Originally Posted by
4564646544
I don't understand this reference to 'beads' - what's a bead as it pertains to bicycle tyres?
Bead
A hoop, usually of heavy steel cable, that forms one edge of a tire. Sometimes made of Kevlar ®; for lightness and foldability.
Found in:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/gloss_ba-n.html