Tire with optimized apex

A pneumatic tire comprising a carcass (220) is disclosed. The carcass (220) has one or more cord reinforced plies (240, 260) and a pair of bead portions (180). Each bead portion (180) comprises at least one annular bead core (200) and at least one apex (280, 310, 320) which extends radially outward of the bead core (200). The apex (280) may be formed of at least two zones (282, 284, 286), wherein the material in a first zone (282) of the at least two zones (282, 284, 286) is different from the material in a second zone of the at least two zones (282, 284, 286), and wherein the first zone (282) extends from a radially inner base of the apex (280) to or towards a radially outer tip (287) of the apex (280) and the second zone (284) is located adjacent a ply (240, 260). Alternatively, the tire may comprise a first and second apex (310, 320), wherein the first apex (310) is at least essentially triangular shaped and has a base which extends radially outward of the bead core (200), wherein the second apex (320) is at least partially located between the first apex (310) and at least one carcass ply turnup end (242, 262), and wherein the material of the first apex (310) is different from the material of the second apex (320).