Folding Tyres

Clever Pun

What benefit do these have over their more rigid counterparts?? weight I assume?

do they offer less puncture protection, does the tyre wall become weakened as a result?

alfablue

Yes, weight, but also they fold ( :idea:) so can be carried as spares, and they tend to go on the rims a lot easier. I don't think there are any downsides, apart from price. I always get folders.

chuckcork

You can on a long event carry one in your back pocket/bike bag, so if you get a seriously damaged tyre, you can simply change to the new one without having to worry about temporary fixes.

Rich158

They're lighter, and they always seem to have a higher TPi so should be more puncture resistant. The ones I've used have always been a complete bitch to get on, but they may be just my rims

woodford2barbican

I find them much easier to get on and have taken to using them on my commuter....

I don't even bother with extra puncture protection tyres either....

I find that whilst I might get unscheduled deflations more often they are much easier to repair with folding tyres and much quicker as well.

I think I use continental 4 seasons whic I run at 120 psi, the next tyres I buy will be Stelvio Pluses which are excellent. Have the magic schwable belt from the marathon plus, are folders and come in 700*23.

Clever Pun

woodford2barbican wrote:

I find them much easier to get on and have taken to using them on my commuter....

I don't even bother with extra puncture protection tyres either....

I find that whilst I might get unscheduled deflations more often they are much easier to repair with folding tyres and much quicker as well.

I think I use continental 4 seasons whic I run at 120 psi, the next tyres I buy will be Stelvio Pluses which are excellent. Have the magic schwable belt from the marathon plus, are folders and come in 700*23.

I've been kicked in the tyres far too many times to even contemplate that

the spare tyre thing seems smart but for a commute, not really required?

Any one used the puncture resistant ones... any good? these ones in particular

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Continental_Ultra_Gator_Duraskin_Folding_Tyre/5360028710/

attica

Ultra Gatorskins have lasted me somewhere in the region of 4000 miles with two punctures (one a pinch puncture caused by riding over a large stone that I didn't see that would have punctured any tyre).

I run them consistently at 110psi and use the 700-25 (if that helps any)

Petromyzon

I like my Conti GP4seasons, in a 25 mm. They are lighter than Gators, supposedly grippier esp. in wet, but won't last as long. They are supposed to have similar puncture resistance at a lighter weight and are consequently pricier. I've found PBK among the cheapest for tyres.
Personally folders are pricier but very cost effective in terms of upgrades you can make to your bike. The grippy vs. long lasting tradeoff is a personal one but I always buy grippy because I am paranoid about coming off and I sadly don't get the chance to ride enough that I would need to replace them often.

http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=Y1094

R25 Flyer

Well done Attica! - I've just changed my Gatorskin rear (700x25; run at 110-120psi) for a Marathon + (700x25). I got 7 visits in 1400 miles which was getting a bit much. Obviously, most at the end of the mileage and the tyre had some nasty slices in it. Front tyre still going strong so will keep that one on for now. In summary, good tyre but my commute seems to have worn the rubber down quickly at the rear. Certainly worth a go.

R25 Flyer

Should have added I got 7 visits in 600miles on the tyres that came with the bike (Conti Sport something). I guess I must stop going past the bottle recycling centre :roll: