend more money to run Omegas as opposed to a cheap FWD repmobox because they offer better handling, lower noise level, better comfort, etc. so why throw it all away by scrimping on the tyres?

Inner edge wear requires a trip to Tony at wheels in motion. Most alignment centres use ridiculously wide tolerances for the front camber on the Omega. That combined with an operator who adjusts only what's not "in the green" without understanding how suspension works means tyre outfits rarely pick up the reason for inner tyre wear.

Kevin

lower noise level.. with fwd car.. no chance..

This summer I spend a fortune to change the front system of clit and still noisy

[cruisetopoland]

Well, I am expecting my £55ea fitted Chinese (Triangle Talon Sport TR918) tyres to be cack, but so far they are surprisingly ok 

Somewhere, though, they WILL fall down: wear rate, wet braking, dry cornering-something.  Don't know what yet but know cheap tyres are usually CACK. 
And these are very cheap-EARMotorsport via ebay do 4 fitted at less than £168 (£42ea)

Couldn't afford better tyres....so anything else not an option at present-spent £000s on "the list", still more to do; wishbones, rear springs, bushes......etc 

[cruisetopoland]

Just swapped my four tyres for new and there is an instant difference to the handling and accuracy on the road-the tramlining has reduced massively too.

Removed 4x Federal SS535 225/55/16 V, fronts with 4mm, rears 2.5mm-this was done because I got a screw through one of the decent fronts which was too close to the edge to repair and the rears were almost out.  I kept the one 4mm tyre in case anyone needs it to make up a set.

I always keep a matching set of 4 tyres on the car and looked at the options.  I wanted Contis but cheapest was £380 for 4 fitted (cheapest supplier plus local fitter) so I looked around.

The identical Federals were £230 fitted as above, but they tramline spectacularly and I have read good things about (Chinese) Triangle Talons being ok as budget tyres so have had a punt at them

Cheapest was £168 delivered plus £10 per tyre fully fitted-£208, but that meant waiting for delivery while I had a slow puncture, so negotiated with local dealer who had them in stock and agreed on £220 for 4 fitted:- £55 each, including new valve, balancing with the decent stuck on weights and old tyre case disposal.

They have the rim protector style that I like and an attractive tread pattern and I have felt an instant grip difference, but will hold judgment until I have run them for a few months....

I wonder how well they will wear and what the grip will be like in various conditions?  Hmmmm.
Cheap enough, but good value?

Worth knowing that there are permitted repairs to this sort of damage. Most tyre depots don't do it, but we have a specialist here who does, its saved me twice in the past.

Worth knowing-may have repaired this and kept the front 4mms and replaced the rears with 2 matching Federals.

Still, was not keen on the Federal SS 535s anyway...

[NaughtyNigel]

I always found P6000's very good on the Omega, and wear was good too - up to about 35,000 miles on a set.

The only problem with the Omega is that at 1,800 or so KG it is a very heavy car, and needs tyres to suit. Many tyres suffer a 'flat spot' on the Omega after being parked for a while, so you get a bumpy ride for a mile or two from cold.

Pirelli reccomend J Fit (Jaguar) tyres for the omega for that reason.

NN

[cruisetopoland]

Got to say, so far I'm impressed with these cheapy Triangle Talon Sport TR918s; great in the snow, excellent wet braking, fine on standing water, quiet enough too.  Just had wishbones and 4 wheel alignment/camber done and car feels better, but can't comment on tramlining yet.

Will need to do 5,000+ miles (if they last that long!) in differing conditions to get a better idea, but they are much better than I thought they would be,  so far 

[SP_3.2]

Sounds good so far.

[SP_3.2]

Have had a busy day 1st got a set of new Kumo,s for the front at £150 for the pair. Early to say much but very happy as the tramlining has al but gone now Much ,much better . Will still have a run to WIM at some point just to have a good check on things .

Will have a few longer runs over the next few day so will report back on grip wet /dry.  Also have oill abd fillter change just under 3k done since last one but alot of short  cold runs.

[fingers21]

Sorry to sound dumb, but what is this WIM that people are on about? Also, does anyone have a rough price for front wishbones on a 53plate 3.2 elite, as i get dragged all over the place with the camber of the road!

[Kevin Wood]

Sorry to sound dumb, but what is this WIM that people are on about? Also, does anyone have a rough price for front wishbones on a 53plate 3.2 elite, as i get dragged all over the place with the camber of the road!

WIM = Wheels In Motion http://www.blackboots.co.uk/

The place to get Omega suspension set up.

Pattern front wishbones can be had for around £60 a pair. Genuine are silly money. I can't remember where I got mine. http://www.vauxcentre.co.uk/ rings a bell but I might be wrong.

Obviously, change the wishbones, if required, before getting the suspension set up.

Kevin