fever

What exactly separates a $1000 wheel from a $250 wheel? If the wheel is light enough <25 pounds for 18/8.5 and it doesn't have a propensity to bend then what is wrong with a 250 buck rim?
Also, what makes a three piece rim better than a one piece?

GS4Will

fever,

personally, i do not think that all $250 rims are crap...as long as such piece and its maker, have passed developed countries' strict safety standard, such as germany's TUV, and japan's jwa(i think)..ie. moda/many OZ rims from italy are inexpensive, good quality finish and are tuv approved.

whether or not a rim will bend depends on many many factors, and sometimes your luck of day:eek: BUT, to make a wheel "light" and "strong" enough takes number of years of R&D and prodcution techniques.

3 pc rims are better in some ways, but not without flaws. soemtimes the 1 pc rim will not bend due to bad road, but a same size multi-pc might have a greater chance of bending..however, you can easily repair the bent multi-pc by simply replacing the outter rim.

if you can find a wheel design that you like, within your budget, AND pass the safety measure, go for it..

fever

gs4will, thanks, that helps.

Manaray

Like Will said, price isn't always a determining factor. But a $250 wheel will not likely be a forged wheel. Forged wheels are stronger than cast (cast is like a "particle board"). While cast wheels won't fall apart (well, not all of them), I would rather stake my life on a forged wheel.

Also, some costs depend on the amount of work it takes to build the wheel. A 1-piece cast wheel just poured into a mold with some final finishing done by CNC machines. A forged 3-piece wheels requires a forged center, then it needs to be CNC machined. Then the lips must be spun (or forged in some rare cases). Then all the parts are assembled. You can see where the additional cost kicks in. Which is why I LAUGH when I see people buy 20" cast wheels for nearly the same price as 20" forged wheel.

A truly light 18" wheel will be closer to 18-20lbs. Some forged 20's weigh 25-28lbs.

And like Will said, bending has many factors. No wheel is bend-proof in all situations. If you bent a 1-piece wheel? You'd have to replace the entire wheel or risk "fixing" it...and hope it's integrity hasn't been sacrificed (which, in most cases, it will have been compromised...)

By the way, even with all the banging up I've done to the wheels, my car still drives perfectly. Doesn't pull, doesn't vibrate, nor have my tires lost any air...

Wheel Experts

A $250 wheel is prob. made in the Phillipines or malaysia, a $1000 rim is prob. made in US, Japan, or Europe, where they should be made.

fever

Hey, man. If you don't have anything to add factually then don't write anything. Kahn makes a pretty damn good wheel in England and Moda is a nice wheel from BBS. Both are 250 bucks a wheel. I'm looking for some actual product knowledge. Peace.

Wheel Experts

Sorry. I have never seen $250 20" wheels that weren't made in a thrid world country. My mistake.

Wheel Experts

Ooooops. My mistake again.

For some odd reason, I thought you were asking for $250 20" wheels. No wonder I came up with that response. Sorry about that.

There are lots of good $250 rims (BBS, SSR, etc..) but not in 20". There are plenty in the 17, 18 inch range though.

Once again, sorry about my oversight.

papimon

Hey Gang,
in addition to the previous statements made. Should you consider a multi-piece wheel, keep in mind that most manufacturers reccomend periodic dismantling of wheels and replacement of fitted gaskets within the assembly.
Although this procedure may seem relatively easy to perform, specific technique and torque requirements should be followed to avoid a possibly tragic outcome.

Take care and happy hunting.

Manaray

Hmmm, that's an interesting bit of info...I've never heard that before. My contact at HRE has also never mentioned that...it must be SEVERAL years or something before that's needed...I'll have to ask about that...

Isn't England considered part of Europe? Also, Kahns are made in Italy...I think that's part of Europe too...

A decent CAST 1-piece wheel that's 17" or 18" can definitely be had for $250 or so...especially ones that have been out on the market a long time or have been sold in high quanities...remember, the more they sell, the less they each wheel costs to the manufacturer (which means the manfacturer can pass that savings onto you...which doesn't happen usually!) up to a certain point....

BBS, SSR, etc. are good picks for decent and inexpensive wheels...

A $250 20" wheel? Hehehehe..I don' t think even the worst knock-off companies sell 'em for that cheap do they?

Wheel Experts

Actually they do. I was offered some brands (who will remain nameless) which I could buy 20" for 199/ea.

Pretty sad, eh?

Manaray

That's scary! I bet all the ricers are DYING to find out which wheels they are!

Wheel Experts

That's why i aint saying who.

BTW I issued an apology to Fever on my oversight. Just FYI. He said it was OK. No hard feelings.

fever

Guys, thanks for helping a bonafide wheel idiot learn before he buys. I do appreciate it.