Tubeless road - it actually works

brownian · 21-03-2019 1:11pm

Got the first puncture in ages last weekend, in my tubeless front tyre. It sealed up, but the next day it was back, and I had to put a tube in.

I haven't ever refreshed the sealant, and I reckon this is why the fix (of quite a tiny hole) didn't last. So I took the tube out, poured in new sealant, etc etc, and now it seems to be good as new.

Moral - put in fresh sealant periodically.

harringtonp · 21-03-2019 4:01pm

H.E. Pennypacker wrote: »

Try leaving it with the valve nearest the ground and see if that helps - might be leaky around the valve or maybe the valve is a bit bunged up with sealant and not fully closed. Otherwise, I’d check the rim tape. It’s worth inflating the tyre with no sealant first time just to see if it leaks. It should hold decent pressure for a week or two without sealant and it’s a lot easier to sort things out if there’s no sealant to clean up.

Tightened the valve lock nut as much as I could with the hand (don't want to use a pliers in case I need to undo it on the road) and left it with the valve nearest the ground as you say. Pressure feels good after 24 hrs.

I presume the thinking behind your suggestion is that if the leak is around the valve and the valve is nearest the ground, then the sealant will be sloshing around there and have a better chance of working. Is this correct ?

H.E. Pennypacker · 21-03-2019 9:29pm

harringtonp wrote: »

I presume the thinking behind your suggestion is that if the leak is around the valve and the valve is nearest the ground, then the sealant will be sloshing around there and have a better chance of working. Is this correct ?

That's right, especially if you've added a good amount of sealant. I found that the valve core tends to get bunged up with sealant which makes it seem like its fully closed when its not. If its removeable its handy enough to clean the valve core and clear the stem.

kayaksurfbum · 30-03-2019 5:06pm

Anyone know of a tubeless tan wall tyre? I thought vittoria had one but I cant find it anywhere.

Thanks.

Fighting Tao · 30-03-2019 5:58pm

Quick Google led me to this and it has a few in it. https://road.cc/content/buyers-guide/214416-buyers-guide-tubeless-tyres-all-your-options-new-technology-rubber

Depending on width there are other options such as WTB.

kayaksurfbum · 30-03-2019 8:28pm

Fighting Tao wrote: »

Quick Google led me to this and it has a few in it. https://road.cc/content/buyers-guide/214416-buyers-guide-tubeless-tyres-all-your-options-new-technology-rubber

Depending on width there are other options such as WTB.

Saw that list. I'm looking for 25mm for road. Plenty of wider tyres alright.

Iv got Hutchinson on the bike right now but they are wearing down super fast.

fat bloke · 31-03-2019 2:18pm

Interested to hear what tubeless tyres people are using or what wheel/tyre combination.

I've got the mavic ksyriums and their oem yksions. Traditionally not a universally loved tyre. In normal tyres I've been a gp4000 user for years now.

What other options are there in a fast / durable tubeless road tyre?

harringtonp · 31-03-2019 6:09pm

Have only used Schwalbe Pro One 23/25 but happy with them. Good price and fast

Eamonnator · 31-03-2019 6:23pm

I use Schwalbe Pro ones 25mms on Prime carbon wheels. They roll really well and are very comfortable. To my knowledge, I have punctured 4 times on them. Each time the tyre sealed immediately, in fact twice I didn't realise I'd punctured until I got home and noticed that pressure was slightly down.
However, I am not completely satisfied with the wear. They seem to wear more quickly than my "normal" tyres, which are Continental Grand Prix 4000 II.
When the time comes to change them, I think I'll give the Grand Prix 5000 Tubeless a lash.

who_ru · 31-03-2019 6:37pm

Eamonnator wrote: »

I use Schwalbe Pro ones 25mms on Prime carbon wheels. They roll really well and are very comfortable. To my knowledge, I have punctured 4 times on them. Each time the tyre sealed immediately, in fact twice I didn't realise I'd punctured until I got home and noticed that pressure was slightly down.
However, I am not completely satisfied with the wear. They seem to wear more quickly than my "normal" tyres, which are Continental Grand Prix 4000 II.
When the time comes to change them, I think I'll give the Grand Prix 5000 Tubeless a lash.

What pressure do you have in them, the lower the pressure the faster the wear I was told recently by a bike shop owner.

Eamonnator · 31-03-2019 6:43pm

who_ru wrote: »

What pressure do you have in them, the lower the pressure the faster the wear I was told recently by a bike shop owner.

