Review of the Sumitomo HTR ZIII For Porsche

When I purchased my 1997 Porsche 993 C4S the odometer read 24,000 miles. From the service history I could see that it had four new tires installed (Continental ContiSportContact 2s) less than 4,000 miles ago. This basically matched up with the information from my PPI and with my visual inspection upon receipt of the car.

Enjoying the car as much as I do, I clocked more than 6000 miles last season (including a great trip to Prince Edward Island). This meant the tires now had 10,000 miles on them and the rear tires were starting to feel a little worn. It was very subtle at first, a little chirp around a tight corner or a quick spin on a fast start. Given these signs I decided to start shopping for new tires.

The first place I started was the 993 forum on Rennlist (RL). As a quick aside, if you haven't been to Rennlist, and you own a Porsche (any type of Porsche), you owe it to yourself to check it out. The recommendations and opinions on RL were varied, to say the least. Like me, a lot of people felt strongly that you get what you pay for and therefore the more expensive tires must be the best. Thankfully, especially grateful was my bank account, I/they were wrong.

Tire Choices for a Porsche 993

Back in January I posted this article "Tire Choices for a Porsche 993." As you can see I had listed the following tires as my choices:

1. Bridgestone Potenza S-02

2. Continental ContiSportContact 2

3. Pirelli PZero Rosso

4. Michelin Pilot Sport Rib

I even went on to mention the following two tires as cheaper alternatives but I was going to shy away from them as I felt "you get what you pay for."

5. Sumitomo HTR Z II

6. BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW 2

As I said, turns out I was wrong. When push came to shove and it was time to pull the trigger to purchase the new tires for my Porsche, I did one last round of research. What I found was this thread which pushed me over the edge.

Sumitomo HTR Z III for Porsche

You see, when I was researching, the Sumitomo HTR Z III wasn't on the list (just the HTR Z II). It seems that with the HTR Z III, Sumitomo made some significant improvements. So, without wasting any more time, I went online to The Tire Rack and ordered four (4) new tires all for $700 delivered. That's a cost savings of almost 45% to my original choice of the Michelin Pilot Sport Rib.

My 993 was scheduled to visit the shop for a spring check-up, 30k service and brake bleed so I opted to have the tires delivered directly to them. After seeing the wear pattern on my old tires I decided to do a four-wheel alignment (they were cupping a little on the interior front edges) along with a hi-speed balance. This way, not only am I starting with a matched set of four new shoes, but I know they alignment and balance is correct. Assuming I keep the proper air-pressure and don't play too hard, I should get some significant wear from these tires. First Impressions

Since picking the car up I have turned almost 1500 miles on the new tires, each one with a huge smile on my face. The Sumitomo HTR Z IIIsare as advertised. They are very sticky, with a firm/stiff sidewall that handle great for daily driving (spirited or otherwise). I have not yet used them on the track or in the rain so I can't comment on that aspect. However, for driving on back roads, highways and anywhere else, I am most pleased. They stick as good, if not better, than any tire I have driven in the past. They seem to blend well with my stock suspension and absorb the bumps and pot holes quite well. I can't comment on road noise as I usually have the windows open or the revs too high to hear.:-)

All in all, I am extremely pleased with these tires and would recommend them highly to anyone, for any modern Porsche, regardless of budget. We all know that there are lots and lots of modifications to do to our Porsches. So, if you can get a great bang for the buck with this tire, why not turn around and roll the money into another mod!! Keep sliding down that slippery slope.

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The Hitch Mount Bike Rack - Why is it So Popular?

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Can you imagine being able to get your bikes loaded and unloaded in less than 2 minutes? No more taking off the front wheel when trying to squash it into the back of you car. No more hassling to put the wheel back before you ride. A hitch mount bike rack will be the time saving solution. This article will explain why its the top selling bike rack on the market.

So why choose the hitch mount bike rack and not the trunk mount, roof top or spare tire mount carrier?

Well first off for security. It's easy to lock your bicycles onto the carrier and the rack to the car. Although a determined thief would be able to steal the bike if they really wanted to, it certainly prevents just any passerby from taking your bikes are riding away with them!

Secondly the rack is separate from the actual car. No more scratches or smudges on the body of the vehicle.

Yes, all bike racks come with padding and they say that there is no way that your vehicle will get damaged, but I'm not so sure. I have often noticed cars with ugly marks on them left by a trunk mount or roof mount. I for one had to treat the roof of my car for rust damage after using roof racks for just a year.

Thirdly, is the fact of being able to get into the trunk of your vehicle whether the bikes are loaded or not.

There is no way that you will pull that off with a trunk mount bicycle carrier.

Don't even think about it!

Some hitch mounts do prevent you from opening the hatch completely but there are some models that have been developed which swing away or fold up, while still attached to the back of the car. These models are a bit more expensive, but they save you a lot of trouble in the long run, because you make up time by not having to unload your bikes and the rack, when you want to get into the trunk.

Lastly, the hitch mount seems to come out tops when it comes to stability. I find this to be the more highly rated feature of this particular rack.

