Posted by Marty [50.68.51.62] on Monday, June 03, 2013 at 16:56:23 :
In Reply to: Re: Michelin XZL Clone - 255/100R16 posted by Mike Stone [71.39.211.42] on Monday, June 03, 2013 at 15:46:11 :
That is just so ridiculous Michael.
Look, I am a huge fan of buying North American & have gone on huge tirades on this forum in support of buying US made. I will go way out of my way to keep jobs here in USA & Canada...I lump Mexico in with China because unless we want to live the way they do then we can't compete with them.
I buy Steve F's hubs because I feel good knowing I'm putting food on the table of US citizens as opposed to taking advantage of cheap labor on the other side of the world.
Never minding any of that, 9.00 x 16 Radials...there are none made in North America. Why would I feel guilt buying a tire size that Michelin nor any other local tire manufacturer cares to make?
The Chinese are just as capable as the US, Canada or any other country at manufacturing a friggin tire man...this isn't rocket science. As a matter of fact, Michelin is having huge problems themselves right now with tires delaminating. The tire store I deal with here recommended against buying them until they get it sorted out. Firestone went through huge problems a few years back...of all the tires sold in the US these days, most are from China now & I don't see any tires even 15" car tires sell for $100ea & so how could a 9.00 x 16 radial only be worth $100 to you when Michelin was selling them here for $700 over 10 years ago?
I can appreciate that you like Michelin & so do I but until someone in the US starts manufacturing 9.00 x 16 radials...I have zero problem buying Chinese made replicas...even though I haven't had need for a set to date.
My motorcycle is made in Japan...I wish I could buy one of those here as well but until there are options...why not just be happy that someone is fulfilling the demand?
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