Folding Wire Bead Tires for Shipping?

[BikePimp]

Been thinking about selling a NOS Panaracer Dart in Butterscotch color...and possibly other tires that I just don't use.

To cut down on overseas shipping, would you recommend folding a wire bead tire or would it mess it up?

Sold a lot of parts before but no tires yet....

 

[Hilts]

You can do it, just make sure you don't force it against the natural bend. There is a video clip done by the man Sheldon Brown (RIP) on his website that shows you how to do it. It's harder with MTB tyres but still possible. I've sent a few steel beads and never had a problem.

 

[REKIBorter]

Twist the tyre into a figure of eight shape then fold the two halfs of the figure of eight together*. Does no harm, the bead will straighten out as soon as it is fitted to a wheel and the tube inflated.

* similar to those pop-up kiddy garden toys

 

[BikePimp]

Thanks for the info. Gotta love Sheldon Brown, wish he was still with us.