Materials
One of the biggest differences between the two types of tires relate to the materials used in the construction. Travel bike tires can't use the same materials because of the weight limitations. These tires are typically made as a clincher tire. This involves covering a fabric casing with metal beads and placing the rubber on top, which lets the tire keeps its weight low. Regular bicycle tires are usually made with the vulcanization process, which permanently molds rubber and another material, such as silicon, together.
Weight
Folding bicycle tires must weigh less than regular bike tires since these are carried more often. The best folding bike tires on the market weigh less than 500g, and many manufacturers are now releasing some that weigh less than 400g. This gives you the chance to take the bike with you on an airplane or on another form of travel transportation. Regular bike wheels often weigh significantly more and can weight as much as 1,000g or more.
Size
Size is another difference found between regular bicycle tires and folding bicycle tires. The earlier forms of travel bikes came with smaller and skinnier tires, but modern day versions use tires that are larger in size. These tires are still lightweight, but they are large enough to provide a smooth ride. You'll also notice that the tread size on travel bike tires are smaller than the treads found on regular bike tires. This gives you more traction, which is needed since the bike weighs less and has less traction than regular bikes.