If you are going to be traveling over rough terrain, you don't want your bikes rattling on the back of your car. Can you imagine the damage to the paint work of your bikes? There is one model in particular that stands out for stability. It supports both the back and front tires, holding them firmly in place.

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Mens Bicycle - 3 Essential Expert Tips to Know When Buying a Mens Bicycle

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One of the most important steps is to conduct a needs analysis-of yourself. What type of cycling do you plan to do? Which features and components would best suit your biking needs? Do you plan bike short, moderate, or lengthy distances? These are all important considerations, to ensure that you find the best mens bicycle for your particular needs. Starting your search for a men's bike based on your own needs, will help to narrow down your search.

Secondly, you can conduct your search either online or offline. The main benefit of searching online is that it's either to compare different bikes and features. You also can avoid traffic jams, long lines in stores, and pushy salespeople. However, there are also some benefits of shopping offline. There are no shipping costs, and you can test ride different cycles. This latter benefit is particularly useful, as making a final decision about which bike to buy will be much easier.

The third and final important step is to determine which bike and features best meets your needs. Road bikes are excellent for racing on roads and for lengthy distances. The frames are usually comprised of lightweight aluminum or steel, and are available with 24-30 speeds.

Meanwhile, front-suspension mountain bikes are ideal for smooth or somewhat rugged terrain. They're perfect for dirt jumping and need less upkeep than other types of bikes. These bikes tend to be fairly lightweight and less bulky than other all-terrain bikes.

If you want a more rugged cycle, then consider a full-suspension mountain bike. These are perfect for off-road biking and particularly up steep inclines and on rugged terrain. They feature robust frames and huge, chunky tires.

Then there's a hybrid bike, which is ideal for roads or level dirt. If you need a cycle for ride of moderate lengths then this is the perfect bike for you. Features of this type of cycle include a large frame and somewhat narrow tires. As with the physical features of this bike, the price is also moderate.

Finally, the comfort bike is another common mens bicycle variety. This is also ideal for casual rides on roads or dirt surfaces. Typically, this variety of two-wheeler has roughly 18 speeds and an affordable price tag.

When shopping for men's cycles, it's important to know what to look for. While the crossbar on a man's bike is parallel to the ground, those for women's bikes are slanted downwards. However, some women whose bodies aren't "standard" often choose men's bicycles.

The essence of a bike is the frame. While "standard" bikes tend to be composed of steel or aluminum, high-end bicycles include titanium or carbon fiber. It's important to consider the pros and cons of each material type. The main features that you should consider are the weight, sturdiness, and flexibility of the materials. The best material is the one that best accommodates your riding needs.

Another important component of a mens bicycle is the handlebars. The main options you have are a straight handlebar and a dropbar. You can usually find straight handlebars on mountain bikes, comfort bikes, and hybrids. Meanwhile, dropbars are common for road bikes and racing bikes.

Then there are the gears and brakes. Typically, the more gears you have, the easier it will be to ride on a variety of terrains. While road bikes tend to have a caliper-style brakes, mountain bicycles usually have disc brakes.

Another important matter to consider is the mobility of the cycle. Many of today's bikes include a quick-release axle that allows you to easily remove the back tire. Then you can mount it onto a bike rack, or place it inside your vehicle.

Following these tips will help you to choose the best men's bicycle for your cycling needs. While using this methodical approach will take more time, it will ultimately be worthwhile. Be a man with a plan and an outstanding bike!

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Kayak Trailers

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Trailex and Rack and Roll are known to manufacture the best kayak trailers. Some of these are as follows.

Single trailer: It's easy to assemble and it carries a single boat. It's made up of aluminum which makes it durable and light in weight. It can carry up to 200 lbs and has rubberized steel suspension that protects road bounces on the boat. When it comes to repairs, accessories like spare tires, front parking jack, Aluminum box for paddles, life jackets e.t.c are available.

Multi trailer: Its features matches the single one. However, this multi one has vertical supporters to carry two boats, high speed wheels and epoxy coated leaf spring that holds up to 250 lbs. The two vertical risers can be placed at any point along the T bar and a safety cable can then be used to keep your boat safe. The other one is Trailex 16. It has an adjustable under carriage and a separate padded area for the paddles. It's capacity is up to 1200 lbs.

Rack and Roll: It's very easy to assemble and light in weight. In fact its considered the safest method for transporting. It's advantages includes durability, has aerodynamic capacity, operates with less noise and can be folded and stored when not in use.

AAA kayak trailer that has # UKT4 model is also amazing. It comes with rubber protective strips to prevent damages and has adjustable carrying arms. It carries four kayaks which may be up to 12 inches long and 32 inches wide with a maximum capacity of 1200 lbs. Mostly, this gadgets are made of aluminum reason being it's durable, light weight, stronger, rust resistance and has a long life span.

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Protect Surfaces From Damage Due to Construction Equipment

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Many indoor construction projects rely upon heavy equipment to get the job done efficiently and effectively. Unfortunately, some construction equipment can inadvertently damage finished surfaces while performing work. Today there are heavy-duty products available that reduce or eliminate the damages that result from standard equipment.

