Madcap front tyres... help!

[Kol__ 2823]

I've recently bought a well used Madcap and it's in need of a new set of tyres. I've sourced the new rear tyres  - Tamiya 53059 - so all good there.

However the front tyres, or suitable alternatives appear hard to come by and I'm not a fan of that weird line on the Super Astute front tires. I've found these could be an option - Team CRP 4239 - but also seem scarce.

I see from searches on the forum that many others have faced the same issue, not sure I see a solution yet. Anyone have any suggestions on options please? I'd like to stay on the stock Madcap wheels if possible, or at least swap to an alternate wheel of the same skinny width. Cheers

[sosidge 618]

As I recall the Madcap kit front wheels are basically a unique size, you won't find many (if any) third party tyres to fit them. The Super Astute came with larger wheels that were closer to the "standard" size for a 2wd buggy tyre at the time (buggies run much wider front tyres now).

If you want to run "modern" tyres, you're probably better off running the most modern Tamiya buggy wheels you can find (that run on bearings). If you want a restoration, you'll have to keep hunting down the unusually sized Tamiya tyres.

I think at the time I ran Wild One front wheels on mine so that I could put racing tyres on there (just about). I may have also had the Astute's wheels.

[Nugget 406]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tamiya-SP-53048-/234201005033?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=724-127637-2357-0
 

original madcap Astute front tyres. 

[InsaneJim69 1579]

When I had my. 'Mad Astute' half madcap half astute I had the same issue. Ended up using DT02 wheels and tyres for when running and the decent originals for the shelf. Iirc I had to use the DT02 front knuckle too, but I genuinely can't remember. 👍

James.

[bjr250 22]

For rib tyres, Grasshopper II should fit.

They are also found in the Falcon, Striker etc

[ruebiracer 950]

12 hours ago, bjr250 said:

For rib tyres, Grasshopper II should fit.

They are also found in the Falcon, Striker etc

They are a good fit, and thanks to the G2 Rere rather cheap! Good for a runner, as these last very long and have a good grip on multiple surfaces. Would be my choice, too!

[Kol__ 2823]

On 9/30/2021 at 8:28 AM, bjr250 said:

For rib tyres, Grasshopper II should fit.

They are also found in the Falcon, Striker etc

Ha! Yeah funnily enough I tried on one of the front tyres from the G2 rere I'm restoring for my son, on the Madcap just a few days ago. Like you say they are a direct fit. They don't look bad but I certainly prefer the looks of the OG spiked ones. Good to hear they have decent grip on a variety of surfaces. I think I'll go with those for now. Cheers

Thoughts?