Hi,

Why are smaller wheels lighter? For example is a 13" wheel lighter than a 15" when both fitted with tyres? I would assume that on the 13" you would use higher profile tyres that would weigh more, potentially even more than the 15" with lower profile tyres. Or am I completely missing something here?

I have my eyes on OZ Ultraleggera wheels in 15" size that weigh 5,3 kg each. Would you think it is a good choice for a BEC Locost type car? Or would you recommend other lighter wheels or different sizes?

Thanks!

13" wheels of the same type are generally lighter than a 15".

Rubber is lighter than aluminium, therefore a wheel and tyre package of a less diameter is lighter than the same with 15" wheel.

OZ **leggara are a light wheel. Compomotive CXR's are lighter but more expensive... billet machined split rims are also lighter but very expensive... general run of the mill wheels are heavy. You have made a good choice. BTW - we have Compomotives' on if you don't know what hey look like...

[Edited on 12-4-06 by Hellfire]

I've got 15" Oz supperleggeras. They are nice wheels 1.5kg a corner lighter than my old ones. £275.00 incl tyres from Fleabay.

Most of the weight of a tyre will be in the tread so for the same circumference a high profile 13 will be very nearly the same as a low profile 15.

For the wheel there is just over 7 inches more rim in a 15 inch wheel, plus extra weight in the longer (and heavier duty?) 'spokes'

Doubt you will notice the difference if using a 'good' lightweight 15 inch wheel.

On a side note I've heard the chav alloys sold by the likes of halfords can weigh more than steel wheels in some cases
Worth a thought for people going for minimal cost, because painted steels can look quite effective in a retro kind of way.