Vredestein Sprint Classics

[benjj]

Is anyone running these? If so would you mind having a look to see if they're suitable for inner tubes?

I'm having terrible trouble with the DS and wheels/tyres. My rims are double trouble: riveted so they are not airtight and also do not carry the 'rim' like a modern wheel to seat the tyre bead on.

There is one obvious choice - the Michelin XAS. This was the tyre designed in combination with the DS and an all round legend. However, even with my super special racing dude discount at Longstone Tyres a set of 4 of those plus tubes tops £900 (not fitted).

So I'm looking to the Sprint Classic. I absolutely categorically NEED a tyre with a clean inside specifically designed for use with tubes. Over my last two rallies I've had 3 punctures - 2 of these were down to high speed cornering which put to much friction between the (unfinished, rough surface) of my current tyres and the tubes.

So, will the Sprint Classic work for me? I've been on the Vredestein website and they don't give any info.

Cheers for any help.

Ben

[v8250]

Ben, will PM you with some secret info...shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh c'est un secret; d'accord.

[sawman]

I haven't any personal experience, but I think there are a fair number of morgans rolling around on these, with tubes in their wire wheels.

[williredale]

I have a pair of 14" sprint classics sat in the boot of my car waiting for some wheels to be powder coated. I don't have tubes though but tomorrow I will take some pictures of the insides and post them for you.

[benjj]

Thanks chaps

[williredale]

I've just been and had a fumble about in the dark. Shoved my hand right inside and it feels pretty smooth! Pics to follow

[mph]

I've got two cars with these on, both have tubes fitted and I haven't had any problems.

[ClaesB]

Great tires,had them on my DS with inner tubes.Worked great,looked great and had
very good grip! Higly recommended!!

[williredale]

As promised this is what the inside of one looks like. Judging by the other comments here they sound good for tubes.

[benjj]

Much obliged to you all, I think I'll go with a set combined with the right Michelin offset valve innertubes.

On a recent rally I saw that quite a few cars were running (and punishing) them. Hopefully they'll stand up to a bit of a kicking

I'm just at the airport off to France, will be interested to see what they ccharge for the Michelin XAS. Probably a fortune too...

[williredale]

They're much better value than the XAS which is why I went for them for my MG. I've seen some of the photos of your events that have been posted on here so hope they'll stand up to your abuse!

[Dougal Cawley]

In 1965 Michelin in conjunction with Citroen Invented asymetric tyres to improve the directional stability of the Citroen DS. It is true that the Vredestein is cheaper than the Michelin XAS, but it is a different diameter to the XAS, it has a fatter foot print, but most importantly tread pattern and carcase are not asymetric which means it will not make a DS handle as well, you can't change the laws of physics. the other way to try to maintain the directional stability of an asymetric xas tyre on a DS is to the shallower side wall of a low profile tyres but the fact they are smaller in diameter has other derogatory effects.

The only reason not to fit the XAS to a DS is to choose your tyres purely on price. longstone tyres are offereing 4 tyres for £ 800 or 5 tyres for £ 1,000 including free new michelin tubes, and VAT this price includes fitting or shipping to most places in Europe. obviously this offer will not last for ever. The price of the XAS is totaly justified because it is an exceptional asymetric tyre designed to fit the DS exactly and manufactured to the highest quality in small quantities. however this offer helps make it attainable.

i don't agree that the Vredestein are better value than the Michelin XAS, they are not the same thing. the Vredestein costs less than a Michelin XAS that is true, but a Morris Marina cost less than a Citroen DS, but again they are not the same.



ETA

Please be aware that you are not allowed to advertise or conduct business on the forums.

Your link would be classed as an advert.

Edited by Big Al. on Thursday 31st May 22:26

[benjj]

Damn it Dougal, I knew someone would post that!

I know what I should do and, frankly, I think I'm going to have to do it. £800 inc vat delivered with tubes is an ok deal too I guess.

[itiejim]

This may be a daft idea, but is there any reason you can't just make the rim airtight and then have any choice of tyre you want?

Surely you could just weld it up properly and be done with it?