I suppose the results of a review are dependent upon when the review is done. Had I reviewed these tyres shortly after purchase, my review might have been 'glowing'. I am however, reviewing my tyres just over one year and about 3500 miles after purchase and in that time my opinion has changed considerably. When looking for a new set of tyres, I did do my research. I opted for the ZV 7 on the basis of good wet and dry braking results, a mid range, trustworthy brand and the fact that I was led to believe the Avons were one of only several tyres still produced in the UK (desire to support the 'home front' etc.).
One year on, while the tyres perform perfectly adequately on a day-to-day basis, I have found that one tyre developed a bulge on the sidewall (out of warranty-of course). I am not aware of having damaged the tyre, but with potholes so prevalent, one hardly notices the number one drives over any more. I am prepared to concede this bulge could therefore have been inadvertent damage. While having this tyre replaced however, the fitter showed me that the tyre had deteriorated considerably with noticeable cracking radially around the tyre in the 'roots' of the treads. Examination showed similar rubber deterioration on the other tyres. This I did not expect after one year and about 3500 miles use. My close inspection also revealed that my (I thought) UK made Avons were in fact made in Serbia!
This has left me with a serious distrust of Avon tyres generally, and a huge question regarding the ongoing safety of these tyres. If a tyre is 'bald', it is obviously at end of life, you've had your money's worth and it's obvious that it must be replaced. With this rubber deterioration and radial cracking, when do I replace these tyres? The tread is obviously barely touched after my low 3500 mile usage and will thus be technically 'legal' for a long time to come, so at what point do I decide that I no longer want to trust these tyres at motorway speeds and replace them having had little wear from them? I have to say, I am now not comfortable at all using these tyres, but want to get some value from them rather than change 1 year old, 3500 mile usage tyres. That is a difficult dilemma to balance.
In summary, I am obviously very disappointed in the poor quality of these tyres, especially from a brand name like Avon, and am now constantly nervous about their safety (especially at speed) every time I drive the car. I expect said nervousness will eventually win over my desire to get at least some use from these tyres and I will have to replace them for peace of mind. That being the case, they will probably prove to be the worst value tyres I have ever bought. In years gone by, I have had many, many more miles from cheaper 'budget' tyres. I will certainly not be buying Avon tyres again, I could also not recommend these tyres to anybody and I would urge anyone who has these tyres to keep the condition of the rubber under close inspection.