MR2 Roadster Owners Club

Hi Folks,
It's quite possibly time to replace the tyres on my PFL.
I've been on Toyo T1-R's for the last 5 years - and looking to change to something better if possible.
I do seem to get a fair few punctures..

Please cast your votes! The selection is from what was available (all 4 corners the same) from black circles.

Please remember this is for PFL sizes, unfortunately I had to take Nankangs off for this reason.

I'll just ask - can you not get NS-20 for the rear? Or NS-2 for the front?

Wouldnt mix them 2.

Quote from: tricky1138 on September  7, 2020, 12:38I'll just ask - can you not get NS-20 for the rear? Or NS-2 for the front?

Wouldnt mix them 2.

Can'g get NS-2 for the front.. they looked the "sportier tyre".. but yeah no idea really.

Of your list, I have only tried the Yokos so cant really vote.

I am disappointed having gone from the 08 to the 08rs though. I have noticed much more tyre squeal when launching and some interesting moments braking sharply as I lose traction. The move to a longer lasting, less grippy compound doesnt make sense from the drivers viewpoint. Having a semi slick tread but without the ultimate grip doesnt seem a good idea to me.

Someone recently posted about these;

https://www.zestino.eu/en/gredge-07rs/?mode=grid&limit=24&sort=popular&max=250&min=0&sort=popular&brand=0&filter%5B%5D=276812&filter%5B%5D=276815

I think they could be my next tyre as they seem to have a similar tread pattern to the yokos but with the softer compound.

It was simple for a while on tyre choice for me but no longer!

Quote from: Topdownman on September  7, 2020, 12:46Of your list, I have only tried the Yokos so cant really vote.

I am disappointed having gone from the 08 to the 08rs though. I have noticed much more tyre squeal when launching and some interesting moments braking sharply as I lose traction. The move to a longer lasting, less grippy compound doesnt make sense from the drivers viewpoint. Having a semi slick tread but without the ultimate grip doesnt seem a good idea to me.

Someone recently posted about these;

https://www.zestino.eu/en/gredge-07rs/?mode=grid&limit=24&sort=popular&max=250&min=0&sort=popular&brand=0&filter%5B%5D=276812&filter%5B%5D=276815

I think they could be my next tyre as they seem to have a similar tread pattern to the yokos but with the softer compound.

It was simple for a while on tyre choice for me but no longer!

Thanks for the feedback Simon. Point noted - not really wanting to go for a proper semi slick..

EDIT: Actually maybe these might be ok I'll add them to the Poll

NS20 all round.. They are plenty sticky and very good in all weather.

Quote from: Carolyn on September  7, 2020, 12:53NS20 all round.. They are plenty sticky and very good in all weather.

Remind me again what sizes you run for the front? I can change the poll to be NS20 all round then

195/50 front 215/435 rear.

£45 a corner plus fitting.

C'mon people - I see you looking at the thread but not voting! :p Stick your necks out and vote for something...

Quote from: Carolyn on September  7, 2020, 13:01195/50 front 215/435 rear.

£45 a corner plus fitting.

Unfortunately I run PFL - you can't get those in PFL rear sizes (largest 15" they do is literally 195) - So I'll have to take this off the poll! Can you vote for your nest best thing then?

Tr1 great tyres and when matched with geo and correct pressures you won't be disappointed

No Rainsport 5 option? They are such good value for money in both wet and dry conditions.

Unfortunately not... no experience of others - except rubbish ones!

Quote from: JB21 on September  7, 2020, 13:09No Rainsport 5 option? They are such good value for money in both wet and dry conditions.

Can you get them for pfl?

Tyres are always going to be subjective. What works for one person might not work for you.

If you want a better tyre than the TR1 then get the AD08RS. They will still be a better tyre.

I like the NS-20 as they are half the price of the AD08RS for 3/4 the performance. I'd say they are probably better than the them in cold and wet. I know you have your winter tyres for then so as a summer only tyre the AD08RS still win for me.

If rainsports are available in PFL sizes then also give them a look. Always get good reviews in all weather.

I've got Vredstien on my Volvo and love them, in fact they were recommended to me instead of rainsports - but how they would be on a different vehicle I dont know.

What do you want from your tyres? Outright grip in the dry on track? Good performance in the wet / cold on the road? Long life? Low noise?

As others have said, tyres are very subjective anyway, so a clue as to your usage would be very helpful.

Quote from: AdamR28 on September  7, 2020, 13:27What do you want from your tyres? Outright grip in the dry on track? Good performance in the wet / cold on the road? Long life? Low noise?

As others have said, tyres are very subjective anyway, so a clue as to your usage would be very helpful.

I don't track it, but occasionally try and keep up with @1979scotte and that's when I've found the old Toyo's soft side wall.. don't care about noise, just very good grip in dry and decent enough in the wet. These things have lasted roughly 5 years.. so I'd be ok with slightly less.

