chriskay wrote:TripleS wrote: I do recall that when radial ply tyres first came into popular use we were warned that although they provided higher levels of grip than the cross ply tyres used previously, when radial tyres do finally lose grip they break away very suddenly and dramatically, and are much more difficult to catch and deal with safely - so they appeared to be a bit of a mixed blessing. Admittedly I'm talking about how I remember things from when radials like the Michelin X first appeared in the early 1960s. Quite possibly some years of development may have made their breakaway characteristics more progressive and manageable since then, but I really don't know, and I don't think I want to find out.
Best wishes all,
Dave.
I remember the first Michelin X's well. I had a set on my Citroen Light 15. They were indeed very grippy: until, one day, overconfident in their ability, and mine, I lost it on a left-hander somewhere near Banbury. As you said, they hung on till the last minute & then all four went. Fortunately the road was empty & I did my 360 deg. spin unimpeded. Later, I switched to Pirelli Cinturas (or were they Cinturatos)? which were a little less in ultimate adhesion, but a bit more progressive.
Hello, Chris.
I seem to think the early Pirelli radials were called Cintura to begin with, and then an improved version called Cinturato appeared later.
....but there was nowt wrong with the Dunlop RS5 Road Speed tyres anyhow, and them wuz cross plies!
....although I did like the improved fuel economy given by the lower rolling resistance of the Michelin X.
Best wishes all,
Dave - always a skinflint.