About 95 P.S.I. in the rear, 90 P.S.I. in the front.
I think, I'm just spoiled by the Conti's

kayaksurfbum · 31-03-2019 8:02pm

Iv got Hutchinson atoms on dura ace c24 wheels. Run 80/90 psi. Super grippy but are wearing down really fast.

fat bloke · 31-03-2019 8:31pm

So do Mavic make tubed and tubeless versions of the 5000's then or is it one tyre that can take either?

Plastik · 31-03-2019 10:47pm

The 5000TL is tubeless specific.

Leroy42 · 01-04-2019 9:34am

Eamonnator wrote: »

About 95 P.S.I. in the rear, 90 P.S.I. in the front.
I think, I'm just spoiled by the Conti's

I thought one of the advantages of tubeless was to run at much lower pressures?

harringtonp · 01-04-2019 10:29am

Run mine at 80/75 , weigh 80kg. And was advised by wheel builder to run even lower

Fighting Tao · 01-04-2019 10:42am

I run 700c at 80 and 85 psi and I’m well over 100kg.

My 650b's are 50 and 55 psi and I’ve been told I can easily run them lower.

Eamonnator · 01-04-2019 11:36am

Leroy42 wrote: »

I thought one of the advantages of tubeless was to run at much lower pressures?

For me that is lower pressure.

G1032 · 01-04-2019 2:05pm

harringtonp wrote: »

Run mine at 80/75 , weigh 80kg. And was advised by wheel builder to run even lower

Recently got Ksyrium UST wheels. 25mm tires.

I'm 74kg.

First ride on the wheels I had pressure set to 95/90. Bike was hopping along the road!!

Last spin out I set to 80/85 and there was a noticeable improvement in comfort. But going by what harringtonp has said I'll try 80/75 next time and see how that goes.

MediaMan · 01-04-2019 11:22pm

Running Schwalbe Pro Ones on DT Swiss wheels. When installing, front wheel sealed first time, rear was a nightmare, in part I believe due to the asymmetric rim. After about 20 failed attempts, had to add gorilla tape to improve the seal and now it it's fine. Very happy with the tyres. Roll well, grip well, 85/80 psi, 74 kg. No punctures after 6 months (jinx!).

Cee-Jay-Cee · 02-04-2019 9:09am

G1032 wrote: »

Recently got Ksyrium UST wheels. 25mm tires.

I'm 74kg.

First ride on the wheels I had pressure set to 95/90. Bike was hopping along the road!!

Last spin out I set to 80/85 and there was a noticeable improvement in comfort. But going by what harringtonp has said I'll try 80/75 next time and see how that goes.

I'm 76kg and run my 25mm GP4000's with latex tubes at 75/70. Anything more is unnecessary IMO.

Resoguy · 09-04-2019 10:46pm

Started setting up my wheels tubeless over the last couple of months so thanks to previous posters on here for tips. The guys in the Giant Store had done the tubeless setup initially last November when I got a new wheelset using my old '38mm Giant Crosscut 2' gravel tyres, I was setting up new '38mm Panaracer Gravelkings (brown sidewall)',slicker fine file thread tyres. I initially tried to use kit I already had so a floor pump, soapy water, seating once side of the tire with an inner tube etc, tried a small car tire compressor for about half an hour but no luck so I bought a Schwalbe Tire Booster, sorted. I have switched between the Gravelkings and the Giant Crosscuts a couple of times so I'm getting the hang of things at this stage, one mistake I made early on was leaving the valve in when using the booster, while I did manage to get one tire seated with the valve in, I guess your meant to take the valve out to seat the tire.

Had a bit of bad luck with the Gravelkings on my first spin with them, got a 2mmx3mm V shape tear on the rear tyre on a road section, not something that I could plug, it was a decent hole so put a tube patch on the inside of tire and put in a tube to get home, I have replaced the tire at this stage. I have since survived a thumbtack removal and another small puncture on the Gravelkings with the sealant doing its job, so the tubeless thing does work

, in both these cases I stopped, rolled the puncture to the ground so the sealant was behind the hole and covered the hole with my thumb until sealed, the thumbtack puncture sealed in about 15seconds.

I run the following pressures, I'm ~87kg on a good day.
'38mm Giant Crosscut 2' - 70/60psi for road only and 45/40psi for mix of road and gravel spins.

'38mm Panaracer Gravelkings' - still trying to sus these out, 45/40psi (maybe 40/40psi) for road only and 30/25psi for mix of road and gravel spins (this might be a bit low).

