Posted by Mark on May 13, 1999 at 11:51:27:
In Reply to: looking for feedback on Firestone FT70c vs. Michelin X-one posted by daanesh chanduwadia on May 13, 1999 at 11:18:27:
I am also looking for a set of touring radials with a smooth ride. I have done extensive research via this web page and a lot of talking with tire dealer. I have noticed 2 things about the Michilins. 1: They have avery loyal following. Probably justified by the mileage. People swear they get close to 100,000 out of them but, that brings up 2: The X-one is a lifetime tread guarantee tire. According to a couple tire dealers. I drive around and look for tire dealers with expensive cars on their lots. I think people with luxury cars are more likely to be interested in a smooth ride than saving money; Just a theory!; Some of the dealers I informally, unscientifically surveyed indicated that they had replaced the X-one's with other brands because of the harsh ride. They went on to explain that a tire that can go that mileage must be made from harder and more rubber. Seems to make sense. Once again this survey was not scientific but, at 3 different dealers in Indianapolis, Indiana. They tend to take their tires pretty seriously there with the brickyard and all! Michelin doesn't list and tire they make as a standard touring radial(which is supposedly the class rating of the smoothest tires). Other tires that were recomended: Bridgestone Turanza's, Yokohama AVID Touring. I think I'm going with the Yokohama's. The tread design "looks" smooth and I have had good experience with other Yokohama's(S305's > 70,000 miles).