Would you go with 20" wheels or 21" wheels on Launch Edition R2?

[MountainBikeDude]

21's don't have a lot of tire options, so 20" would be the most compatible across a wider variety of tire variants.

This was a huge issue for early R1 deliveries that opted for the 21" range wheel and tire option. Only Pirelli supported it.

Until tire industry catches up, there is only one tire option in 225/55R21. The stock tire.

Exactly.

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[sparked]

That is exactly what I plan on doing.

I had a second thought too. If i really hate the 20" AT tires then I could just sell the AT tires and keep the 20" rims.

Just as a remote backup plan for people like who have never used AT tires.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Having an affordable alternative to the R1 isn't all about initial purchase price.... Cost of ownership is something else that needs to be considered. If you paid $55K for a R2, because you couldn't get yourself to part with $100k, then get slapped with $2000 tire bill after 20,000 miles, I would consider that a problem. Get the 20" wheels for all the tire options available. Rivian's choice for 21" wheels is on par with all the companies mounting 19" wheels on sports cars.

And no manufacturer concerns themselves with ownership costs. All they care about is their quarterly and annual bottomline, not yours. So don't choose a config that's going to cost you more money later, then turn around and blame the manufacturer. The manufacturer is not your mommy and daddy. Ownership of your decision and all its consequences, is on you.

Note: Use of "you" is in general sense. Not targeting Killer95Stang personally.

 

[narmstrong79]

The 21's look the best IMHO. The biggest reason i went with the 22's on my R1S vs the 21's which where standard at the time was the lack of replacement options for a 21 inch tire. May this thinner 21's on the R2 will have more options, but something to consider.

 

[Killer95Stang]

And no manufacturer concerns themselves with ownership costs. All they care about is their quarterly and annual bottomline, not yours. So don't choose a config that's going to cost you more money later, then turn around and blame the manufacturer. The manufacturer is not your mommy and daddy. Ownership of your decision and all its consequences, is on you.

That is completely true.... I personally will do the 20" so my R2 doesn't look like the JEEP renegade or Ford Bronco sport SUV's...

 

[Heavysixer]

I also prefer the look of the 20's.

The 21's are actually okay for a Rivian "sport" design, but those 20's really scratch the "All Terrain Dark" itch I have from lusting after numerous R1s.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

I also prefer the look of the 20's.

The 21's are actually okay for a Rivian "sport" design, but those 20's really scratch the "All Terrain Dark" itch I have from lusting after numerous R1s.

And they're not true ATs. More like an all-weather tire. You can always replace them with more efficient AS tires. The extra air volume will yield more compliant ride too. The other bonus is lower chance of suffering curb rash on the wheels.

The R1T loaner I had last week from SC had 21s. Ride was rougher compared to mine (20s) and every single wheel was curb rashed... in addition to the interior smelling like a wet rescue dog.

 

[Dark-Fx]

Most likely ordering 21s, will be putting on aftermarket wheels on ASAP.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

That is completely true.... I personally will do the 20" so my R2 doesn't look like the JEEP renegade or Ford Bronco sport SUV's...

REI outfit, with leather loafers.

 

[SANZC02]

I’m going with the 21s.

The R1 loaners I have had had the 20s on them and were way louder than my 22s (both Perrelli and Michelin).

The 21s also have more range than the 20s.

I’ll roll the dice the 21 options will increase by the time I need more, crossing fingers Michelin will make a 21 replacement.

 

[Blue in NC]

I prefer the looks of the 21s. But I much prefer the practicality and ride quality of the 20s. And maybe a slight preference for ATs over AS. So if the two choices are the same money (which I hope) then I will very likely choose the 20s. But if the "optional" 20s have a cost (e.g. $1500) to make the change, I might reconsider. I hope there will be no cost since some might consider it a "downgrade" to go with the 20s.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

So if the two choices are the same money

Unlikely. As the 20s are being positioned to be the off-road option... unless they are throwing it in free for LE.

 

[narmstrong79]

I also prefer the look of the 20's.

The 21's are actually okay for a Rivian "sport" design, but those 20's really scratch the "All Terrain Dark" itch I have from lusting after numerous R1s.

Yeah the 20's for the performance edition are nice, They look like the 20's on R1. The R2 21's look close to R1's 22" design. The 20's "bicolor" for the premium and standard remind me of something on a Kia or Hyundai EV with those bright squares on them.

 

[RivianTrackr]

I'm struggling with this decision too because right now there's only one tire option for the 21" option and 13 for the 20" All-Terrain option. You could get the 20" AT option and throw some All-Season tires on there.

 

[foxerson]

20” hands down.

if you decide the stock tires are not sporty enough then there are lots of alternative 20” tires that will offer more sporty ride characteristics.

The only downside is that with so many 20” options you are likely to spend way too much time researching and pondering tire choices. (Speaking from experience here.)

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