Tires vs. new wheels dilemna...

[Soaker]

..at least a dilemna as I make it. Considering getting SM wheels for the S but also considering two sets of tires for the S instead. I ride off road maybe 4-5 months out of the year here in CO (Denver is home) and spend a lot of time on the street year round. I wanted to maintain some street performance while also getting better off road performance for the times I am off road. Thinking about the SM wheels for late Sept. thru April then S wheels with better-than-death Wings for off road the other months. Not up for the 2k+ cost of the wheels and changes needed, and I do already enjoy the mountain twisties with the S as is a lot so...2 sets of tires intead? M6006 or the like for Spring and Summer with Trail Wings (or even more road oriented tire) for the other 7-8 months. Opinions? Thanks.

[dpsmith]

I have 2 sets of wheels for my S. One set with IRC GP110's for commuting and paved roads and another set off an E with non Maxxis DOT knobs. I put the knobs on for dirt rides and camping trips etc. It is not the best set up but I bought an E parts bike for cheap. I have sold most of the parts off it and now the second wheel set was almost free. I would love to have some SM wheels but don't want to spend the $.

In your case it might make sense to get a second set of wheels as well. The E/S wheels are much cheaper than SM. Changing tires is a PITA and unless you are doing it yourself the cost to change tires will add up. I considered getting Maxxis 6006 tire to do it all well. Unfortunately, with any 50/50 tire you are compromising. The IRC GP110 is very similar to the 6006. It got them cheap on fleabay as take offs and like them so far.

[Soaker]

Ya know, as soon as I posted this I thought about getting another set of S/E wheels as a way to swap out tires via the timeline I mentioned, but even as an easier way to change whenever I want to. That may be a good alternative as I really don't feel the need for a supermoto bike and having the right tires when I need them makes all the diff. I will start the search this weekend. Thanks.

[npm]

I have two sets of S wheels, one with the original DW's and another with knobbies. I have 44T on the DW rear and 47T on the knobbies. Makes an easy gear change for the different requirements. I use the DW's for general riding plus some forest service roads, knobbies when riding trails in the woods. It was a bit expensive but I can change over quickly which I like.

[-dj-]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=008&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&viewitem=&item=180225885749&rd=1

if these ^^^ are not of interest, i also have a set for sale if interested.

[Goebz]

I used tires as an exscuse to get teh wheels. Teh Pilots will last a lot longer and be a lot safeer than the best Knobbie (and mor fun) and I was able to get a sweet deal on real Knobbies (not compromise 50/50 or 80/20) for dirt.

[GuzziMoto]

You might want to look for a used set of SM wheels. Yes, a little bit more money. But your bike will be a whole new animal on the street. You will see a large improvement in street handling. Much more value for your dollar then the cheaper route.

[Soaker]

TJ. Thanks for the offer but I have not the $ for wheel purchase right now, though I did not indicate that when I said I would "start the search". I will likely look for some wheels in the next 3-4 months when I can come up with an excuse to do so with the wife. I guess I won't rule out the possibility of SM wheels but I won't hold my breath on a good "deal" for those. Gracias.