Gatorskin. Wire/Folding?

Wire means that the tire has a wire around it in bead area of the tire. It does not fold up. Folding means the tire does not have wire in the bead area and will compactly fold up on its self. You'll likely find that Folding tires are easier to get on and off for changing flats after they break in a bit.

FWIW:

GP4 Season Folding, $43 http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=Y1094
GatorSkins, $26 Folding http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=Y1320(<-- Out of stock)

GP4 Season Folding, $60 http://www.biketiresdirect.com/pco4sv/continental_grand_prix_4-seas...
Gatorskins, wirebead, $40 http://www.biketiresdirect.com/pcoc3p/continental_ultra_gatorskin_<...


I've put 1000s of miles on 23mm Gatorskins. They are tough and wear super well. The ride quality is ok, not great and they get greasy in really gold temps (like below freezing). Personally I now ride 25mm GP4 Seasons on my wet weather/commute bike and will not switch back to the 23mm Gatorskins. I've not flatted with the GP4 Seasons and they ride so much better than the Gatorskins. I'm a big fan and I'm sure going to a 25mm tire helped the ride quality too.

Edited by magic 2009-06-14 10:38 PM

So I am guessing that gatorskins are tubular since they have a folding tire? I dont know if I have done enough research but I cant find anything to specify whether or not they are tubular or clincher


DISREGARD.... I found it. They are Clinchers. I guess I just wasnt paying attention.

Edited by Thomasski 2009-06-14 10:58 PM

Wire means it has a wire bead. Folding means it has a Kevlar bead and on top of folding it will be lighter. The bead is what hooks into the rim to keep the tire on. This is true for all clincher tires and if there is mention of what the bead material is, it is a clincher because tubular tires do not have a bead.

In general if it is not specified assume that a tire is a clincher. Tubular tires are much less common and will generally be specified as such.

Edited by graceful_dave 2009-06-15 5:25 AM

Thanks for your replies. I never thought that there was so much into finding a strong tire.

I just want to chime in and say that Gatorskins ROCK! They are the most bomb proof tires I have ever ridden on.

I personally prefer folding for reasons aforementioned regarding easy of tire change and you can stuff one easily in your jersey pocket for long century+ rides just in case.

Both type of the Gatorskins are Clinchers. The wire bead type is about 60 grams heavier (300 vs 240) then the folding ones with the Kevlar bead. The wired bead type are about $8-10 cheaper. Both are hard to get on the rim the first time. It is not as hard after that.

I have had very good luck not having flats with them so I have not had to changed them very often.

I know this is too old thread but do you still offering like this one? Badly need this right now.