Bias vs Radial

[elarges]

Being the tire-uneducated type of guy that I am, can I bug you guys for some clarification?
What's the pros and cons of bias ply vs radial? I've heard that bias ply is a rougher ride, but who builds these things for a smooth ride anyway? I like the look of bias ply WAY more than radial, too. Is a radial tire more reliable? Safer? Longer lasting?
I'm a long way from the stage of looking for a set of kicks, but the build is still moving along in my mind at a good pace.
Thanks for the help!!
E

[Knucklehead29]

Being the tire-uneducated type of guy that I am, can I bug you guys for some clarification?
What's the pros and cons of bias ply vs radial? I've heard that bias ply is a rougher ride, but who builds these things for a smooth ride anyway? I like the look of bias ply WAY more than radial, too. Is a radial tire more reliable? Safer? Longer lasting?
I'm a long way from the stage of looking for a set of kicks, but the build is still moving along in my mind at a good pace.
Thanks for the help!!
E

Ok so I have had both radial and now bias ply on my 53 bel air. Here are the differences.

Radial:
Much more sturdy tire. Much larger tread contact surface. If grip is a problem for you (big motor) then you want radials. Is very forgiving with potholes and the like. Actually drive straight when running down the highway. Low profile tire with very little flex when turning.

Bias Ply:
Much more flexible. When you get this tire it will look like a motorcycle tire deflated. It balloons out when it's inflated. Much taller tire with a lot of flex when cornering. Very small contact patch. My experience is that because it flexes more I feel less of the bumps on the road. The major drawback is when cruising down the highway it doesn't really want to keep tracking in a straight line. Pretty exciting if you ask me!

:shout:

[elarges]

The more I read and hear, radials run more true, safer and more stable. But...I still think that bias ply has more of a 'cool' factor, ya know?
Still up in the air...but thinking, nonetheless.
E

[Slapnuts1975]

Sonce putting these on the bumps are lighter and the ride smoother. Although they do seem to wander at highway speeds, and they like to follow cracks in the road. I really like them though.


Firestone Poly's
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a117/slapnuts1975/DSCI1176.jpg

[biGshiz79]

bias plys get flat spots in them in cold climates, so you'll be driving a car with D shaped tires and feeling every bit of it.

plus they're expensive and must be replaced more often.

so you pay more for a crappier tire that underperforms and won't last as long.

they're pretty much obsolete since the early 80s.

period correctness and a cool look is their only saving grace

[36 rat]

radials are for Street Rods, plys are for hot rods.

/thread.

Nah, but on a serious note, radials will track a bit better, I have the front ribs on the front and bias on the back. If they are not true, just go have them shaved. I dont know about cornering but my rod is not for the autocross so i have no problem with them. I think they make and break an other wise great car. This is just my opinion, and thats all it is.