When shopping for new tires, you’ll often come across two main types: wire bead and folding bead. But what do these terms mean, and how do they affect your riding experience? Understanding the differences can help you choose the right tire for your bike, your style, and your terrain. Here’s everything you need to know about wire bead vs. folding bead tires.
What Is the Bead in a Bike Tire?
The bead is the edge of the tire that fits into the rim to create a secure seal. It’s a critical part of the tire because it keeps it in place, especially under the high pressures and stresses of riding.
• Wire Bead Tires: Use steel wires in the bead to provide strength and rigidity.
• Folding Bead Tires: Use a more flexible material, such as Kevlar or Aramid, instead of steel wire.
Wire Bead Tires
What Are They?
Wire bead tires are the more traditional option and are known for their durability and affordability. The steel bead gives the tire a rigid structure, which makes it heavier but also incredibly strong.
Key Benefits:
1. Cost-Effective: Wire bead tires are generally more affordable than folding bead tires, making them a great option for budget-conscious riders or those who ride less frequently.
2. Durable: The steel bead provides exceptional strength, making wire bead tires resistant to damage and wear over time.
3. Great for Casual Riders: Ideal for commuter bikes, urban rides, or anyone who doesn’t need the weight savings of a folding tire.
Drawbacks:
1. Heavier: The steel bead adds weight, which can be noticeable for performance-focused riders.
2. Less Portable: Wire bead tires can’t be folded, making them harder to store or transport.
Folding Bead Tires
What Are They?
Folding bead tires use lightweight and flexible materials like Kevlar, making them lighter and easier to pack. These tires are often found on high-performance bikes, including mountain, gravel, and road bikes.
Key Benefits:
1. Lightweight: Folding bead tires are significantly lighter than wire bead tires, reducing rotational weight and improving performance, especially on climbs.
2. Portable: Their flexibility allows them to be folded, making them easy to carry as a spare on long rides or bikepacking trips.
3. Performance-Oriented: Often paired with premium materials and advanced tread compounds for better grip, lower rolling resistance, and improved ride quality.
Drawbacks:
1. Higher Cost: The lightweight materials used in folding bead tires make them more expensive than wire bead options.
2. Slightly Less Durable: While still very strong, folding bead tires can be slightly less robust than their wire bead counterparts, depending on usage.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Wire Bead Tires | Folding Bead Tires |
| Weight | Heaveier | Lighter |
| Portability | Cannot be folded | Can be folded |
| Durability | Very Durable | Durable |
| Cost | More affordable | More expensive |
| Performance | Good for casual use | Better for high-performance riding |
Which Should You Choose?
Your decision comes down to your riding style and priorities:
• Choose Wire Bead Tires if:
• You’re a casual rider or commuter.
• You want a durable and affordable option.
• Weight and portability aren’t major concerns.
• Choose Folding Bead Tires if:
• You’re a performance-focused rider (gravel, mountain, or road).
• You want lighter tires to improve speed and efficiency.
• You need a tire that’s easy to carry as a spare.
WTB Tires: Options for Every Rider
At WTB, we offer a wide range of both wire bead and folding bead tires to match your riding style and terrain. Our TCS Tubeless-ready folding tires are perfect for riders looking to reduce weight and improve performance, while our wire bead options deliver reliable durability at an affordable price.
No matter what you choose, WTB tires are designed to handle the demands of every ride—from smooth commutes to rugged mountain trails.
Ride With Confidence. Ride WTB.