Cycling tips - Tubeless or not

The world of cycling is constantly evolving and new systems appear that sometimes we do not know if they are passing fads or if they are really here to stay. In this post we are going to talk about tubeless tires in road cycling.

It is known that the world of the road is not very open to changes and novelties, so although more and more cyclists can be seen using tubeless technology, among cyclists, tube wheels continue to be the majority option. It should be noted that in recent years manufacturers are designing wheels and tires suitable for tubeless to the detriment of the tubular ones that have been used for decades. Tubeless tires have many benefits although it is undeniable that when applied to road wheels there are still some pending issues to have a greater impact on the market.


First of all, what is tubeless?



Tubeless wheels operate similar to car wheels; they use air pressure to create an airtight seal between the tire and the rim. Additionally, a sealing liquid is introduced into the space created between the rim and the tire, which, in the event of a tire puncture or cut, seals the hole to prevent air leakage. This greatly reduces the risk of puncture. The use of sealing liquid and the absence of tire damage by not using a tube prevents us from the vast majority of punctures that we suffer on the road. Furthermore, in case we have to repair on the road, we can always place a tube as if it were a conventional tire.


The advantages in mountain biking are obvious, since tubeless wheels favor traction and avoid being left stranded in the middle of the mountain due to having a flat tire. Of course, they are not infallible either. Below we are going to present the advantages and disadvantages of the tubeless system:

Advantages:

  • Reduce punctures: The main advantage of tubeless wheels for road is that it minimizes the risk of puncture, in addition, if the sealing liquid is punctured it will close the hole and you will be able to continue driving.
  • They allow you to roll at lower pressures: Tubeless type wheels allow you to roll at lower pressures. lower, which gains traction by offering a greater contact surface of the tire with the road. This means that they provide greater grip in situations where the asphalt has an irregular profile or is wet. 
  • Better rolling: By not having a tube and having less pressure, it allows you to roll more easily.

Disadvantages:

  • Complicated assembly: Assembling tubeless tires is not easy. In many cases it is necessary to have a compressor or foot pump specifically for tubeless tires due to the pressure necessary to fit the tubeless tire to the rim. In addition to how dirty it can be to handle the tire with tubeless fluid.
  • Possibility of bead breaking: It is a minimal possibility but it can happen if we do not check the compatibility of the rim and tire given by the manufacturer, Since there is no standard of measurements, design, tolerances... not just any brand of cover can be used. In addition, some users ignore the specific pressures of the tubeless system and this can cause problems.
  • Increased maintenance: If we talk about maintenance, using tires with tubes you only have to worry about having the appropriate pressure and monitoring tire wear. the cover. With tubeless tires you must replace the sealant fluid periodically. Furthermore, due to the aforementioned mounting difficulty, visits to the mechanic are greater than with the camera system. The tubeless system requires a certain amount of attention from the cyclist.
  • Puncture repair: In the event that the tire is punctured and the fluid fails to cover the puncture, there are several options, although they cause rejection among cyclists. If wicks are used, the cover must be drilled to insert it, if patches are used it means disassembling the cover, removing the liquid and cleaning the affected area and it can also cause problems to insert a camera since they are not designed for this.

Is it worth using tubeless?


Really on this aspect you will find opinions both for and against. But the reality is that little by little tubeless wheels are beginning to make a place for themselves in road cycling and their advantages outweigh their disadvantages for the use made by the majority of amateur cyclists.


In my case, I have a Giant TCR Advanced bike with a tubeless system. Having very little skill in changing wheels, I opted for this system and I don't regret it. In years whenever I have had a puncture it has been covered with fluid and I have been able to finish my routes without any problem. It is true that it has required more maintenance and when you puncture you end up with sealant liquid up to your eyebrows, but it has been worth it for me because I don't have to worry about changing the tube during the route.


Really, the problems you can have are minimal, since just as one day you can have a tubeless tire blowout, you can have it with a normal tire. It is already a personal question to decide whether to switch to tubeless or not, although there are some undeniable advantages.


More and more road bikes are seen with tubeless wheels. Even Giant since 2018 already offered tubeless ready wheels as standard on its carbon bicycles. At Arrivo cycling we have the Giant TCR Advanced model equipped with Cadex Race tires with the tubeless system. You will be able to experience the benefits of the tubeless system while avoiding disadvantages since we use the tires recommended by the manufacturer and they are always freshly checked by our mechanic, minimizing any incident during the route.


And what do you think? Have you tried tubeless on the road? Do you think it will end up being something common? Do you dare to try our bicycles equipped with tubeless technology?


Xesca :)