Pete! Tyres for the X5

[Burgerman]

http://www.wheelchairdriver.com/images- ... r-1200.jpg

and http://www.wheelchairdriver.com/images- ... s-1200.jpg

Pete, did I ever show you the difference between those 145/70 - 6 all terrain tyres (the size used by my chair and your frontier x5) and the puncture proof, "lawn" tyres? They are http://www.wheelchairdriver.com/images- ... s-1200.jpg

Same height. Same rim size. Few mm wider. Ride not quite as smooth but still hugely better than stock powerchairs, puncture reinforced (kevlar shield) etc. Less good in mud/snow but better on dry grass sand etc. And roads.

They are 6.00 x 6 size. Overall about 15 inches although claimed 16! I remember something about it on a newsgroup...

[Pete]

Pete, did I ever show you the difference between those 145/70 - 6 all terrain tyres (the size used by my chair and your frontier x5) and the puncture proof, "lawn" tyres?

Yep, back when you were building your wide tyred chair we were discussing the different types of tyres. I think you had just bought the puncture proof lawn tyres at the time.

So what's your final judgement on them after using both types? Do you find the lawn tyres or the off-road tyres to be the better ones?.

[Burgerman]

Well I used them in the dry, but they make my 25.25 inch chair almost 26 inches wide. You wouldnt think less than half an inch each side extra would matter. But it does.

Its noticible and I touch skirting boards, and catch door frames more often. So I tend to use them only occassionally. Its amazing just how important width (and length) really is in a powerchair as well as rounded corners!

I can easily use them indoors, and with all my doors at 29 inches or bigger its not close to being a problem. But still narrower makes it more relaxed and easier without slowing down or having to "aim" at a doorway.

The ride is marginally harsher. They dont sink as much in soft dry sand, and seem completely immune to wear! They dont work as well in snow (less traction!) although they are still better than narrow tyres as they ride on top.

And they are almost puncture impossible!

Still I use the "weaker" all terrain ones mostly. Albeit with a tube and a 1/3rd fill of off road anti puncture gunge! No sign of a puncture in about a year though. Probably because they ride so lightly and deform easily over broken glass / sharp stuff etc. And spread the load.

Sand, grass, pavements, road, anti puncture, wear - the grass / lawn kevlar protected tyres are best.

Width, ride comfort, traction in mud, snow, and wet grass etc the allterrain ones are best.

Both are a HUGE improvement over stock narrow wheelchair tyres even with suspension as far as ride comfort goes. Always use 4 ply ones though. Stronger and less puncture prone even if "stiffer" sidewalls very slightly.