Opinions on Bridgestone Ecopia Tires for 2012 M3iT?

[rick3478]

Hey gang, I am considering Bridgestone Ecopia (low rolling resistance) tires for my 2012 M3iT. My priorities are high efficiency and quiet ride, I am not a racer. They don't come in 40 or 45 aspect, so I would have to go with 17" rims instead of the 18" that I wanted, but the rims I like are available in either size so I think I'm okay with that.

Anyone have experienced these or recommend alternatives that I should look at? Thanks.

 

[rick3478]

Following up my own question for the sake of anyone with similar interest reading it.

After quite a bit of research, what I discovered is that the way tire makers get
"low rolling resistance" is by using very soft rubber compounds and thin flexible
cord in the sidewalls. The result is tires that have a relatively short life.

My conclusion is that LRR tires make sense only for auto makers so they can
claim a little higher fuel efficiency and don't care if the owner has to replace
them in about 3 years. For the end user, any cost saving due to improved
mileage is largely offset by having to buy tires more often, and it's questionable
whether there is any advantage at all. It appears that the best bang for the
buck is conventional tires with rubber a bit on the hard side.