Comments on: Tubeless or Tubeless Ready?

By: Parker

Parker — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 22:53:13 +0000

Is there a way to become a content writer for the site?

By: professed

professed — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 10:22:26 +0000

sorry for belated reply Vic, but i have been forced to go earn a living rahter than relax reading and living bikes !

I run Maxxis Exception tubed tyres, tubeless for my wife ( 50kg or around 112 lbs) due to – 1) softer compound rubber and 2) super light and supple carcasses.

She has never had a puncture or a side wall blow out and rides rough rocky trails locally and also races.
I have yet to try the small blocks. Thetread looks a bit spooky for my style of riding, but the Kenda Karmas – which if of similar carcass construction which I expect they are – run tubeless hold up to my regular fully rigid abuse, no problem.

go for it and she will love you !

By: Vic

Vic — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 15:57:41 +0000

Professed,

Do you suggest doing the conversion with the small block’s? For those that are skinny, is the sidewall sturdy enough?

By: professed

professed — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 09:51:09 +0000

seems that if you are close to the 200lb mark – boy, better not get into an argument as some of you are big guys ! – then tubeless benefits (converted tubeless) has a diminishing return.

Vic – get your wife to convert to tubeless ASAP – she has the perfect setup – and she will really notice the more supple ride, the reduced rolling resistance and lower weight. That is if she is same weight or lighter than Rider Dude’s brother (same weight as me) !

By: Rider Dude

Rider Dude — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 13:45:32 +0000

Vic: Yeah man Ive ridden some of that area a few times, because we usually have one race down in Patagonia every year. It is a very nice area, with some super fun single track and jeep trails, very niner friendly. Kind of remote though, your more likley to run into a Rancher before another mountainbiker, but its one of the coolest parts of AZ I think. Very old west , part of Wyatt Earp, and Geronimos old stompin ground. I run some sealant in those tires down there though, Alot of Cacti. I get a kick out of all the guys from back east when they ride out here they think its the pinch flats from rocks that get you in AZ . But it’s more about the random Cholla’s in the trail or the newly fallen suguaro laying in the trail just around the corner. Sealant is a must have here in AZ.

By: Vic

Vic — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 21:02:56 +0000

I don’t have a ton of interest in tubeless yet, I have ignitors on a set of Delgados with wtb hubs and though not the lightest setup, it is relatively light and has so far been very trustworthy. I am too heavy at 225 to worry about super low pressures, and up to this point I have not found a system that inspires me to switch.

My wife bought some stans rims and threw her small block 8’s with tubes on them thinking she would convert later. The setup is super light, has no annoying sealant and has held up amazingly well, she can run mid 30lb pressures without any pinch flat issues. She is not planning on switching to tubeless any time soon.

My 29er tubeless conversion friends burn through a lot of tires due to side wall failure.

I am always open to new things and a compelling argument might lead me to switch, but as of now, my vote is to stick with tubes.

Rider Dude, I am thinking about heading to AZ for the Kentucky Camp Epic in December, have you ridden that area? Is it worth my time?

By: Rider Dude

Rider Dude — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 18:57:08 +0000

Just thought Id throw my hat in the ring on this one. Ive tried the two new Bonty TR tires niether lasted two rides before cutting the sidewall, very frustrating Grrrrr. Ive tried every concievable 29r tire tubeless, Ignitor, crossmark, nano’s, exis’s, Small blocks, and crow tires. All cut, side walls.
I weigh 200 lbs, 6′4″ which I know is why they just dont last. My brother 6′ and 170 lbs, runs tubeless all day on his 29r, has had a pair of cross marks for 6 months not one single leak. Good for him says I, grumbling under my breath. I Run the UST maxxis crossmarks on my 26 at 33 psi and never had a sidewall blowout.
I personally would like to see Maxxis create a UST using their LUST technology to lighten them up. I can concieve a 29er UST tire at about 750-850 grams. With the nanos I run now + tubes + plus sealant “Pesky Cactus in AZ” Im probably running a 950 gram combo on the back any ways.

By: Dirt McGirt

Dirt McGirt — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 17:34:24 +0000

Kock on wood… huhuhuhuh

By: SlowerThenSnot

SlowerThenSnot — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 15:52:01 +0000

Why?

I can run a tube and a wierwolf LT at 20 psi on a 30mm rim. I wigh in at 190lbs, and full rigid, and I haven’t pinched a tube yet on a 29er tire tube combo (kock on wood)

Tubes I can patch anywhere and kepp it working even without a bikeshop or air compresser

I think most enduro junkies stay away from the tubeless setups.

I really do not see the point maybe if I weigh in at 120lbs or was a wight winnie….

Looking forward to that Gordo rim from Salsa

So I guess Yes Tubes here =)

By: Vandal

Vandal — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 02:52:35 +0000

I want to maximize the advantages of riding a big-wheel bike. I want better traction and more supple tires that will roll more smoothly. Yes, tubeless, however it is done, is in my future. However, I agree that big ,heavy tires would suck. If sealant works and makes for a lighter package than a UST tire, I’ll happily use sealant. Give me a tire with a tubeless-compatible bead and I’ll pour sealant in to take care of the rest of the tire.