rapidskies

Hiya,

I'm thinking of replacing my Bontrager Racelites 700 x 25c tires with ultra gatorskins but had a couple of questions. In shopping they show a foldable version and then a steel version of the tire. I'm not sure what the differences are so here are my questions:

1. I do mostly casual group rides, centuries, and commuting are the ultra gatorskins a good replacement for the bontrager?

2. What is the difference in steel and foldable, which should I get?

Thanks as always for answering my questions!

moxfyre

The Ultra Gatorskins are great, in my opinion. I have one on my front wheel that I've put a couple thousand miles on without any sign of trouble. You might want to check roadbikereview.com where they have averaged ratings from tire users. Here's the Ultra Gatorskin: https://www.roadbikereview.com/cat/wh...9_2489crx.aspx

A foldable tire is a little bit lighter since it has a bead made of a tough synthetic fiber, rather than steel. It is also, quite literally, foldable, so it's more compact to carry as a spare tire. If you're not riding in areas far from a bike shop (e.g. touring), you probably don't carry a whole spare tire anyway. So basically it comes down to weight. Unless the price difference is small, a few $, the weight savings of a foldable tire are probably not worth it for you.

noisebeam

I've used gatorskins 25c wire bead for 10s of thousands of miles.

I recently purchased the 23c foldable version (foldable also come in 25c) just to see if I note a difference (they are ~70g lighter each) and if I like or dislike the narrower width.

As to price, the foldable list for a higher price, but are available at a lower price at pbk than the wire version is most everywhere else.

Al1943

Heavy

rapidskies

Thanks for the great info as always! I ordered a set of the ultra foldable (just in case I carry a spare). Thanks again!

tellyho

Ha! Just undid the weight difference if you're going to carry around a spare. No need for a spare with Gatorskins, anyway.

dahoyle

I keep wire beads on my rims for training and fitness rides, and have a pair of foldables for special rides. I carry one of the foldables with me as a spare on long rides away from support.

woodway

I've been running the Gatorskin 23c foldables for several thousand miles. Never tried the wire version. I run them commuting as well as weekend rides. In fact I did my first double century on them a couple weeks ago. They have always worked well for me.