Folding vs non folding tire
 

I went to my LBS yesterday to buy a pair of Conti Ultra Gatorskins for my wife's bike.
They were out of the regular wire non folding tires.
The sales guy told me that the folding Conti's were essentially the same and I would not see or feel any difference between the two types.

What do you guys think? I have not installed these yet. I would like to know what the difference between the two types of tires is?

Thanks

It the difference between a wire bead and kevlar or other aramid material. No personal experience but I'm with the LBS guy,you shouldn't feel any difference.

I've ridden both and don't feel a dern difference, other than price. Some claim that the folding version is lighter and one will feel a big difference in speed, didn't happen for me, they feel the same.:D

The folding version is lighter; but I'm with Beanz in not realizing any speed increase. I buy folding tires because I need to pack a spare tire for long unsupported rides, not for any massive weight or speed differences.

I meant because of the lighter weight, some say they are faster. Wow, one must really watch the way he words things around here.

Yeah, the real benefit is you can carry one with you as a spare. You dont want to hang a beaded one over your shoulder on a ride.

The folding ones are easier to buy online. Check prices and availability on probikekit.com for continental tires. Typically much cheaper then the lbs for what they have in stock.

Ok thanks guys.
I will install these on my wife's bike.

This is a replacement for the stock tires that came with her Sequoia.

Wire beaded tires fold. Not as compactly as folding bead, but good enough for many purposes. It requires some care; they fold the same way that band saw blades do, for those who know how to fold those. There are nay number of videos showing how to do it, too.