Both tyres were easy enough to get onto the rims (Hunt 4 Season Gravel Disc wheelset), I still need to sus out how robust the Gravelkings will be.

ericzeking · 10-04-2019 7:06pm

Recently set up first tubeless tyres 700x35 cross tyres, got them on and set up and have done a few spins around the block and all seems well. However, if I try to pump them up above 40psi they will leak, now I have read that they should optimally be run at 30 psi, so I'm thinking this might even be normal.

Anyone else have any thoughts on this? I see a lot of higher pressures mentioned here. I'm a roadie so 30 psi is a big departure for me!

ballyharpat · 10-04-2019 9:41pm

Im running specialized turbo 2bliss. I got the 28cc and run them at 70 psi, really comfortable ride, I haven't had any issues with them slowing me down, rode them in Dungarvan last week for 150km. and the week before I raced them for 120km at 42 kph at the Des Hanlon.
the valve came off one before the Des, not a hope in hell could I pump it back up after it started letting out air and sealant, even the bike shop had trouble reseating it.

I have another set waiting to be put on. I have been running conti 5000 for the last 8/9 years at 100psi. And run tubular challenge limus cx tyres at about 25 psi

columbus_66 · 11-04-2019 10:28am

I have been using tubeless on the road since the cross season finished and I am pretty happy with the Schwalbe One Pro Evo, except they have a mind of their own and don't like going above 4 bar! They start to leak then. I have sealant in them. The Pro Evo are really too flimsy to use in the winter or to work. I've had numerous leaks which cannot be classed as punctures as they just deflate to 2bar so I can still get home. I have had to put patches on the inside of the tyres but last week they kept going down to 2bar and when I pumped it up to 5bar, I had one good leak and 2 small ones.

So I replaced it with a Schwalbe One Pro which has a bit more meat on it and all good so far. I just leave them at around 4bar or 60psi and that is good enough for the road. That is on 28c and now 25c.

harringtonp · 11-04-2019 11:44am

How is the EVO different from the Pro One ?

Nothing jumping out for me on google

columbus_66 · 11-04-2019 2:27pm

The Evo is a little bit lighter, I found it hard to get the info on it.

Leroy42 · 11-04-2019 2:29pm

Is it possible to run tubeless at 60psi using tubes? Just wondering if it would make too much difference as the entire tubeless set up seems overly complicated and messy when the previous tube system worked pretty well.

harringtonp · 11-04-2019 3:01pm

Leroy42 wrote: »

Is it possible to run tubeless at 60psi using tubes? Just wondering if it would make too much difference as the entire tubeless set up seems overly complicated and messy when the previous tube system worked pretty well.

Its only complicated because its new to you. There are a lot of tricks relating to tubes which we have learned since kids and therefore take for granted.

Answer to your question is yes according to everything you read. I carry a tube with the Pro Ones but haven't had to try it out yet

columbus_66 · 11-04-2019 3:15pm

The only issue with running at 60psi on the road is pinch puncturing. You don't get that with tubeless. Except you can get burping! if you jump over a few kerbs.

For cyclocross you can run 20-30psi but that is usually on soft ground.

I didn't think 60psi tubeless would work on the road but it does. If you get a puncture it lets air out while it is sealing but will only go down to 2 bar.

My rear tyre wore down pretty quick with 100 cuts in it so it was kinda leaky, and wouldn't take more that 4.5bar without complaining.

The problem is if the cuts are too big you need to apply a patch on the inside and they don't stick on as well as a patch on a tube.

harringtonp · 13-04-2019 8:27pm

From

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/kristoff-changes-bike-position-and-sticks-with-tubeless-for-paris-roubaix/

--

Aside from the positional changes for Paris-Roubaix, Kristoff drew attention in previous weeks by winning Gent-Wevelgem and finishing third at the Tour of Flanders using tubeless tyres.

Kristoff is sticking with the Vittoria Corsa Graphene 2.0 25mm tubeless tyres he has used in previous races, used in conjunction with Campagnolo Bora WTO tubeless-ready wheels, which were released last year and recently updated with a 45mm option.

"I've actually raced on tubeless all year, and have a good feeling on them. I also won Gent-Wevelgem and was third at Flanders on tubeless," Kristoff added.

"For me, they just feel better. I don't really know what the main difference is, but they roll well, and on the cobbles they don't feel bad at all – they feel comfortable. I did some tests this winter on tubulars, and I didn't feel any better, if I remember correctly.

