Tubeless Road Tyres... Yay or Nay?
Discussion
Just gone for my first wheel upgrade for my Specialized Tarmac. Plumped for the Hunt Race Aero Wide: https://www.huntbikewheels.com/products/hunt-race-...
They've arrived ready taped for running tubeless tyres, and my LBS seems to be saying that's the only option nowadays. Better rolling resistance, lighter weight, self-repairs small punctures etc.
What's the general concensus... is tubeless definitely worth it?
I've been running Specialized S-Works Turbo Road Tyres for the last couple of years without fault, so not sur eif the extra complication of a tubeless set up is worth it.
TIA.
They've arrived ready taped for running tubeless tyres, and my LBS seems to be saying that's the only option nowadays. Better rolling resistance, lighter weight, self-repairs small punctures etc.
What's the general concensus... is tubeless definitely worth it?
I've been running Specialized S-Works Turbo Road Tyres for the last couple of years without fault, so not sur eif the extra complication of a tubeless set up is worth it.
TIA.
Two treads here worth a read.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
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https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
If you find clinchers ok and have a tyre that works for where you ride then stick. If you have tape and valves already and just need to buy a valve core remover, sealant and two tyres (and maybe an airshot thing) then maybe worth a punt.
As I said in the other threads I will not be going back unless I have two which would be hire bike or not being able to get a replacement tubeless tyre. I have a few spare GP4ks in the garage but can tell when I have gone back to them from IRC tubeless tyres.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
&
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
If you find clinchers ok and have a tyre that works for where you ride then stick. If you have tape and valves already and just need to buy a valve core remover, sealant and two tyres (and maybe an airshot thing) then maybe worth a punt.
As I said in the other threads I will not be going back unless I have two which would be hire bike or not being able to get a replacement tubeless tyre. I have a few spare GP4ks in the garage but can tell when I have gone back to them from IRC tubeless tyres.
I'm a fan but there are a couple of things to note.
The tyre-rim fit is obviously very tight and some combinations can be a proper sod to fit and remove. If you find a sweet combination then there's very little disadvantage to going tubeless. The big drawback for me is that my combo is really tight so slinging a tube in at the side of the road can be a challenge. There are some tricks to setting them up but once you've learned these it's not too tricky.
The lower pressures and better rolling resistance are why I run tubeless and they're great benefits on the longer rides and trail riding. I still carry tubes, patches and CO2 though.
Schwalbe Pro-Ones are amazing tyres but aren't the most durable. A friend picked up punctures front and rear on his first ride on them yesterday and I've had some sets that lasted no time at all. On the other hand I ran them on the TCR and they got me all the way to Turkey (including 20km of rocky nonsense) without a single puncture. They're awesome but I'd find something more durable for winter and save these for the summer months.
The tyre-rim fit is obviously very tight and some combinations can be a proper sod to fit and remove. If you find a sweet combination then there's very little disadvantage to going tubeless. The big drawback for me is that my combo is really tight so slinging a tube in at the side of the road can be a challenge. There are some tricks to setting them up but once you've learned these it's not too tricky.
The lower pressures and better rolling resistance are why I run tubeless and they're great benefits on the longer rides and trail riding. I still carry tubes, patches and CO2 though.
Schwalbe Pro-Ones are amazing tyres but aren't the most durable. A friend picked up punctures front and rear on his first ride on them yesterday and I've had some sets that lasted no time at all. On the other hand I ran them on the TCR and they got me all the way to Turkey (including 20km of rocky nonsense) without a single puncture. They're awesome but I'd find something more durable for winter and save these for the summer months.
Gruffy have you tried worms and super glue as a repair keeping the tyre on, with potentially a little sealant top up? I almost threw a wheel over a hedge when I got a GP4k flat on a SL23 rim years ago, it was just above freezing and typically less than 2 miles from home. I decided there and then to give it a go.
ALawson said:
Gruffy have you tried worms and super glue as a repair keeping the tyre on, with potentially a little sealant top up? I almost threw a wheel over a hedge when I got a GP4k flat on a SL23 rim years ago, it was just above freezing and typically less than 2 miles from home. I decided there and then to give it a go.
Yes, I've got a worm in the current tyre. Works well. I carry a 'single-use' superglue on the big ultras too.Running them on my Cosmic Elites and like the peace of mind with smaller punctures... still carry a tube though.
Will be changing my summer wheels over once I have worn them out a little...
As for a comparison in terms of feel on the road its hard to comment as I have not tested similar tyres back to back.
Will be changing my summer wheels over once I have worn them out a little...
As for a comparison in terms of feel on the road its hard to comment as I have not tested similar tyres back to back.
I’ve been running tubeless for years on my MTB.... perfect, no punctures in all that time.
I switched to Schwalbe Pro One about 6 months ago for my road bike. The reason being that my route to work is all back lanes, with lots of debris.
I had my 1st puncture a couple of weeks back. Typically on a completely unlit section of backroad. The sealant didn’t do its job as the hole was slightly too big. Managed to get the valve out and a new tube in (in the dark) in about 10mins, so not too bad.
Also managed to fix the hole at home with a proprietary kit.....
All in, I’m a fan. I really like the comfort from the lower pressures (running around 75psi) and the bigger size (28).
I switched to Schwalbe Pro One about 6 months ago for my road bike. The reason being that my route to work is all back lanes, with lots of debris.
I had my 1st puncture a couple of weeks back. Typically on a completely unlit section of backroad. The sealant didn’t do its job as the hole was slightly too big. Managed to get the valve out and a new tube in (in the dark) in about 10mins, so not too bad.
Also managed to fix the hole at home with a proprietary kit.....
All in, I’m a fan. I really like the comfort from the lower pressures (running around 75psi) and the bigger size (28).
I might have to have another try with this.
VI was running tub-less on HED Ardennes rimes with Vittoria Graphene tires. The tires were seriously tight when i was fitting them to the rim, No issues until i had a (luckily) low speed blow out. It sounded like a gunshot. I've no idea how the tire managed to push off the rim. Spooked me a bit though as i'd just come down a fairly fast decent, had the blowout have happened part way down there it could have been nasty.
What are the best options for tubeless tires? I quite fancy the Pirelli PZero Velos but i'm not sure they tubeless compatible.
VI was running tub-less on HED Ardennes rimes with Vittoria Graphene tires. The tires were seriously tight when i was fitting them to the rim, No issues until i had a (luckily) low speed blow out. It sounded like a gunshot. I've no idea how the tire managed to push off the rim. Spooked me a bit though as i'd just come down a fairly fast decent, had the blowout have happened part way down there it could have been nasty.
What are the best options for tubeless tires? I quite fancy the Pirelli PZero Velos but i'm not sure they tubeless compatible.
Edited by Dixie on Wednesday 14th February 17:44
Was going to steam in with my luddite views that I have yet to have a puncture with my old school inner tubes that I can't fix by the side of the road, and that my tubeless mates have, and that I doubt I would feel any difference (not sure I can feel the difference between 70 and 100 psi, for example) and you still need to carry a spare tube and tools JUST IN CASE...
But all these threads have got me thinking perhaps I should try...
But all these threads have got me thinking perhaps I should try...
johnwilliams77 said:
A local bikeshop told me they need a regular paste top up every 4-6 weeks? Is this the case? I don't fancy any sort of regular cleaning / maintenance with them!
Your local bike shop don't know what they are talking about! On the road bikes I do mine about once a year and don't lose any pressure because of itGassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff