Road Cycling - Folding tires...

I just got a pair of Michelin Pro-Race tires. I got the yellow and black ones to replace the "celeste" and black Vittorias that come on my new Bianchi.
It seems that these are "foldable". They seem pretty flimsy anyway. I've never used tires like these.

I am assuming these are good tires. Any thoughts?

Should I use some type of "liner" to help avoid punctures?

Are there any concerns that make them different to mount than regular, say Conti- Gatorskins (which is what I had on my last bike)?

Thanx.

ChipR

foldable just means they have kevlar bead, instead of steel wire. obviously, the steel beads give you a weight penalty. there's nothing special about folding tires except that they're lighter, and usually easier to mount!

Unless you have special needs, such as heavy tread for flat prone areas of the country, once you mount these on and off a few times you will never go back to wire beads. Folder/kevlar beads are MUCH easier to mount, and generally are higher "performance" tires than wire bead. Cost penalty is usually less than $5 where same tire is available in both versions. Steve

Conti Gatorskins have a kevlar belt in them that makes them more durable, resulting in less flats. The Gatorskins are generally pretty easy to mount, much easier then most other tires with steel beads I think.

Foldable tires are made of the same standard material, less the steel bead as delirious stated. They weigh less, and are generally very easy to mount because you don't have to fight with the stiffness of the bead.

One other note, I have never had good luck with Michelin tires. I have tried them twice and found myself getting more flats then ever before and they didn't last half the time of other tires I used. This was a couple years ago, so things have hopefully changed, but if you notice more flats or quicker tire wear don't blame it on the foldable tire without trying another brand first. I prefer Conti, especially the Gatorskins for training.

Thanx Guys!
Honestly, I bought these on e-bay, because they match, color-wise, better than the Vittorias. Performance was a secondary concern.
Note:
They DID mount VERY easily, and they look WAY better on my bike than green.

:)