Quick tyre question
Discussion
Start at 16-18psi cold. Watch the wear pattern and adjust to get it even (e.g. if there's lots more wear in the middle, drop the pressure).
Have a good play with these over time as it can make a big difference to the way the car handles.
I've always used same pressures all round.
As an aside, I never really liked the CR500s. Have always preferred Yoko tyres on the 7.
Have a good play with these over time as it can make a big difference to the way the car handles.
I've always used same pressures all round.
As an aside, I never really liked the CR500s. Have always preferred Yoko tyres on the 7.
I felt that the Yokos gave better progression when at the edge and ultimately more grip when hot.
I also thought they were better in the wet, though this only applies to the 21R.
Finally, they are half the price!
The one downside is that they are heavier by a good amount.
A lot of people disagree with these opinions, and I haven't tried the latest generation compounds on the CR500. My car never felt quicker on CR500s though...
Incidentally, on hot track days I have run my tyres as low as 11psi cold....and have never run them higher than 18psi.
I also thought they were better in the wet, though this only applies to the 21R.
Finally, they are half the price!
The one downside is that they are heavier by a good amount.
A lot of people disagree with these opinions, and I haven't tried the latest generation compounds on the CR500. My car never felt quicker on CR500s though...
Incidentally, on hot track days I have run my tyres as low as 11psi cold....and have never run them higher than 18psi.
I loved my CR500s - but they do grain on a hot track day and increase understeer as a result. I ran them at 16 psi on track and that suited them fine.
I'm told, but have not yet tried them on track, that the AO21s on my current car grain on track but don't drop off in performance. On the road they seem to hang on as well as CR500s but without back to back comparison between both types on the same car I'd be hard pushed to say which tyre I prefer. Correct me if I'm wrong, Murph, but your experience of CR500s was on your R500 wasn't it and you haven't tried CRF500s on your current 7?
I'm told, but have not yet tried them on track, that the AO21s on my current car grain on track but don't drop off in performance. On the road they seem to hang on as well as CR500s but without back to back comparison between both types on the same car I'd be hard pushed to say which tyre I prefer. Correct me if I'm wrong, Murph, but your experience of CR500s was on your R500 wasn't it and you haven't tried CRF500s on your current 7?
True Ruby...but I doubt it would have been that different a tale (though as you know I was never convinced the R500 handled that well).
bertie - they may be old tech, but they're fantastic tyres, if a little weighty.
Just because something is not top of the headlines, does not make it obsolete or poor performing (you don't work for Intel or Microsoft per chance?
).
And do not forget that Avon are only the tyre of choice with Caterham for commercial reasons.
As for using the car in the wet, I have. Lots. And if you've never driven it in the wet, you should. You can have incredible fun with the car and really learn what it's like at the limit without killing yourself (speeds much slower you see). The downside is you get wet (shrinkage isn't a problem with skin) and the car gets dirty (ah well).
Anyone who says durability isn't a factor obviously puts next to no miles on their car (which if you only drive it with no rain in the UK figures). Or is Bill Gates. Track days are expensive enough without having to bin tyres every few days.
The 21s give well over 80% of the dry grip of a CR500 (old compounds - not sure about the new), and probably much nearer to 95%+. Are half the cost and last twice as long.
Circuit driving is the only time you'll ever get close to the limits (safely) on any of these tyres. And the difference between CR500s and 21Rs on track will amount to feck all in lap times...
The only major disadvantage is weight. Oh yes, and the tread pattern's nicer.
PS Michelins - just like driving on a rain soaked road. Worst tyres on this planet for a 7.
bertie - they may be old tech, but they're fantastic tyres, if a little weighty.
Just because something is not top of the headlines, does not make it obsolete or poor performing (you don't work for Intel or Microsoft per chance?
). And do not forget that Avon are only the tyre of choice with Caterham for commercial reasons.
As for using the car in the wet, I have. Lots. And if you've never driven it in the wet, you should. You can have incredible fun with the car and really learn what it's like at the limit without killing yourself (speeds much slower you see). The downside is you get wet (shrinkage isn't a problem with skin) and the car gets dirty (ah well).
