Where to buy slick tyres?

HummuH1 · 15 Nov 2011 at 14:06

Was hoping that with the season drawing to a close I'd be able to get some slicks at a bit of a discount for use next season. Doesn't seem to be the case and no matter where I look or go they seem to be £180 to £200 per tyre.

I've tried most of the companies you'd find through web searches, contacted those that supply the local/national MRC's and tried some trade contacts. No joy yet.

I'm fairly new to all this so still very much learning and hoping that someone can maybe suggest a source/supplier that would be worth looking in to.

Thanks.

howler · 15 Nov 2011 at 15:50

What do you want them for? If it is just a bit of track use then get in touch with some race teams and see if they will sell you some used ones

Second slicks will still have good life in them and good grip

HummuH1 · 15 Nov 2011 at 16:35

howler said:
What do you want them for? If it is just a bit of track use then get in touch with some race teams and see if they will sell you some used ones

Second slicks will still have good life in them and good grip

Racing. Doing a full season next year but need a set to get me up and running until I figure out what feels best, so a used set as a starter for 10 would be fine.

My tyre size diesn't seem that common so none appearing used at the moment. I need something close to 7.5/23.0-16 or around 205/55 to 225/45/16. Too small for the used touring car tyres which seem to be quite easy to get hold of.

If I could drop to 15" wheels then it would help but I need 16" to clear the brakes.

howler · 16 Nov 2011 at 08:31

hmm that is an awkward tire size, you could see if any rally cars run a similar size for tarmac stages?

Don't forget that all slicks are very different in their handling characteristics so if the series you are racing in has a control tyre then you really need to do your testing on that tyre

HummuH1 · 16 Nov 2011 at 10:46

howler said:
hmm that is an awkward tire size, you could see if any rally cars run a similar size for tarmac stages?

Don't forget that all slicks are very different in their handling characteristics so if the series you are racing in has a control tyre then you really need to do your testing on that tyre

Tell me about it!

The class I'm racing in has no control tyre so any slicks can be used. That's why I'm keen to buy discounted/used to start off with as I may have to try a few brands/compounds to see what works best.

I could change classes and use Yoko A048's but it's already looking like I need the extra grip of the slicks to be even remotely competetive.

Not helping my budget racing project!

PiKe · 16 Nov 2011 at 10:51

Can you not change wheel sizes?

HummuH1 · 16 Nov 2011 at 12:02

PiKe said:
Can you not change wheel sizes?

Need min 16" to clear brakes. 17"+ will give me clearance issues. I'm really quite tight already on the 16's.

It would also mean buying two new sets of wheels, one set for dry and one for wet use, which kind of defeats the purpose.

PiKe · 16 Nov 2011 at 14:18

But if you can't get tyres...

HummuH1 · 16 Nov 2011 at 14:59

PiKe said:
But if you can't get tyres...

Oh, there's plenty available new in the sizes I need. I was trying to see if there was a route/company I was missing out on to try and get a bit of a discount given the time of year.

HummuH1 · 16 Nov 2011 at 15:05

howler said:
hmm that is an awkward tire size, you could see if any rally cars run a similar size for tarmac stages?

Winner! Thanks.

I have just been donated (yipee!) a set of 190/560 x 16 Yoko slicks from a tarmac rally/time attack Impreza.

Bit narrower than I was after and only have a bit of life left in them but will allow me to do some testing and use it as a starting point before I start spending big on new tyres.

Thanks again.

howler · 16 Nov 2011 at 15:21

Don't forget to do some testing on brand new slicks when you are ready to

You need to get a feel for how long they take to scrub in, also the grip from brand new tyres is usually quite a lot different to used, this obviously depends on the tyre somewhat though

JBeck · 20 Nov 2011 at 11:56

Different makes also offer different levels of grip for different cars at different weights. Yokos are usually pretty good for just about anything (if you're rich enough), Some Kumhos I have found slip and slide like a bar of soap on a light motor but are cheaper, the speed alone didn't seem to get the heat in. Depends on your driving style and track/stage layout too, as howler suggests you need to test to find your personal sweet spot.