Between You and The Road
          


| Bias
                    (Cross) Ply | Having
                    a tire bead (area holding tire against rim),
                    sidewall and tread like most tires, the bias tire
                    has a series of tire ply cords (nylon or steel) that
                    crisscross diagonally (which is what "bias" means)
                    below the tread. This results in increased rolling
                    resistance, higher flexibility, and a smoother ride,
                    but also means less control at higher speeds. | 
| Bias-Belted | Similar
                    to bias tires, the bias-belted tires differ in
                    having stabilizer belts (generally steel or other corded material) above the top ply layer. Bias-belted tires have a smoother ride and lower rolling resistance than bias tires and are favored with classic cars as well as some trucks and SUVs. Bias-belted tires, however, can't compare with the performance and efficiency of radial tires. | 
| Radial | Lower
                    rolling resistance, higher mileage, longer tread
                    life, better steering control, and a smoother ride
                    at higher speeds than bias-belted tires.
                    Construction differs from bias-belted tires in
                    having cords that are laid at right angles to the
                    center line of the tread and are parallel to each
                    other, as well as stabilizer belts beneath the
                    tread. The downside is a rougher ride at low speeds
                    on rough roads as well as lower grip are low speeds. | 
