You are hereForums / By Discipline / Mountain (off road) / MTB Gear / Folding versus wired / non-folding tyres

Folding versus wired / non-folding tyres


tq333's picture

By tq333 - Posted on 30 July 2010

I'm looking to replace my rear tyre - am keen on the Kenda Small block eights. Could someone provide advice on the pros and cons of wired vs folding tyres? The price difference is significant.

Thanks

hawkeye's picture

Folding tyres are lighter and tend to be the manufacturer's premium product. This means they get the better compounds and more effort put into their construction.

Wire bead tends to be cheaper, heavier, made of harder rubber and with a stiffer less compliant carcass which adds up to not-as-good performance.

Brian's picture

Folding is easier to get off on the trails.

tq333's picture

Awesome - thanks folks, I'm off to make an informed purchase....

Hop fiend's picture

as my next set of tyres I will go for folding beads,have heard they can be hard to put on-is this true??

hawkeye's picture

to get on - UST especially - but nothing that a set of the yellow Michelin tyre levers and some TLC can't cure.

Start opposite the valve and work your way around both sides with your thumbs.

......'s picture

and try to resist the urge to throw your wheel into the bush when you just can't quite get the last bit of tyre over the rim. (Little bit of spit to lube the tyre seems to help)

Comment viewing options

Select your preferred way to display the comments and click "Save settings" to activate your changes.
Best Mountain Bike