The main difference between folding tyres and wire tyres is the external feature of a hard steel bead in the case of wire bead tyres. Folding tyres fold up, come in a small package and are much more supple. They also have lower rolling resistance, more grip and are lighter than wire bead tyres; but more expensive to buy. Wire bead tyres are more durable and in some cases more puncture-resistant and cheaper to buy.