I am running the Sprite on Dunlop SP20 165/70 13s. They have just over
20,000 miles, and still have 4mm of tread. Never had a flat, no cracks
in the sidewall, still look almost new. Good quality New Zealand
rubber. Trouble is, they were made 397 (39th week 1997).
I have read a lot about and experienced (cheap Kumhos) internal rot and
external hardening (8+ year old Michelins) but see no evidence of either
on the Dunlops. They are not run in winter nor, if I am lucky, in
adverse conditions. I have never experienced bump-steer in the dry with
them, and wet braking was never a 'joy' at the best of times.
If I replace them I will want to go to 155/80 13s, which are becoming
rare in my part of the world. (well not true, but I'll be dammed if I'm
going to spend a fortune to put Michelins on)
My question to the list is therefore two-fold, one should I replace the
tyres, and second, given that I will not pay 200/tyre what are my
non-Chinese options?
Cheers,
Martyn
PS: I thought there was a similar thread back about last spring, but I
can't find it. If someone has it and can summarize I would appreciate it.
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