makem said:
I still have the alloys and can see no reason to change although I would be interested in an explanation of the difference. I keep my tyres at maximum pressure as I prefer a hard ride (in more than one way lol)
OK, you asked for it so prepare for one of my standard hobbyhorses:
Aluminium Alloys in the cast form (i.e. Alloy wheels) have lower internal friction (which exhibits itself as lower damping capacity), poorer integrity (cast vs wrought/welded) and significantly lower impact and ductility than wrought steel alloys used for wheels.
Also the makers (OEM) subsidise (I have read) the car manufacturers during supply of Alloy Wheels for use with low profile tyres. Let's deal with this one first. The easier damage (and lower initial integrity) of the alloys/low profile tyres leads to high levels of replacement outside of any warranty guarantee. This means that the OEM's get loads of dosh from us owners when the things hit kerbs, potholes, matchsticks in the road etc.
The reason they damage more easily is that the combination of poor mechanical properties as impact & ductility(relatively), coupled with the low profile passing the impacts through easier, means small incidents create significant damage.
For the type of ride Makem likes, the damping capacity is not relevant, hard low profile tyres on large Alloy wheels will inevitably allow you to feel every bump in the road. If that is what youi like then no probs. I have a spinal problem and hate hard riding cars, to the extent that I had to reluctantly decline to ride in the first Honda Jazz my daughter had as it was like sitting on a skateboard as it went along - virtually suspension free.
So I always go for steel wheels to help damp out the road inconsistencies, coupled with high profile tyres (more 'air/rubber suspension) for the minimum feel of the road roughness.
Suspension designers will always claim that they take these factors into consideration, but to verify their statements, try the same vehicle on Alloys/low profiles and Steel/high profiles and report your findings.
I did say that it was a hobbyhorse of mine so anyone who has read it through cannot claim they were not warned.
Geriatricus