Ribbed Tire Tread Questions

[ryanf1023]

In about a year's time, I'm going to need clinchers (all 30"x3.5") for my speedster project. I would love all white tires, but the fear of browning is a bit of a turn off, in addition to the price. Barring discussion on any recent purchases of all white tires, I feel like that subject has been beaten to death over recent years.

So, the next best option for a pure aesthetic basis would be the Universal ribbed design blackwalls. I absolutely love the look. I'm wondering what wear experience is like, but mainly safety. Is there a noticeable decrease of traction? FWIW, my speedster is going to be body-less with no auxiliary trans, and I plan on auxiliary brakes.

Heck, I love the smooth tires but that seems like a recipe for disaster for a car that will have even mild road time. Mine is going to be a driver.

My understanding is that Non-Skids wear overly quickly due to being technically a "knobby" style.

I have nothing against Wards Riversides (or Firestone) tread designs, and I'm giving thought to Blockley as well. I just don't see many photos of T's with ribbed tires, and I'm wondering if there's a particular reason.

[TWrenn]

Sent you an email

[Adam]

Before you make plans, contact the tire dealers and see what is actually available. Some tires have occasional, and sometimes long backorders.

[Steve Jelf]

For white tires, browning and price are two of the drawbacks. Another is that they wear faster than black. White would be correct for my 1915, but it will continue to wear black.

[Susanne]

The white tires (or tyres) look fine and are "authentic" (alhoughg the pictures make them look more gray than white), but they don't last. At least not driving them on asphalt or concrete. Same with the Non-Skids - they were designed to grip on dirt roads, and not skid... but they wear like a knobby motorcycle tire on pavement. The advanage they DO have is they shed water pretty well as well... but unless you live in the land of dirt and gravel roads, you need more of a highway tire.

I *really* liked the Riverside tread for it's all around utility and long life and yes, grab on pavement, and why I've been holding out for Blockleys as they not only have a decent highway tread but a modern tire compound. While white tires look nice, I am thinking more of what works on the car to get it down the road.

[Mark Gregush]

Except for wear down the center, my Universals were new but old stock when I got them 4-5 years ago and seemed to have held up well. I do like the flatter tread design. While they might be fine for dry conditions, I drive when wet, so am not convinced that with the narrow grooves that are that good in wet conditions. My OP is; if I was building a speedster that was to be driven, I would go with 21" wheels and tires. As light as speedsters are, I would want as much tread on the ground while still looking somewhat stock.

[ryanf1023]

Hi Mark,

Just to confirm, are you talking about the Universal T-Drivers, or the ribbed tread? Interesting point about the rim size. I never did think of that. I do have a set of 4 30x3.5" wheels, which I will get new wheels made, but the rims are still very useable, which is why I'm going to go with those for now.

I've dreamed of all white tires on a T since I was a kid. But, driving is certainly a lot more fun, and the wear is a concern. Steve, I know your time with the NOS New Zealand whites were short lived.

Susanne, thanks for your input as well. Riversides do look to be among the most practical clincher tire. I love the ribbed tread, but I'm wondering if I'd be foolish to do away with the Riversides (or even Blockleys) for the sake of aesthetics.

[Mark Gregush]

Ribbed with the slits across the ribs.

[Art M]

I forgot to say my tires are black.

[Art M]

My first posting didn't go thru. I put new blackberries universal tires on my 23 touring in 2018. Very pleased with them after 4300 miles. 3/4 tread left. They do look a little fat. Often called clown shoes.

[Art M]

Black not blackberries.

[Steve Jelf]

Don't you love autocorrupt?
You can edit your post. Just click on the pencil at the top.

[ryanf1023]

Thanks Mark.

Art, sent you an email.

[R.V.Anderson]

My '14 came with the Universal rib treads that were mounted on it in 1976. Until this summer all four were still on the car, passing NY inspection every year and giving no trouble, until the one on the left rear wheel blew out and tore the bead loose. I think that due to its age it could no longer handle the 70 lbs. I was putting in it to try to prevent the casing's slipping on the reproduction rim.