So, I’ve got fresh Schwalbe Big Apple tires coming in for my Tern folding bike.

I hadn’t realized it until I went to order, but the ones that came with the bike are last-gen Big Apple tires with K-Guard puncture protection and SBC compound. Now, I’ve never had a single problem with this version of the Big Apple tires. No flats in well over 4000km, and I take this bike on really long (150km+) rides.

The new version of the Big Apple tires are Raceguard with the Addix compound. This apparently makes the tires lighter, more durable, more puncture resistant, able to handle more weight, and have lower rolling resistance. It’ll be quite the upgrade for the “same” tire.

I had originally ordered the set because my rear tire is looking pretty bald, and I’d like a fresh pair for this year. The front tire still looks like they have quite a bit of tread left on them.

Question: Should I replace both tires and get the all the benefits of the newer gen compound (keeping the old front as a spare), or will it not make enough difference to even worry about replacing the front tire right now?