OK I've added rainsport 5 to the poll.. haven't checked to see if you can get them in PFL yet though.

EDIT: removing them from poll as you can't get the rears in PFL size

Quote from: Carolyn on September  7, 2020, 13:10Unfortunately not... no experience of others - except rubbish ones!

Yup I can identify with that.. the car originally came with some "accelera" brand things.. it's how I become family with the term "ditch finders"..

That's why I went to 16s on the rear!

My appologies for not voting JvZ.
For one I have limited tyre experience on the Spyder, secondly I live in the andalucian mountains and lastly I would prefer even more sticky than the AD08R.

In general my pov concerning tyres for sporting use, ESPECIALY! on the road, is that the cost per km. is almost irrelevant because the potential cost of less grip is a lot higher.

I don't judge by individual's opinion.  By general agreement over a period of a few years, the ADO8 was the grippiest tyre.  A bit expensive for my taste.

I looked up tests (not Joe Punter's reviews)  The Falken 914 was good. I fitted & liked them. I changed cars, but at the time the Falken was not available in the 16" rear.
Newer tests said the Hankook K125, & I like them, but they're not made in a suitable 15" rear, - neither are the Falken 914 in 15" widths.

But the Falken ZE310 are.  https://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Article/2020-Tyre-Reviews-Ultimate-Summer-Tyre-Test.htm

Quote from: jvanzyl on September  7, 2020, 13:48

Quote from: Carolyn on September  7, 2020, 13:10Unfortunately not... no experience of others - except rubbish ones!

Yup I can identify with that.. the car originally came with some "accelera" brand things.. it's how I become family with the term "ditch finders"..

Accelera are good semi slicks.

Quote from: Petrus on September  7, 2020, 14:04My appologies for not voting JvZ.
For one I have limited tyre experience on the Spyder, secondly I live in the andalucian mountains and lastly I would prefer even more sticky than the AD08R.

In general my pov concerning tyres for sporting use, ESPECIALY! on the road, is that the cost per km. is almost irrelevant because the potential cost of less grip is a lot higher.

No worries Petrus :-) You do make a good point regarding the cost of grip.. .what are your thoughts on the one's simon posted on? The Zestino Gredge's ?

Are the Nankangs that good? They are cheaper than all the other ones. And you can get 195 tyres comfortably on 185 front wheels yeah?

Do you go for NS-20 or NS-2? They have completely different tread designs. NS20 on front and NS-2 on the back?

I feel you pain @jvanzyl

I'm starring down the same barrel with FL sizes.
What to go for next.

NS 20.  I like them.

Quote from: Topdownman on September  7, 2020, 12:46Someone recently posted about these;

https://www.zestino.eu/en/gredge-07rs/?mode=grid&limit=24&sort=popular&max=250&min=0&sort=popular&brand=0&filter%5B%5D=276812&filter%5B%5D=276815

I think they could be my next tyre as they seem to have a similar tread pattern to the yokos but with the softer compound.

It was simple for a while on tyre choice for me but no longer!

Thats me testing these Zestinos Gredge07RS :), so far im very impressed with road use only so far but wet or dry they just grip and grip!, even in deep standing water they are pretty respectable for a semi slick type tyre.

Ive still yet to try on track ( will be in 2 weeks) and also lifespan as is as yet unknown but they are pretty soft so not expecting huge mileage from them, im curious as to how the harder compound version is and may try those next.

So far i would say a worthy alternative/improvement on the AD08RS from what ive read about those! ...i loved the original AD08 but seems each revison has dropped the performance off :(

Can't vote not used any of those tyres.
I'd forgotten Yoko had changed the AD08.
Thibk I'm with Carolyn I'd give Nangkang a try.

Quote from: 1979scotte on September  7, 2020, 15:41Can't vote not used any of those tyres.
I'd forgotten Yoko had changed the AD08.
Thibk I'm with Carolyn I'd give Nangkang a try.

You can't vote for something that doesn't fit PFL wheels! Dems the rulez...

Quote from: thetyrant on September  7, 2020, 14:58

Quote from: Topdownman on September  7, 2020, 12:46Someone recently posted about these;

https://www.zestino.eu/en/gredge-07rs/?mode=grid&limit=24&sort=popular&max=250&min=0&sort=popular&brand=0&filter%5B%5D=276812&filter%5B%5D=276815

I think they could be my next tyre as they seem to have a similar tread pattern to the yokos but with the softer compound.

It was simple for a while on tyre choice for me but no longer!

Thats me testing these Zestinos Gredge07RS :), so far im very impressed with road use only so far but wet or dry they just grip and grip!, even in deep standing water they are pretty respectable for a semi slick type tyre.

Ive still yet to try on track ( will be in 2 weeks) and also lifespan as is as yet unknown but they are pretty soft so not expecting huge mileage from them, im curious as to how the harder compound version is and may try those next.

