Foldable and non-foldable tyres on same bike

[CityTiger]

Had a bit of messing around with an online seller of winter tyres and it looks like I might end up with one foldable, and one non-foldable version of the same tyre.

I assume that it would be OK to have both on the same bike?

If so, would you have any preference on which one was on the front wheel and which is on the rear, or will it not really make any difference?

[mjr]

In my experience with ordinary tyres, they mix OK and it makes almost no difference - the difference is that it'll flop a bit more with one side off the rim.

[CityTiger]

Ok cool thanks, although I'm not sure I understand what you mean by "the difference is that it'll flop a bit more with one side off the rim" - do you just mean when I'm installing them?

[Brucey]

if the tyres are the same model but one with and one without folding beads, there are only two differences

1) the folding beaded tyre will be slightly lighter and
2) the fit of the tyre on the rim will be different

The latter point makes no difference when the tyre is inflated, and only really has any bearing on how easily the tyre comes on and off the rim, eg when fitting it, or perhaps in the event of a blowout.

I'd normally fit the folding tyre on the front wheel, where any weight difference is more likely to be felt, even if it doesn't make you any faster.

cheers

[mjr]

Ok cool thanks, although I'm not sure I understand what you mean by "the difference is that it'll flop a bit more with one side off the rim" - do you just mean when I'm installing them?

When installing, repairing punctures or replacing tubes.

[CityTiger]

Ok great, thanks to you both for your help.