Folding tire vs. Non-Folding tire
 

Which tire is better or is it a matter of preference?

Well, it's a whole lot easier to carry a folding tire around with you than it is to carry a non-folding tire ........ and that is what a folding tire is for!!

I have a stock of non-folding tires at home for when I need to change my tire in the comfort of my own home ... and I carry 1-2 folding tires on randonnees and tours in case I need to change tires somewhere out on the road.

Folding tires are also a bit lighter than wire bead tires - for those who care about such things.

I've heard of this but really don't know the difference. I pulled the bontrager X lites off my Lemond and installed some Continental Gator Skins. The Bontragers were thin and flexable vs the Continentals that were stiff. Is that the difference?

One of the biggest differences is that the folding tires can fold, usually into quite a small package ... the non-folding tires can sort of twist, but can't really fold.

But folding tires can still be somewhat stiff - one of the folders I have, folds, but isn't exactly what I would call "thin" and is only somewhat flexible.

The difference between the two is the material in the bead. Folders have a nylon bead, rigid tyres have a wire one.

Folding tyres are generally lighter, the bead material makes some difference but there's usually less weight in the rest of the tyre as well.

Actually, it's kevlar, or a generic equivalent. Nylon would have too much stretch.

fair enough, I was guessing that it be something braided and probably synthetic that doesn't stretch

I like folding tires over the regular ones, even though I have sets of both at home. At times the foldable ones are easier to switch out if need be compared to the others. But I'm kinda spoiled, I switch my tires every 1 or 2 months. Not because I wear them out, I've just got plenty of different colored tires to choose from. Working at a bike shop last year had plenty o perks......

Folding tires can be shipped in a much smaller box.

folders are much easier to mount.

Okay, a question from someone with virtually no clue about bicycle tires...

So what are the advantages of non-folding tires? Why do they exist if everyone seems to think folding ones are more convenient and aren't pointing out any drawbacks? Are they cheaper? More durable? Faster? Anything?

My gosh, what is the world coming to. I never thought I would say this. I agree with Euro.

They are usually cheaper and won't come off the rim as easily in hard cornering or bumpy roads. I have never heard of this being a problem for anyone, so it is really a matter of cost.

Non-folding tires are quite a bit less expensive. I get my Contis for $13 a tire. I get my Hutchison folding tires for about $30 a tire.

There's not much difference between 23 and 25. I've often run a 700x23 on the front and a 700x25 on the back or v.v.

My Hutchison folders are 700x23, I think ... my Contis are 700x25.


BTW - If you are thinking of getting a folding tire, I highly recommend Hutchison!! :)

Folding are lighter and more expensive. In my experience I always thought that folding were harder to mount and take off than wire bead. Personally I never carry a spare tire with me. Maybee I would if I was out riding centuries or going on bike trips. I have never not been able to ride because of a tire getting cut so bad. It just doesn't happen that often. I also ride Conti Gatorskins so at worst I would have to put something on the inside of the tire to cover the cut and then I would be fine. If it did get cut so bad that I couldn't fix it, well that is why I carry a cell phone and change.

In most cases, and especially on shorter rides, folding tires are probably not necessary. But I've definitely used them!! I blew a dime-sized hole in one tire, and was rescued by someone lending me a folding tire. Another time I was in the middle of a 1200K randonnee, it was 2am, pouring rain and freezing cold ... I had been having flat after flat ... and finally we just ripped my tire off and replaced it with the folder I was carrying. I was fine after that. Another time I was on a fleche with two other team members and one was flatting every few kms. He kept trying to patch things and so on, but it wasn't working. Finally, on yet another flat, I dug out one of my folders and handed it to him, and told him to put it on. No more flats after that!! :)

I also carry tire boots on all my rides, long or short.

I disagree that folders are easier to mount.

They necessarily have the same diameter and don't stretch. I have found some folders to be the hardest to mount (Conti Attack/Force for example.) Different rim and tyre combinations can be easy or hard, but I don't think that whether the tyres are folding or non-folding plays any part.

My experience is that Continental Ultra Sport tires are a serious pain to mount. I have never had to use a tool to mount any folding tires. I haven't tried a great amount of tires to compare, so I may be wrong. But if Euro says it, it must be true.