Which wheels are stronger (can deal better with potholes), forged or alloy wheels. I keep getting different opinions from wheel shops. I've been thinking that there's no need to spend a lot of $$ for wheels in NYC because I'll probably bend them up pretty quickly. I can get some 18 X 8.5 MAXXIM alloy rims with Toyo's for about $1300. Forged wheels seem a little pricier, especially heat-treated but if they are stronger it might be worth it.

 

Forged is much stronger them alloy, alloy is much cheaper and heavier then forged.

the right pothole will bend anything!

 

Forged aluminum wheels are alloy wheels. Technically, all wheels are comprised of alloy. Alloy is just a term for mixture of metals. In automotive parlance, alloy means any aluminum wheel. So a forged aluminum wheel is still an alloy wheel.

 

The question should have been cast vs. forged alloys and the answer would still be forged when comparing similar sized/configuration wheels.

 

Oh, and sadly, your sig is sooo true

 

Thanx for the responses guys. So forged aluminum aka alloy is what I want. I have to find out if these MAXXIM rims fit the bill. Anybody heard about them?

Dasyce - you're right. The right pothole will bend any rim. And we've got plenty of "right" potholes in NYC.

 

your bigger concern, should be if its a 3 peice rim or not. on a 3 peice rim, the inner and outer halves, are two different types of metal. the outter edge, meaning the one you see, is typically a much better metal, and heavier. the inner half, is made of cheap, thin grade alloy to conserve weight, and WILL bend MUCH easier on nyc streets. you cant go by price,thinking its a strong wheel. the ones i had were $525 a peice, and they bent constantly on the inside. stay away from a 3 peice.

 

Maxxim wheels, or any of the other "knockoff" brand wheels are not forged, they are cast. In general, forged wheels are quite a bit more expensive than cast wheels.

 

The best defense against potholes is higher profile tires. 50 series+ should protect any rim no matter the quality.