Green Diamond vs. Nokian

[Wallace White]

Matt -

Sorry I didn't see your message earlier. I just got a set of Nokian WR's
(the replacement for the no longer available NRW) for my 5kcstq, and I
live in Menlo Park. I ordered mine from a shop in Denver... can't
remember the name but the number is (800) 222-7360. I got a set of WR's
in 205/60-15 for $86 each and shipping was ~$10 ea. That was by far the
best price around. There are no Nokian dealers in the Bay Area, BTW,
though there is one in Auburn.

The WR's dry performance is a lot less fun than the Dunlop SP4k's
(VR-rated all season) they replaced. It's not just performance at the
limit, which is okay. The WR is a siped tire and you can tell that the
tread blocks are lot less stiff than on the SP4k's. So low speed turning
is much easier... and you feel less firmly connected to the road at all
times. Road braille is noticeably quieter, though. I've never had snow
tires so I can't say how they compare to those (allegedly they drive
much better).

The performance in snow? I don't know yet! I went to Mt. Shasta recently
but this warm CA weather (sorry, everyone else!) meant no snow on the
roads, even at 7000' since they plow regularly.

If you haven't gotten tires yet, you're welcome to take a drive in my
car, to see if you're willing to accept the feel of the WR's. Depends
how much you go up to the snow.

- Wallace
   '87 5kcstq 197k


Matt Ammann wrote:
> Hi All,
>
> I managed to stuff my quattro into the ditch this
> past week pulling into the Kirkwood access road.
> (Kirkwood is a fantastic Lake Tahoe CA area ski area)
> No harm done other than the complete wreckage to
> my ego.  The front end loader being used as a snow
> plow yanked me out within about 10 minutes.  I've
> concluded that my mostly used Dunlop D60a2s will
> not cut it for the rest of the ski season.
>
> I am very interested in the Green Diamond "Icelander"
> The scant info turned up on google seems positive, and
> I like the fact they are recycled.  Has anyone
> tried them yet?  If so, could you comment on there
> applicability to use for a Lake Tahoe ski car.
> Typical
> conditions are ~120 miles of high speed run on either
> dry or wet road, followed by ~50 miles in snow of all
> depths, wetness, iciness etc.
>
> I think the Nokian NRW would be good for this
> application too.
> Can anyone recommend a good California bay area
> source?
> What is a good price for these tires in 195/65/15?
>
> thanks,
> Matt
>
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