These products include tire covers that offer incredible protection to finished flooring of any kind. These protect against the black scuffmarks and damages caused by the rubber tires used for heavier construction equipment. Made from denser grade professional fabrics, these covers slip over even the largest wheels and tires and remain in place while equipment is driven and moved. These covers can also have company logo information printed on them as a clever marketing effort.

Other traditional problems or damages occur from leaks or spills. In the past, many professionals had to create their own solutions for this issue in order to avoid permanent damages to finished flooring. Today, professionals can use absorptive pads or panels that can be custom mounted to almost any size of vehicle or construction equipment.

In addition to worksite protection materials, there may be some construction equipment items manufactured to ensure the safety of the employees who use them. Such items include safety guards for the entry points of some larger machines. These guards often caution a user to be careful when entering or climbing into a piece of heavy machinery. Today, TireSocks.com makes a whole range of safety and work site protective materials available through their web site.

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Bicycle Racks For Cars - Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Car Bike Racks

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The trend of buying bicycle racks for cars has been increasing quite dramatically in recent months. This is not only to do with the high cost of gas but, the growing popularity of a very family orientated sport. The problem is that there are also a lot of returns of bike racks because people buy the wrong bike carrier and end up with scratches or loose racks and are generally unhappy with their purchase.

So if you are thinking of getting car bike racks anytime soon, read through this article to find out what common mistakes you can avoid when buying a bike carrier.

1. Choose The Correct Bike Rack for Your Car
There are 5 main types of bicycle racks for cars and trucks. They are the roof mount, hitch mount, trunk mount, tire mount, and truck bed mount. The type of rack you buy will depend on the type of car you have among a few other things.

If you have a car with a hatch back and no hitch receiver, your choice would be narrowed down to a trunk mount bike rack or the roof top bike rack. Now, you need to check that the model you are going with, will fit the car you drive. Also make sure that the rack includes all the extra's like locks, extra bars or straps if you need them. More expensive racks often have good padding for protection, life time guarantees and good customer support, but they don't always include all the parts you need.

The fine print and reviews of most products will soon let you know.

If you have a hatch back, but want a hitch mount bike rack, because of the reason that you need access to the trunk, then all you need to do is get a hitch receiver fitted. Before you rush out and buy a hitch receiver make sure you know how many inches it should be so that your rack fits it. Also be sure to get the hitch mount bike rack that is as swing away type or can be lowered. Some models are fixed so you won't be able to open your trunk anyway!

2. What Type of Bike Do You Have?
A 4 bike rack will carry 3 bikes comfortably but you often find the 4th will only just squeeze in if not at all. This is because the carrier is designed for general frames and not for ladies bikes, kid's bikes, a tandem and so on. Be sure to ensure that your bike frame and size will be best suited to the rack you choose.

3. Choose a bigger rather than a smaller rack
Bikers get so into their riding that they often rope the whole family in. So if you are planning on only getting a bicycle carrier for one or two bikes, maybe think of getting one for 3 bicycles. They are not that much more expensive and you will most likely find yourself inviting a friend or family member along because you have the extra space for friends.

4. Be Careful of Damaging the Paint Work on Your Car
This happens to those people who buy the trunk mount bike rack that come with straps. This doesn't imply that this type of rack is a bad one, just takes the necessary precautions to prevent scratches. You can buy some cheap rubber padding and put it between the frame and car for extra care. Also make sure the car is clean and dust free when you attach the rack to avoid the sandpapering effect. Lastly choose a rack that is going to fit your car properly. A bad fit will mean it will be a tad loose and end up rubbing badly. If you do have to get a trunk style bike rack, then choose one that doesn't rest on the back bumper. That will help you out a lot.

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Bike Rack Options

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A bike rack is a frame used for holding a bike in position and protecting it from theft. These are commonly used on vehicles and in garages.

Some of the bike rack options are roof mounted bike racks, rear ball/hitch mounts, trunk racks, wall mounted bike racks, folding bike racks, spare tire mount racks, front bumper bike racks, and tandem carrier bike racks. With an array of models available, one can choose a rack as per his individual requirements. Bike racks are used for the protection of both the bike and the vehicle.

A roof mounted bike rack is frequently used, and it is ideal for carrying bikes in cars, trucks, and other similar vehicles. A roof bike rack can hold up to four bikes at a time. Some roof mounted bike racks come clamped with a camper roof and are used as a conventional roof rack for sports vehicles.

Rear hitch-mount racks are another commonly used type. Rear hitch-mount racks, better known as receiver hitch racks, can carry up to five bikes. To carry one or two bikes, rear ball-hitch mount racks are ideal. A vehicle with a high front end can use a front bumper rack, and this rack can hold up to five bikes. Trunk racks can hold up to three bikes, and are safer than other racks. In addition to these, there are spare tire mount racks to mount a spare tire in the bikes. Wall mounted bike racks and folding bike racks are some of the bike rack options that help save space in a garage.

Bike racks are usually used on vehicles such as cars and trucks. All the bike rack options are available in a wide rang of sizes, styles, and budgets. For those who want to shop from home or office, bike racks can be ordered through the Internet.

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