17" versus 18" wheels

[YellowLab]

Quick q - what is the advantage/disadvantage to 17" versus 18" alloys? My TrialMaster would probably see more road use than off road for day to day use.

 

[Norb-TX]

Just aesthetics. Brakes aren't bigger with larger wheels. 17' tires are cheaper than 18s, usually.

 

[Tom D]

17's are better for off road, you can air them down more for a bigger footprint with less risk to pinching the bead or damaging the rim. That said 18's aren't that bad. its the 19"+ ones that are getting more and more common that are the real problem. Given that decent tyres are £200 each you want to look after them.
Handling will be fractionally better on 18's.

 

[ECrider]

what Norb-TX said

18" aesthetics plus reduced sidewall = less flex, better cornering etc but it's a bit of a nonsense argument on this vehicle I reckon.

17" more tyre wall, more choice of off-road tyres. better air down potential etc etc. What you would choose if more concerned about cost and off-road potential.