Depending on who you believe on the interweb, a high TPI may mean a stronger tyre or a weaker one more prone to sidewall damage. Any geeks on here know the truth of this? I understand the bit about high TPI giving you a smoother ride, but it’s specifically with regards to tear resistance that I’m thinking about. Cheers.

Higher TPI is smoother on the skin and more luxurious feeling to sleep in.

I understand the ‘theory’ for higher TPI tyres being weaker.

To have a high TPI your cord must be thinner, hence the fabric thickness in the carcass will always be thinner for a higher TPI.

http://www.schwalbe.co.uk/pdf/techinfo.pdf
page 8
“Generally, tires with denser fabric are more resistant to
punctures and roll better. Yet the ultra-fine 120 EPI carcass
is more susceptible because the individual filaments
are very fine. The best compromise for low weight
and resistance is around 50 to 67 EPI.”

http://www.michelinbicycletire.com/michelinbicycle/index.cfm?event=singlecompound.view

http://www.conti-tyres.co.uk/conticycle/technical_safety.shtml