Foldable tire or wire bead tire
Most riders don’t spend much time considering whether their bike has a foldable bead or wire bead tire. We often focus on what will hold up best during our rides.
When I first started cycling several years ago, I had no idea what folding bead or wire bead tires meant. I simply wanted to enjoy my rides without overthinking it. However, the type of tire can significantly impact the riding experience, affecting how long we want to stay out on the trail or road.
For those who are new to cycling, it’s important to know that the “bead” is the part of the tire that makes contact with the rim. So, let’s take a closer look at the essential aspects of our tires.
Kevlar is a strong, flexible, and versatile material that is essential for folded bead tires, giving them their ability to be “foldable.” Unlike wire bead tires, which are made with steel wire and cannot be folded due to their stiffness, folded bead tires can be conveniently sold in a folded state.
Foldable tire is made with softer rubber compounds, which provide better traction. These tires are particularly suited for wet, rough, and muddy riding conditions. However, because they are softer, they tend to wear out more quickly and need to be replaced more frequently. On the other hand, wire bead tires utilize a dual compound rubber, which significantly extends their lifespan. The center of the tire that typically makes contact with the road is constructed from a stiffer, more durable rubber compound that enhances traction. Meanwhile, the sides of wire bead tires are made from a softer rubber, which improves cornering performance.