I've just learned that I have another buckled wheel on my Titanium, the second time this has happened. Frankly I'm a bit fed up with the 16" wheels and low profile tyres - they are too prone to damage as many people on this forum have found - and also I find the ride to be too hard on ill-kept country roads although fine on decent surfaces.

Would anyone care to make a positive recommendation of some after-market 15" alloys? Business-like in appearance, at age 73 I don't want to look like a boy racer! I'd like to switch to "all seasons" tyres at the same time (yes, I know they are a compromise between summer and winter varieties).

For a brief moment I was interested in the Ripspeed Ultra 15" Alloy Wheel Set offered by Halfords but the tyres turn out to be an obscure budget variety and it isn't possible to upgrade the package so that's no use.

I was looking at Borbet TC, I think they suit the Fiesta very well:

I think Borbet are one the best manufacturers of alloy wheels, you get a very good warranty with them.

I've just learned that I have another buckled wheel on my Titanium, the second time this has happened. Frankly I'm a bit fed up with the 16" wheels and low profile tyres - they are too prone to damage as many people on this forum have found - and also I find the ride to be too hard on ill-kept country roads although fine on decent surfaces.

Would anyone care to make a positive recommendation of some after-market 15" alloys? Business-like in appearance, at age 73 I don't want to look like a boy racer! I'd like to switch to "all seasons" tyres at the same time (yes, I know they are a compromise between summer and winter varieties).

For a brief moment I was interested in the Ripspeed Ultra 15" Alloy Wheel Set offered by Halfords but the tyres turn out to be an obscure budget variety and it isn't possible to upgrade the package so that's no use.

Personally I think for that "business-like" / premium look you're after you'd have to choose something very similar to the standard ford titanium alloys (only stronger ;) ). Lots of spokes BUT not too thin. Yeah pretty much as your current ones are.

When mine go I'll be searching long and hard for a near exact match. Hopefully the latest Titanium alloys (summer 2011 onwards) are stronger as I'd want them to keep the premium look going.

Personally I think for that "business-like" / premium look you're after you'd have to choose something very similar to the standard ford titanium alloys (only stronger ;) ). Lots of spokes BUT not too thin. Yeah pretty much as your current ones are.

When mine go I'll be searching long and hard for a near exact match. Hopefully the latest Titanium alloys (summer 2011 onwards) are stronger as I'd want them to keep the premium look going.

I appreciate what you're saying 2011fiesta but on the other hand the Borbet TC suggested by PumpkinSteve do look quite classy (see the Konfigurator Borbet - you have to pretend it's a 1.25 petrol Fiesta) and there would be fewer spokes to keep clean. I've been quoted £590 for them but with budget tyres. I'm currently awaiting a quote for an upgrade to something better, ideally "all-seasons".

Thanks to both of you and I'd appreciate any more suggestions. I'll return as things progress.

There are also a few genuine Ford alloys...it just depends whether you can trust them again.

click 1

click 2

click 3

There are also the multi-spoke alloys fitted to the standard Zetec, my local dealer offered me these in a straight swap for my Titanium alloys when my car was delivered but I ultimately decided against it.

Hi,

If you are looking to upgrade to stronger alloys then I would give Ripspeed a miss. The reason that they are so cheap is that they are made from a softer metal so are prone to buckling. The basic Ford alloys also tend to be made from a soft metal, however, their perceived quality means that Ford can retail them in a higher price bracket.

I have read good reviews about the Team Dynamics Pro Race wheel, as it is a good comprimise between subtle looks, price and quality.

What are the symptoms / indications of a buckled wheel?

What are the symptoms / indications of a buckled wheel?

Vibration through steering wheel for front wheel. Vibration through axle/chassis for rear wheel.

Update on progress so far:-

After studying the huge number of wheels on the market I at last decided on Borbet TC as suggested by PumpkinSteve. I obtained a quote of £590 "all in" but with budget tyres I didn't want. It was confirmed that the wheels were in stock. I asked for a revised quote upgrading to a respectable make of “all-seasons” tyres. It took several days to come but eventually I learned it would be £635 with Kleber Quadraxer tyres – an “all seasons” tyre made by Michelin, they get good reviews. I accepted this offer and paid a deposit only to learn that Borbet TC have been discontinued and the last 15" set had just been sold!

So it's back to the drawing board. Autec Zenit Silver have been suggested. I suppose they look OK though my enthusiasm is a trifle diminished. Any views/experiences anyone?