So, before Jerry passed, we had a good discussion on this point. We always wondered what the treadwear equivalent rating was for the Vred sprint classic compared to the other tires sold through the Tirerack. When Tirerack started carrying it, our ?? were answered. With a UTQG rating of 220, the rubber on these tires is as close to autocross as you can go with a street legal tire. they are very soft, and made for summer performance, with a w speed rating. They will not perform well as the weather gets colder.
Many of the other tires mentioned here, including the Michelin Touring tires, are all season tires, have much lower speed ratings, and have a much higher UTQG rating, meaning they will perform better in cold weather, use a much harder rubber and thus will have a much longer wear life. The drawback is that their grip will be significantly compromised compared to a pure summer tire in warm weather, meaning that in warm weather your summer tire will give you much higher limits on handling and typically much shorter stopping distances (sometimes as much as 15-20% shorter). On the other hand, that all season tire may give you shorter stopping distances when the temps approach 0.
As they say, horses for courses. if your uses dont require the limits handling of the Vreds in warm weather, but can take advantage of the all weather grip and longevity of some of the modern all season tires, then buy them. Either way it’s a compromise and it all depends on what you are willing to compromise.
