Wire V Folding - sidewalls?

The Northern Monkey

Just wondering what other peoples take on this is...

I've recently fitted a set of wire bead high rollers to my 456 after having a variety of folding tyres on both the 456 and Canyon and the sidewalls "seem" to hold up so much better than folding versions.
I'm also liking that they're actually round for once, I hate it when folding tyres have a wobble in them!

Is it just me or am I going mad?

nicklouse

Bead material has less to do with it than the TPI in the sidewall.

Higher the number the finer the threads. The lower the number the thicker the threads.

supersonic

The wire beaded versions are often cheaper made throughout - so as Nick says, the thread count or even the amount of rubber deposited.

The Northern Monkey

I guess having a slightly smaller tyre (2.35 compared to 2.5) with the same tpi could mean stiffer sidewalls because of a smaller surface area?

I have some big betty foldings which have a higher tpi than the HR, but bend and flex massively in comparison!

supersonic

There's quite a few variables - but the bead doesn't really alter tyre stiffness.

cooldad

Higher tpi will be more flexy - lots of fine threads instead of fewer fat ones. Generally a thinner coating of rubber as well, so more prone to sidewall cuts.
But lighter and more flexible so they deform to trail irregularities better. Presumably giving more grip.