What is a tubeless tire? | Primeau Velo

Q: What are the advantages of tubeless tires?

- Tubeless tires are more comfortable. Because there is no risk of pinch flats (when the inner tube gets pinched between the rim and tire, causing a rupture), the rider can choose to run lower tire pressure, therefore absorbing more impact both on the road and on the trails. - Tubeless tires provide more grip. Due to the lower tire pressures, the tire has a larger contact surface to the ground with better deformity. This creates better power transfer but especially better cornering adherence and increased traction over loose terrain. - Tubeless tires have less punctures. The tubeless tire sealant provides a seal between the rim and the tire but can also help seal small punctures as they happen, greatly limiting the loss of air and allowing you to keep riding.

Q: What are the disadvantages of tubeless tires?

- Maintenance is more of a hassle. Setting up tubeless tires can be a difficult endeavor. Assuming both tire and rim are compatible, the tire must be seated properly using an air compressor (or specially designed pump) and tubeless sealant is messy. Most of the time, the setup can be flawless but is very much a pain when it doesn’t work. - Seating the tire requires an air compressor. Only an air compressor can generate high enough pressure to properly seat the tire, which means for most people setup must be done in a shop. - Some tires and rims are not compatible with each other. While mountain bike tires and rims are mostly all interchangeable, gravel and road tires can be more specific. More on this below. - Fixing a flat is not as simple. While flat tires occur less with tubeless tires, they can still happen and fixing a tubeless flat on the road side is a pain. You can use a regular tube to help you get home but in most cases the tire will have to be changed afterwards. Not to mention inserting a tube will be very messy. - Tubeless tires are more expensive. Tubeless road and gravel tires are generally more expensive than their clincher counterparts.

What is a tubeless tire?

A tubeless bike tire is a tire that installs directly to the rim and does not require an inner tube. Tubeless tires work thanks to tubeless sealant, a liquid that is inserted into the tire and helps seal everything together. Tubeless tires are mainly used on mountain bikes but can also be installed on road and gravel bikes.

Tubeless tires should not be confused with tubular tires, which are a close, tubed shaped tire that is glued to the rim. This system is mostly outdated due to the numerous advantages of tubeless tires.

Sealant

The tubeless sealant, often referred to as ‘’juice’’ creates a seal between the tire and rim to prevent any leaks. It is injected through the valve directly into the tire.There exists different types of sealant but most of them do the same job. Check out our selection of tubeless sealant here.

What are the advantages of tubeless tires?

- Tubeless tires are more comfortable. Because there is no risk of pinch flats (when the inner tube gets pinched between the rim and tire, causing a rupture), the rider can choose to run lower tire pressure, therefore absorbing more impact both on the road and on the trails.

- Tubeless tires provide more grip. Due to the lower tire pressures, the tire has a larger contact surface to the ground with better deformity. This creates better power transfer but especially better cornering adherence and increased traction over loose terrain.

- Tubeless tires have less punctures. The tubeless tire sealant provides a seal between the rim and the tire but can also help seal small punctures as they happen, greatly limiting the loss of air and allowing you to keep riding.

What are the disadvantages of tubeless tires?

- Maintenance is more of a hassle. Setting up tubeless tires can be a difficult endeavor. Assuming both tire and rim are compatible, the tire must be seated properly using an air compressor (or specially designed pump) and tubeless sealant is messy. Most of the time, the setup can be flawless but is very much a pain when it doesn’t work.

- Seating the tire requires an air compressor. Only an air compressor can generate high enough pressure to properly seat the tire, which means for most people setup must be done in a shop.

- Some tires and rims are not compatible with each other. While mountain bike tires and rims are mostly all interchangeable, gravel and road tires can be more specific. More on this below.

- Fixing a flat is not as simple. While flat tires occur less with tubeless tires, they can still happen and fixing a tubeless flat on the road side is a pain. You can use a regular tube to help you get home but in most cases the tire will have to be changed afterwards. Not to mention inserting a tube will be very messy.

- Tubeless tires are more expensive. Tubeless road and gravel tires are generally more expensive than their clincher counterparts.

Tire and rim compatibility

Mountain bike tubeless tires are the default choice and therefore offer the widest range of compatibility. Road and gravel tires however, become more specific. Most tire and rim manufacturers have a list of tested and recommended combinations to choose from. Thankfully, due to the increase in popularity of tubeless tires, these compatibility issues get better and better every year.

Most rims nowadays are tubeless-ready or tubeless-compatible (only require tubeless tape). That said, it is possible to convert clincher rims to tubeless, however compatibility might not be tested so do so at your own risk.

Hookless tires and rims

Hookless rims are a special type of rim that omit the hooked beads that hold the tire in place. They are more popular in the road tubeless sphere, but require a compatible tubeless tire to function properly.

Have any questions regarding tubeless tires and rims?

Let us know by email at web@primeauvelo.com or in one of our bikes shops directly, our mechanics are experienced and can help you find the perfect tire setup for your needs. Primeau Vélo has one of the largest selections of bike tires in Canada!