Off-set vs Caliper Clearance

[QSilverGS]

A lot of us our trying different wheels, usually for throwing on a winter set for up in the Snow-belt. I'm selling some 19" ASA Revolutions (look identical to the newer AR1s) that didn't fit because the spokes were hitting the front face of the Brembo caliper. I just measured the off set on these at about 38 mm, give or take a few mm. After a little more figuring and comparing to the new Drag DR37s I put on (which have over an inch of clearance between the back of the spokes and the caliper) I wanted to point out this: Off-set only tells you where the hub/wheel mating surface will be related to the centerline of the wheel/tire. This determines how the force will be spread across the tire (i.e. deep dish/negative offset wheels ride on the far inside edge of the tire). The spokes are a different problem. If the spokes fan out fairly flat from the hub surface, they'll likely hit the caliper. You need about 1-3/4" from where the wheel mounts with the hub, to behind the spokes. 2" is better. I hadn't measured my 19" OEMs, but remember they looked pretty tight in front of the Brembos. Anyway, the Drags I have for winter are also 38 mm offset, but the center of the wheel and lug holes are recessed about 2" behind the face of the spokes and wheel rim. This gives room to get birds and small woodland critters stuck in there - see pic of calibrated fingure measurement. The OEM 19s and 20s also have that sweet swept out look from the center that gives them just enough room around the big front caliper. Capeash???