Anyone who says durability isn't a factor obviously puts next to no miles on their car (which if you only drive it with no rain in the UK figures). Or is Bill Gates. Track days are expensive enough without having to bin tyres every few days.
The 21s give well over 80% of the dry grip of a CR500 (old compounds - not sure about the new), and probably much nearer to 95%+. Are half the cost and last twice as long.
Circuit driving is the only time you'll ever get close to the limits (safely) on any of these tyres. And the difference between CR500s and 21Rs on track will amount to feck all in lap times...
The only major disadvantage is weight. Oh yes, and the tread pattern's nicer.
PS Michelins - just like driving on a rain soaked road. Worst tyres on this planet for a 7.
I have and do go out in the wet, but you have to admit any Caterham in the wet feels like an accident waiting to happen, all good fun though as you say.
A048s are about the same price as A021, my mate has just had a set of A048Rs for £53 each from George Polley, god value I'd say. I don't think 21s are a lot cheaper are they?
Having had the Michelins and then A032Rs on my last Caterham I'm just very impressed with the CR500s on my current one, especialy in the wet.
Just to contradict myself however, I can understand the argument that is's more fun to go for a tyre with less grip.
A048s are about the same price as A021, my mate has just had a set of A048Rs for £53 each from George Polley, god value I'd say. I don't think 21s are a lot cheaper are they?
Having had the Michelins and then A032Rs on my last Caterham I'm just very impressed with the CR500s on my current one, especialy in the wet.
Just to contradict myself however, I can understand the argument that is's more fun to go for a tyre with less grip.
32Rs aquaplane in my experience. Lots of standing water doesn't help any tyre I know, and the CR500 isn't bad.
The 21Rs were better than the Michelins in the wet though.
What you sacrifice in dry weather grip (if anything) simply isn't worth the additional wedge IMO.
But each to their own I've no doubt some people swear by the Michelins!
The Caterham in the wet is indeed a handful. But that's kind of the point. You're not meant to be going flat out, but playing with controlling the car at lower speeds. All on private roads of course
The 21Rs were better than the Michelins in the wet though.
What you sacrifice in dry weather grip (if anything) simply isn't worth the additional wedge IMO.
But each to their own
I've no doubt some people swear by the Michelins! The Caterham in the wet is indeed a handful. But that's kind of the point. You're not meant to be going flat out, but playing with controlling the car at lower speeds. All on private roads of course
My SLR was enormous fun in the wet on CR500s, very progressive and utterly safe if you used a higher gear than in the dry.
BTW the green band CR500s are a lot more durable than the previous versions and appear to be just as good.
If the 48s are indeed £54 that seems to be good value - ISTR AO21s are pretty cheap tho in 70 profile.
I've driven cars with 32s and frankly when cold it's like driving on marbles - even in the dry - I'd like to try 48s out and will be asking Angus for a running report on his
BTW the green band CR500s are a lot more durable than the previous versions and appear to be just as good.
If the 48s are indeed £54 that seems to be good value - ISTR AO21s are pretty cheap tho in 70 profile.
I've driven cars with 32s and frankly when cold it's like driving on marbles - even in the dry - I'd like to try 48s out and will be asking Angus for a running report on his
A032s are a bit marginal on the road I know, I had them on my last Caterham, but get A032s on a dry track and they're fantastic.
A048s are not quite as good on a dry track but much better in the wet and much longer lasting apparently.
Amazing how long a "quick tyre question" can go on for isn't it
A048s are not quite as good on a dry track but much better in the wet and much longer lasting apparently.
Amazing how long a "quick tyre question" can go on for isn't it
CR500s are better in the wet, giving that advantage back to A048Rs in the dry. Both are good tyres, with a caterham series running each as the tyre of choice. Decide which you like (whether you need the wet grip) and how deep you pockets are and jump in. You wont regret either I would imagine.
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