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I have been running tubeless for 3 years now, had about 3-4 punctures in that time which are a bit of a pain when they happen with getting the tyres off, mess etc. However in the main I do not have any problems. I need to replace both front and back tyres now along with the debate about running an all year or winter / summer specific tyre. USTs are so much more expensive and I need to buy a new bottle of latex as well.
Do I go back to the dark side and go tubed again?
The only issues I've had over the past 3 years (using UST) are of my own fault and that is me running too low pressures and the tyre coming unseated from the bead and loosing the air, pump back up ok though. Spoend that little bit more and go for UST....
yes
Err you've asked a question no one can answer but you (although this isn't unusual on STW...). You already know the pros and cons and have all the bits for tubeless already so it's purely a personal choice whether the pros outweigh the cons or not.
Personally I've never regretted going tubeless.
Tubeless wheels and tyres. The expensive solution to a problem that doesn't exist 😉
I reverted back to Tubes. Having run for 3 years (on previous 29erSS) having had no issues, my new stead has burped twice, luckly near home, so for reliability stakes back to Tubes for me, and having rode hard all weekend on them I'm somewhat relieved I did.
Now to change the tyres from summer rubber to English Mud eaters for the winter months.
Just tyres with air in all said and done, ride what you like... What I like is swapping my tyres easily.
What's the advantage of tubeless?
Is it just weight reduction?
Is it just weight reduction?
pretty much but its rotational weight. i dont see how this can make too much difference and have had some pretty clued up people try explain this too me
Dont create expensive solutions for yourself.
Just use tubes, there are other things that need fixing/solving/spending money on.
I'm quite glad of the significant reduction in puncture fixing. I wouldn't go back....
What's the advantage of tubeless?Is it just weight reduction?
Not much weight reduction - you can get a bit of weight reduction versus lightweight tubes, but if you have UST then you probbaly won't see any.
The advantages are:
- lower rolling resistance at the same pressures which makes a noticeable difference, we're not talking millisecond splits here
- lower pressures and hence more grip
- fewer punctures if you use a system requiring sealant
Of those, the first is the most noticeable to me, but then I am usually trying to ride as fast as I can.
The disadvantages are:
- If you do get a puncture you can't seal, it's a right mess to put a tube in on the trail
- Getting them to seal is a bit of an acquired skill and may require CO2 or a compressor depending on your tyre/rim combo
- Changing tyres is more difficult (although it's not that bad, you just have to be careful not to make a mess, and you may need more CO2)
bikebouy - Member
I reverted back to Tubes. Having run for 3 years (on previous 29erSS) having had no issues, [b]my new stead has burped twice, luckly near home, so for reliability stakes back to Tubes for me,[/b] and having rode hard all weekend on them I'm somewhat relieved I did.
I don't understand this. If your tyre burps you just stop at the side of the trail and pump it up a bit more. The implication I'm getting from this post is that you've automatically assumed that running tubeless you now no longer need to bring a pump with you. Which seems just silly especially considering going tubed one should at a bare minimum bring a puncture repair kit and a pump with you.
Yes tubeless can be a faff to change tyres but isn't that bad with practice. As to the advantages well they role better they're much less likely to puncture and you can run em at lower pressures so get better grip. In saying that sometimes they do puncture which is why it's always advisable to bring a spare tube and a pump with you when out for a ride which is what i did before anyway. I've also rarely seen a situation where a tubeless set up has a had a major problem that wouldn't have been a problem for someone riding a tubed setup.