In a message dated 1/12/99 10:49:28 AM Pacific Standard Time,
dneuman@stars.sfsu.edu writes:
<< So the Panasports are more expensive but are they inherently better?
How exactly are they better than say BBS or Moda? >>
The major component in determining a wheel's quality and price nowadays is its
construction. As mentioned before, the lighter, higher-quality, and more
expensive wheels are usually forged. This is where the metal is pressed into
the desired shape under high pressure and heat...and you end up with a wheel
where the "grain" is aligned along the spokes, making for a stronger wheel.
Now you've also got gravity and vaccum-cast wheels, and machined billet...but
maybe I should stop here. :)
Back to the issue at hand, BBS wheels are very high quality. Moda is BBS'
lower line of wheels. Most wheel manufacturers feel that they have to enter
the cheaper wheel market, so they farm out their designs to other companies to
produce. (BTW, moda wheels are one piece cast...BBS are forged and 1- or
3-piece depending on design.) I'm not sure if the modas are produced out of
house or not, but that usually is the case with the big name companies.
Have you looked at TSW?? (www.tswnet.com) They're one-piece cast wheels, but
of a higher quality than no-namers. TSW does have experience producing wheels
for the racing industry, and their street wheels are available in offsets down
to 0mm. Worth a look. (BTW, they've got a very nice looking new 6 spoke
wheel.)
Van
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