Tyres: folding vs. wire

Ghost Rider

What practical differences are there between the two main types of road bike tyre construction (i.e. folding and wire)?

Membrane

You can carry folding tyres as a spare in a jersey pocket and they are typically a bit lighter. Narrow road bike tyres (23's) can develop a split or gash that could leave you stranded. On longer rides into more out of the way areas some take not just a puncture repair kit or spare tube with them, but also a spare tyre. Carrying a bit of cardboard with you in your puncture repair kit can also get you home if there is a gash in the tyre, but not a huge one.

Ghost Rider

Is there any noticeable difference in durability or performance between the two kinds (assuming all else is equal)?

Membrane wrote: »

You can carry folding tyres as a spare in a jersey pocket and they are typically a bit lighter. Narrow road bike tyres (23's) can develop a split or gash that could leave you stranded. On longer rides into more out of the way areas some take not just a puncture repair kit or spare tube with them, but also a spare tyre. Carrying a bit of cardboard with you in your puncture repair kit can also get you home if there is a gash in the tyre, but not a huge one.

Membrane

Ghost Rider wrote: »

Is there any noticeable difference in durability or performance between the two kinds (assuming all else is equal)?

If a same brand and model tyre is available both in a folder and a wire version, the folder will be a bit more expensive and as I've already mentioned lighter. Durability, rolling resistance etc. will be the same. The weight watchers amongst us might want to use the folder version because of the lower weight. The wire version is a bit more economical for those that don't regard weight as particularly important and who don't need to carry it with them on a ride.

kenmc

Are folders easier or more difficult to mount, or no noticible difference? What stops them falling off the wheel if they don't have wire to keep them on??

cunnins4

Membrane wrote: »

Narrow road bike tyres (23's) can develop a split or gash that could leave you stranded.

This got me a while ago. Pumped the tyre semi hard after replacing the tube and took it very gently home. Was only 6k or so away so not too bad. Luckily the spare tube held up to the gash. Gonna stick a piece of cardboard in the saddle bag - good idea.

I haven't noticed a difference in mounting either version - both are a pain in the balls.

Membrane

kenmc wrote: »

Are folders easier or more difficult to mount, or no noticible difference? What stops them falling off the wheel if they don't have wire to keep them on??

Occasionally a wire tyre and rim combination can be a difficult fit in which case the same tyre in a folding version may fit more easily, but that shouldn't be a common issue.

The bead in a folding tyre is typically made from Kevlar instead of steel. The bead will grip the groove in the clincher rim just as a wire based tyre will, although it is advisable to inflate it in stages and in between make sure that a folding tyre is seated on the rim properly (although you should probably also do that with a wire based tyre).

el tel

Folding come in a handy package, excellent for mail-order purposes.
Wire beaded come to in the mail like a hula hoop.

Home:Ballyhoura

Does it make any different differnces on a MTB tyre if you know what I mean. Like is wire vs folding as big an issue, or even bigger?

I was looking at the Panracer Fire XC Pro's on CRC here: They are €8 in the differnce on CRC

Each: Wire €22 & Folding €30
Pair: Wire €44 & Folding €60

I saw the same tyre on Ribble,

Each: Wire €13.50 & Folding €28 (€15.50 in the difference)
Pair: Wire €27 & Folding €48 (works out €10.50 in the difference each)

BUT: Shipping is about €7 so actually for a pair: Wire €34 & Folding €55, again working out at €10.50 in the differnce!

So basically what I am saying is, does the difference in price reflect performance/practicality? I know Ribble works out a bit cheaper alright, I might just wait till they get in those Wire bead ones with 39% off! I will not be brining these tyres in backpacks or anything, but I am just worried about customer reviews that CRC fold up the Wire bead and bend them! I'm no weight weenie or anything but there is a considerable weight difference of about 100g: 580/590 Folding vs 680/700 wire! Anyway, let me know what ye thinks!

Cheers;)

Home:Ballyhoura

I did a quick Photoshop job to see what they would look like!

Home:Ballyhoura

Nobody has any opinions on this topic?

I weighed my current Kenda Nevegal's (2.1 Wire bead - Stick E 33TPI compound) and they weigh in at 760g even with the tread fairly worn down! So, I'll still be saving 80-100g by going with the Panracers in the wire bead (which is what I have decided to do once they come back in stock) and 180-200g per tyre for the folding! I never knew you could save 400g by just a change in tyre. Probably the cheapest weight saving I'll ever make! Now that I think of it, the Kenda Nevegal's are the same price if not dearer so it is basically a free weight saving! So much for blorg's €1 per gram as a rule to weight savings (in relation to the cheap tubes we found with the long valve). At that rate I should be paying €400 for my pair of tyres! Haha, thank god thats not the case. Cheers

xz

cunnins4 wrote: »

This got me a while ago. Pumped the tyre semi hard after replacing the tube and took it very gently home. Was only 6k or so away so not too bad. Luckily the spare tube held up to the gash. Gonna stick a piece of cardboard in the saddle bag - good idea.

I haven't noticed a difference in mounting either version - both are a pain in the balls.

Instead of a piece of cardboard, cut up strips of an old tyre and carry them with you, they work a treat and are known as a "Gaiter"

Home:Ballyhoura

xz wrote: »

Instead of a piece of cardboard, cut up strips of an old tyre and carry them with you, they work a treat and are known as a "Gaiter"

Or just get one of CRC's best selling tools: Park Tool Emergency Tyre Boot