Okay so that may seem a little harsh, so perhaps I should clarify.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are a few exceptions. Maybe your rims aren’t tubeless ready, maybe you like retro wheels, or maybe you just love fixing punctures by the roadside and that white powdery stuff that smells of fish.
But for anyone using inner tubes on tubeless ready rims, and especially with tubeless ready tyres, I unequivocally stand by my assertion that you are an idiot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I’ve heard all the excuses. Tubeless tyres are too much hassle. Tubeless sealant is really messy. I don’t trust tubeless tyres.
The simple fact is, if any of that comes from your experience of tubeless tyres then you haven’t been doing it properly. If it comes from what you’ve read on the internet, then surely you must realise that the internet is full of opinionated idiots too. Which probably makes you even more of an idiot. But I digress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I’ve ridden thousands of kilometres on tubeless tyres, and since switching all my bikes over from inner tubes, I can honestly count the number of proper punctures I’ve had on the fingers of one hand. By proper puncture, I mean something like a huge shard of glass slicing a tyre open which even the thickest of sealants won’t heal. I’ve ridden with thorns stuck in the tread without losing any air pressure even after stopping to pull out the offending item. One time I rode through the night on an Audax, only noticing a light splattering of sealant on the forks at first light. No pressure loss, no problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Admittedly there is some skill, technique and knowledge involved in selecting and fitting tubeless tyres. Favourable tyre and rim combinations, the best types of sealant and applying rim tape correctly. All the benefits are there, and are well worth the minimal effort required to get it right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the meantime, stick with your inner tubes you massive idiot.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Okay so that may seem a little harsh, so perhaps I should clarify. There are a few exceptions. Maybe your rims aren’t tubeless ready, maybe you like retro wheels, or maybe you just love fixing punctures by the roadside and that white powdery stuff that smells of fish.But for anyone using inner tubes on tubeless … <\/p>\n