Tubes or Tubless? And why?

Discuss light weight issues concerning mountain bikes & parts.

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Apileoftile
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by Apileoftile

This might be the wrong question to ask....I am sure the debate is a HUGE one.

I had purchased a race bike from a friend of mine...mostly for the frame as I was going to re build it. I am an Old school biker, and have never, never, never, messed with a tubeless tire or system of any sort.
So anyway, I had a flat, and opened up the tire, excepting to replace a tube, but to my horror the worst rancid smell ever hit me, I started throwing up all over the place and was ready to chuck the whole damn wheel in the trash. Reluctantly, I opened up the rear only to find the same exact thing. I threw away the tires as they were the worst smelling things I have ever smelled in my entire life, went to my LBS bought a new set of tires and a set of Bontrager tubes that weigh 197 grams a piece, and was good to go.....So, what's all the hype? Is there really a huge advantage? If so, what are they? What is the best systems to use? Is there a method that's better than another, how often do you change the chemicals out and so on....sorry, I know its a lot.....but anyway? :noidea:

Thanks.
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devinci
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by devinci

is the smell thing a joke?

Many advantages, one of which you pretty much nailed with tubes at 197g each...

Other then that, possibility to ride low psi for added grip and comfort. The comfort and traction is a huge difference, for me anyway

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Apileoftile
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by Apileoftile

devinci wrote:is the smell thing a joke?

Many advantages, one of which you pretty much nailed with tubes at 197g each...

Other then that, possibility to ride low psi for added grip and comfort. The comfort and traction is a huge difference, for me anyway


No, no joke. I actually took them to the LBS...who said the sealant had rotted? I guess the bike had sat for a while.

What kind of PSI are you using?...I know it varies...
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Apileoftile
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by Apileoftile

project3 wrote:http://projecthree.blogspot.com/2011/08/tubeless-pros-and-cons.html

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=85633


+1

:thumbup:

Makes a lot of sense.
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freeriderxy
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by freeriderxy

..try eclipse tube :)

..little bit expensive,but a very light...if you want to save weight,the best solution,

..but for riding and a puncture protection tubeless rules :)

http://www.eclipse.ch/new/Tubes.html
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devinci
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by devinci

I typically ride 19psi on my Ikon 2.2 x 29 on my hardtail at 68kg. I would not say im not agressive rider. Fairly agressive but not taking useless risks.

DanW
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by DanW

I wouldn't say there is too much debate as most people will run tubeless for XC. Low tyre pressure without constant pinch flats and more resistance to punctures from thorns as the sealant fills the hole. Actually, it is remarkable what the sealant will fill. Dropping around 150-200g is nice too. Only the DH guys tend to run tubes or tubes and sealant. I'm not sure 100% sure why- perhaps related to burping the tyres at the crazy speeds they hit things at.

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Apileoftile
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by Apileoftile

I am running Crossmarks 2.1 on an older set of Crossmax UST rims at about 40psi, lots of fast single track, and never really had a real issue. Would like to give it a try, but I guess I need to buy selant, valves and rims strips then?
I ran an Ikon on the Front and a Crossmark on the rear, but recently changed due to a deal on Crossmarks.
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mattr
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by mattr

Apileoftile wrote:I am running Crossmarks 2.1 on an older set of Crossmax UST rims at about 40psi
I used to run 40 psi. In the 90s. When it was fashionable. Unless you are well over 100 kilos, there is no need for pressures that high with tubeless.

I now weigh 20+ kilos more, ride far harder and less carefully and run about 25psi, haven't had a puncture (snake bite or otherwise) for 3 years. Last puncture resulted in a tyre going to the bin (inch long cut through the tread) after I rode over the broken edge of a smashed roof tile.

It's really a no brainer to run tubeless now. You can get a complete stans kit (tape, sealant, strips) for about 35 quid iirc. All being well, you'll never need another tube on that pair of wheels. Just swap the tyres when they are worn out and add some sealant.
You don't need special tyres or special rims, just need to read the instructions.

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cerro
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by cerro

tubeless for sure. Who wants to puncture a heavy tube? One thing less that can break. Saving weight compared to heavy tubes. Possible to ride low pressure like devinci without puncturing if you have great rims.

I'm using around 25 psi for my 27,5x2.0 tires

Dandegroot32
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by Dandegroot32

Tubeless for racing! notubes rims make it easy

mattr
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by mattr

Tubeless for everything.

We've only got one set of mtb wheels (out of 8 or 9 sets) still with tubes in, and that's only as I broke a rim strip.

And for the cross bikes, 5 sets of wheels, one with tubes. (The spare, spare, spare wheels)

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