Patented by Goodyear way back in 1903, tubeless tire technology is now the norm for almost all cars and motorbikes after it entered commercial production in the early fifties. The technology was introduced to the cycling world in 1999 but, despite the initial hype, has failed to catch on for a variety of reasons.
Advantages of Tubeless Tires
- Tires can be run with lower pressures offering improved traction and therefore control.
- Avoid pinch flats - these occur when a tire hits a rock or kerb squashing the inner tube against the rim. No tube means nothing to squash.
- No punctures unless the tire is ripped.
And the Negatives?
- Tubeless tires systems are more expensive.
- They can also be heavier depending on the type of system and tire used.
- Set up is fiddly and tires are hard to pump up without the aid of a compressor.
- Tubeless tires are difficult to fix on the trail though you can install an inner tube as a last resort.
- Valves can clog easily through excessive use of sealant.
- Limited availability on tire sizes and tread patterns.
Early adopters of tubeless tires had negative experiences when tires bulged off the rims. Riders' eagerness to run tires on much lower pressure for added control was simply taken too far. A better approach is to realise that tubeless tires do not need to be over-inflated, as an inner tube system might, in order to improve control when cornering at speed.
Types of Tubeless Bike Tires
First on the market was the Mavic UST (universal system tubeless) which requires the purchase of a complete package including new rims, tires and valves. UST rims have no spoke holes and no sealant is required as the airtight membrane lining fits perfectly to the rim.
Cheaper alternatives were soon developed and there are now a variety of rim strip and sealant combos, which can convert existing tires and rims into tubeless options. A UST specific tire is preferred to avoid excessive use of tire sealant and this system is far messier to install but less costly.
Despite the cost reduction, however, tubeless tires remain the property of hardcore racing riders only.
Typical Cost of Tubeless Bicycle Tires
For a UST package, expect to pay upwards of $600 for new tires, rims and valves.
Existing tires can be made tubeless using a sealant/rim strip package for under $100 though tire compatibility should be checked first.
An even cheaper option is to forget the tubeless systems and opt for a tire sealant like Slime which is as easy to install as changing a bike tire.
Flat Tire Prevention
Despite the pros and cons of running tubeless tires, most cyclists would agree that punctures are a complete pain. So anything that helps eliminate them is probably worth a try.
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