Author Topic: Tubeless tires/tyres  (Read 3460 times)

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Offline SlowAndSlower

Tubeless tires/tyres
« on: January 27, 2014, 07:41:17 pm »
I was wondering if anyone has had experience touring with tubeless tires?

I understand they are lighter and have better rolling resistance and they self seal small punctures or so says the literature I have read.

I was asked if I knew anything about them but I only knew they were popular with some mountain bikers.

Any thoughts?

Offline jsieber

Re: Tubeless tires/tyres
« Reply #1 on: January 27, 2014, 07:59:15 pm »
I don't have experience with tubeless setups for road riding, but one of the big advantages for mountain biking is the ability to run lower tire pressures without pinch flatting. Typically, the lower tire pressures will provide better traction. Curious to hear what others have to say on the subject in terms of touring.

indyfabz

  • Guest
Re: Tubeless tires/tyres
« Reply #2 on: January 28, 2014, 10:30:52 am »
The GF and I went tubeless on our road bikes near the end of last summer. They do roll nicely. I think one issue is faster wear of the tires. Not something you want on a long tour. Easy availability of replacements while on the road may also be a concern. (Don't know if you can put a normal clincher on a tubeless rim.) And not all puncture self seal sufficiently. The GF punctured in the front with about 4 miles left in a charity event. The puncture sealed but only at a low pressure that allowed her to finish. We actually didn't realize what had happened until later that afternoon when we noticed the partially flat tire. The she put 2 and 2 together and figured that what had sprayed onto her near the end of the ride was not oil, but rather some of the sealant. We tried pumping the tire to normal pressure but it would not hold and sealant kept bubbling through the puncture site. Ended up having to put a tube in. Interestingly, when she took it to the shop a few days later for more sealant, the puncture site has sealed itself. The thought is that the puncture was too large to self seal immediately and that having the tube in there for a few days allowed it to finally seal without the pressure of air against the puncture site.

I wouldn't bother with them for touring for the above reasons. I want something longer lasting and easier to replace if the need arises. Also, you'd still be advised to carry two tubes anyway in case you flat on both tires and they won't seal properly.

Offline DaveB

Re: Tubeless tires/tyres
« Reply #3 on: January 28, 2014, 01:37:28 pm »
They do roll nicely. I think one issue is faster wear of the tires. Not something you want on a long tour......(Don't know if you can put a normal clincher on a tubeless rim.)
At this point in their development road tubeless tires are intended for the racing/performance crowd so light weight, not durability, is the aim.  It will be awhile before touring tubeless tires are being sold.  And yes, regular tubed clincher tires can be used on tubeless rims but you have to remove the fixed valve stem.   

Offline pmac

Re: Tubeless tires/tyres
« Reply #4 on: January 29, 2014, 11:22:03 am »
A different, but related, question would be the use of slimed tubes.  Anybody use those? I am considering using tubes with sealant for a tour this summer.  My thought would be that the sealant should protect against most punctures and if it doesn't I can carry a spare tube or two as a replacement without the complication of trying to reseat  a tubeless tire.  Any advice would be appreciated.