Worth it to go from OEM 18s to 19s/ 20s?

[StanF18]

Well, thought I'd revive this thread, since I finally took the plunge last week and went from 18" to the 19" OEM Style 132s staggered. The input I got from all of you guys back in February was awesome and helped me in my choice.

I felt that 20" would have been overkill in my specific situation, given my high daily mileage, and also that I was looking for a year-round setup.
The sidewall on the current Latitude Touring HPs is still high enough that it should (hopefully) stand up to some of the road hazards and debris the way my Michelin Energy MXVs did.

Thanks again to everyone here, and especially TurnAround, bluedog, and blue eagle.

[thebluedog]

Good choice on the 132's...post some pics. The downside on the staggard rims is that you won't be able to rotate them. Since you will put so many miles on your X, it may get costly.
How would you rate the comfort of the 19's vs the 18's? I'm still debating whether to move up to 19's.
My main concern is the bumpiness. The 18's are already bumpy enough to me.

Thanks

bd

[StanF18]

Originally Posted by thebluedog

Good choice on the 132's...post some pics. The downside on the staggard rims is that you won't be able to rotate them. Since you will put so many miles on your X, it may get costly.
How would you rate the comfort of the 19's vs the 18's? I'm still debating whether to move up to 19's.
My main concern is the bumpiness. The 18's are already bumpy enough to me.

Thanks

bd

I've driven around on them quite a bit since I got them mounted Thursday. I am not detecting ANY increase in bumpiness whatsoever with the current rim/tire combo over the 18". I'm also getting a sensation that I'm riding slightly "higher" up, which may or may not be true. I had thought that the height would be the same, since the rims are bigger, but the tire sidewall is proportionally smaller? I think?

Anyway, zero decrease in ride comfort so far. Also went 40 mph through some big puddles today (rainy day in NY/NJ), and zero hydroplaning on the new Latitude Touring HPs.

[motordavid]

Stan,
You'll come to love your 132s...I luv's mine.
GL,mD

[Boston X5 4.4]

Originally Posted by motordavid

Stan,
You'll come to love your 132s...I luv's mine.
GL,mD

+1

[motordavid]

132s...

[sleepless]

Hi Stan,

Post some pic, if you can of UR new shoes......

[StanF18]

Sorry for the delay. Here you go:

[sleepless]

Stan, Those shoes look Sweeeet......

[StanF18]

Well, wouldn't you know it. I drove around on the 18" Energy MXVs for 40,000 miles, not a single problem. As soon as I pop on the 19" Latitude Touring: BAM, the left front tire started dropping pressure by 3 psi every day. Finally took it back to the dealer and they found a 5-inch gash in the sidewall. Now I'll be out another $250, or whatever the hell it is to get a new tire. That's on top of the $3.5 K I already dropped on the rims + tires.

I knew I was taking a chance going form 18s to 19s, but FIRST WEEK?? Come on! This is exactly what I was afraid of...

I'll give it another whirl when the dealer slaps on a new tire, but so much for getting full enjoyment out of the 132s.