jdlc Posted July 12, 2007 Report Share Posted July 12, 2007 I have a set of 17" Modas (Italy), and the 195/45 rubbers are shot.I have had them repaired for a couple of times (bends) for $90 a pop, and they have curve damage - so enough is enough, they will now retire.My stock 15" are fitted with winter tires, and we find them really useful, gave my wife more confidence on the road during North-East winter.My questions are: 1. Is 16" less prone to bending? (calling Columbas owners...)2. Anybody have good feedback on Borbet (Germany)? Thay are a lot cheaper than orig Volvo wheels, and they do have good designs. Thanks- OrleeC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DARKSIDE Posted July 12, 2007 Report Share Posted July 12, 2007 Wheels of a smaller diameter are less prone to bending, then wheels of a larger diam. That's why ppl driving around on 20+ have to be so careful especially when driving on city roads. Not sure about Borbet wheels in comparison to OEM Volvo wheels... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeH Posted July 13, 2007 Report Share Posted July 13, 2007 My questions are: 1. Is 16" less prone to bending? (calling Columbas owners...) Thanks- OrleeCColumbas are weak and bend easily. I've bent 2 of them on small potholes. I put on pegs which are quite strong. Heavy but very strong Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdlc Posted August 6, 2007 Author Report Share Posted August 6, 2007 I got a set of used Silver Bright Solar (16") with usable rubber from a SS member and updating my signature accordingly - it looks good on our white V70 Got rid of my 17" Moda R2's for good.I also cleaned my 15" factory Antlia fitted with my winter tires (which after 5 seasons probably needs replacement) and boy, I can't believe how nice it is - used dishwashing scrubbing pad and bug & tar remover to get rid of baked pad dusts.Together with the new springs and struts (Bilstein TC fronts, HD rears), the 205/16 wheels 'lifted' the car and it is now visibly taller than it used to be. That, combined with my experimental air pressure of 36/41 front/rear (for optimal mpg per guide on the gas cover) gave the car really 'firm' ride. I might return to my normal inflation of 32/31 since the car is usually lightly occupied. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
L33t A2 Posted August 6, 2007 Report Share Posted August 6, 2007 My Columbia's are stop sign shaped they are so bent its not even funny, one of them always takes the tire guy about 15 minutes to balance right too Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdlc Posted August 6, 2007 Author Report Share Posted August 6, 2007 So I was warned above. I hope Solar is not as bad.Comparing my 17" Modas, my stock 15" Antlias, and this 16" Solar, the difference in rubber thickness is puzzling. The 17"s are really thin (205/45) but the 16" (205/55) is not that much different from my stock 15" (195/60). Also, Modas are really soft, they bend so easily, maybe that is the case with Columbas, so again, I hope Solars are as sturdy as my trusty Antlias. My Columbia's are stop sign shaped they are so bent its not even funny, one of them always takes the tire guy about 15 minutes to balance right too Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leo850T5 Posted August 6, 2007 Report Share Posted August 6, 2007 don't know how you guys wreck your columbas... i've hit 2 curbs going about 20-30mph, destroying 2 tires and my rims are still fine.i always thought they were really strong due to their thick 5 spoke design Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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