So far i would say a worthy alternative/improvement on the AD08RS from what ive read about those! ...i loved the original AD08 but seems each revison has dropped the performance off :(

So if you were to let your wife/partner drive it, would you be at all concerned for them on a heavy rainy day?

Quote from: jvanzyl on September  7, 2020, 16:11So if you were to let your wife/partner drive it, would you be at all concerned for them on a heavy rainy day?

Depends on your partner but if they have sense to drive to conditions, as in slow down a bit when its torrential weather then no issues at all, if they are someone who just drives ignoring weather/road conditions then Rainsports are your best bet..... or hide the keys :D

I pushed them pretty hard in very wet weather last week with no issues at all and as sure footed as the Bridgestones  on my BMW which are pretty decent in the wet, i didnt go out of my way to find the limit but driving briskly to get a feel for how they coped so i could give feedback on here and i never had a concern, that might change once tread wears a bit of course but then thats what you would expect.

Quote from: jvanzyl on September  7, 2020, 14:30No worries Petrus :-) You do make a good point regarding the cost of grip.. .what are your thoughts on the one's simon posted on? The Zestino Gredge's ?

My AD08R set is good for some time yet so I have the luxury of being able to wait for more feedback but if I would need a set nów, I have a set soft Gedges in 195 and 205.

Having deleted the p.a.s. assures no charming company is interested in driving the car ánd I can avoid the coldest and wettest conditions.

Quote from: thetyrant on September  7, 2020, 14:58Thats me testing these Zestinos Gredge07RS :),

Have you found/determained anything about their operating temp. range?
The Nankang AR-1 rubber per example needs 70 degrees C. to start working properly. Under average road driving condition even here in summer that makes them léss grippy than their NS-2R stable mate.

Quote from: jvanzyl on September  7, 2020, 13:48

Quote from: Carolyn on September  7, 2020, 13:10Unfortunately not... no experience of others - except rubbish ones!

Yup I can identify with that.. the car originally came with some "accelera" brand things.. it's how I become family with the term "ditch finders"..

Nankang tyres are the original ditch finder tyres

The Yokohama A052 looks impressive. Available in close enough sizes I think.

Quote from: steveash on September  7, 2020, 18:20The Yokohama A052 looks impressive. Available in close enough sizes I think.

They are 50% more expensive then the AD08RS and pretty much useless on the street.
It´s the equivalent of the R888R and AR-1; road legal but not useful.

Quote from: s12vea on September  7, 2020, 18:13

Quote from: jvanzyl on September  7, 2020, 13:48

Quote from: Carolyn on September  7, 2020, 13:10Unfortunately not... no experience of others - except rubbish ones!

Yup I can identify with that.. the car originally came with some "accelera" brand things.. it's how I become family with the term "ditch finders"..

Nankang tyres are the original ditch finder tyres

Could not disagree more. They are very sticky.  Have you actually tried NS20's?

Quote from: Petrus on September  7, 2020, 17:13

Quote from: thetyrant on September  7, 2020, 14:58Thats me testing these Zestinos Gredge07RS :),

Have you found/determained anything about their operating temp. range?
The Nankang AR-1 rubber per example needs 70 degrees C. to start working properly. Under average road driving condition even here in summer that makes them léss grippy than their NS-2R stable mate.

Zestinos work well from cold :)  although i dont push the car hard from cold so not a definitive answer but will soon find out at sprint on 20th were its 1 lap against the clock with cold tyres, this is why ive chosen these tyres as best chance of being able to push hard from the off, R888 i always found good for that in past as well but not tried the newer compound.

AR1 need way to much warming up for a sprint event and why i didnt get them, that and the lack of tread cuts and price!

Quote from: Carolyn on September  7, 2020, 19:14

Quote from: s12vea on September  7, 2020, 18:13

Quote from: jvanzyl on September  7, 2020, 13:48

Quote from: Carolyn on September  7, 2020, 13:10Unfortunately not... no experience of others - except rubbish ones!

Yup I can identify with that.. the car originally came with some "accelera" brand things.. it's how I become family with the term "ditch finders"..

Nankang tyres are the original ditch finder tyres

Could not disagree more. They are very sticky.  Have you actually tried NS20's?

yes I've had them on a front wheel drive hot hatch, I've always classed Them as a ditch finders and terrible in the wet.
Don't get me wrong there is often a time and place for cheap tyres and I wouldn't say on a rear wheel drive sports car.
I know you have had great experience with them but I wouldn't fit them on any car of mine.

Many thanks to everyone for their input - as it stands we have lots of comments, but with only 8 votes cast it's between the Toyos and the Yoko's.. thankfully I managed to get my repaired yesterday, so my Toyo's set get to fight another day.

When it comes to nenewing I'm thinking I'm going to go down the Zestino route, as I have a set of winter tyres when it gets colder, and I look forward to some epic traction with those things. Anywho - thanks to all who contributed!