Wheels, and their vocab..

["G. Erickson" <erickson@teleport.com>]

Well, I've finally decided to get the 15" wheels for my GT since Oregon 
has been having highs of 45+ and all I'm doing is grinding my Gislaved's 
into tire dust.

I've decided to go for a soft five spoke (since it will look good on a 
Quattro too, if I upgrade soon!  <grin>) and am looking at two wheels.

The local Dunlop dealer (whom I do trust, just don't always understand) 
has some Prime model 119 in a 15x7 that he will sell for $137 each.  The 
fact that these wheels are "hubcentric" is what he keeps pushing.  What 
does this term mean, and is there a number assigned to it so I can 
compare exactly with other wheels.

The other wheel is the Borbet Type H, Tire Rack is advertising them for 
$129 (+ shipping, of course {and no, I haven't found out how much 
shipping would be})

Is there is really strong argument for the "brand name" wheel vs. the 
"generic?"  Apart from a 2" black cap in the center of the wheel with the 
brand name on it, the wheels are cosmetically identical.  The reason I 
ask, is that the Prime's will obviously be cheaper once I pay shipping on 
the others.  And I would prefer to deal locally unless somebody speaks 
strongly in favor of the other wheels.

BTW the tires that these will wear are Dunlop D60-A2 (new design) in a 
205/50-15 size.  Regardless of where the wheels come from, the tires and 
balancing will come from the dealer so that I have the road hazard, free 
rebalancing, etc.

Thanks all for the help.

Gary

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Gary Erickson -- '85 Coupe GT
Kristy Kalanges -- Audi Driver in Training

Find us at: erickson@teleport.com