“They're 25mm tyres, but they actually measure a little wider – around 26mm. But I'm keeping my tyre pressures a secret," he said

Cee-Jay-Cee · 14-04-2019 10:03am

I have been toying with running my Fulcrum Racing 5 DB’s tubeless for a few months but after reading this entire thread (again) I can see absolutely no advantages over my current latex tubes. I run 70/65psi (R/F) on 25mm Michelin Lithion 2’s and have had no punctures in 12 months and the bike has been on some horrendous road surfaces in that time. The tyres have no cuts or tears despite the awful roads I’ve been on and two new tyres are only €35.

Tubeless is messy to set up, latex tubes aren’t.
Tubeless requires the sealant topping up every few months.
I’d have to fit rim tape to my wheels which don’t require rim tape for use with tubes.
I’m limited to a small choice of tyres.
I’d still have to carry a tube in case of puncture and faff about removing the valve bung/seal before I could fit the tube.
They don’t retain pressure long term and so is still have to check/inflate before every ride.
I get 3 days without having to check/inflate with my latex tubes.

The biggest problem I would have with them is having to top up the sealant every so often.

I’ve ridden a bike with Aeolus 3 TL wheels and Conti GP5000’s tubeless set up and the ride was no better or worse than my own tyre/latex tube set up.

who_ru · 14-04-2019 12:17pm

Cee-Jay-Cee wrote: »

Tubeless is messy to set up, latex tubes aren’t.
Tubeless requires the sealant topping up every few months.

The biggest problem I would have with them is having to top up the sealant every so often.

Topping up the sealant takes about 2mins. You wouldn’t necessarily need tubes in the event of a puncture, you could use a worm. A guy I know is riding tubeless for 18 months with no punctures. It’s swings and roundabouts, some like tubeless some don’t.

Cee-Jay-Cee · 14-04-2019 12:34pm

who_ru wrote: »

Topping up the sealant takes about 2mins. You wouldn’t necessarily need tubes in the event of a puncture, you could use a worm. A guy I know is riding tubeless for 18 months with no punctures. It’s swings and roundabouts, some like tubeless some don’t.

I understand that but the fact that it has to be done would annoy me. It’s an ongoing cost to run tubeless and have sealant on hand. With tubes you buy them and that’s it. I’ve been using the same 2 latex tubes in my good bike for 3 years and the pair in my winter bike were fitted 12months ago. Zero punctures in that time.

Like you say it’s for some and not others. It’s not for me.

CrowdedHouse · 14-04-2019 12:35pm

Are latex tubes less susceptible to pinch flats?

Cee-Jay-Cee · 14-04-2019 4:00pm

CrowdedHouse wrote: »

Are latex tubes less susceptible to pinch flats?

I don’t honestly know. I run mine at 70/65psi and I’m 76kg. I’ve never had a pinch flat.

kayaksurfbum · 14-04-2019 8:11pm

Set up can be a bit of a pain but in my opinion the ride quality of tubeless is far superior then the Regular tire tube mix. I just put on a new set of Schwalbe pro one evolution and it feels super smooth, loads of grip too. It might just be my weight (100kgs) that makes the difference but im a convert.

For fitting I use a park tool track pump and they always seal first time.

magicbastarder · 15-04-2019 6:54pm

Kristoff regrets 'big risk' after using tubeless tyres in Paris-Roubaix

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/kristoff-regrets-big-risk-after-using-tubeless-tyres-in-paris-roubaix/

Cee-Jay-Cee · 15-04-2019 9:51pm

magicbastarder wrote: »

Kristoff regrets 'big risk' after using tubeless tyres in Paris-Roubaix

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/kristoff-regrets-big-risk-after-using-tubeless-tyres-in-paris-roubaix/

I’m going to use this as my reason for sticking with clinchers and latex tubes.

ballyharpat · 16-04-2019 12:36am

Cee-Jay-Cee wrote: »

I’m going to use this as my reason for sticking with clinchers and latex tubes.

or you could use it as a reason to run more than 25 on cobbles if you are running low pressure-Sagan was using 30mm, Kristoff 25

harringtonp · 16-04-2019 7:05am

magicbastarder wrote: »

Kristoff regrets 'big risk' after using tubeless tyres in Paris-Roubaix

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/kristoff-regrets-big-risk-after-using-tubeless-tyres-in-paris-roubaix/

It would have been useful to have some detail in that article. 3 punctures but why did he stop ? Completely flat ? Lost too much pressure for racing ? Didn't have sealant in them ? Sidewall tear ? Etc

Anyone want to send a tweet to him asking for a detailed response here on this brilliant thread ?

theunforgiven · 17-04-2019 7:35pm

Maybe this has been addressed but how difficult is it to take off a tubeless tyre, specifically a Magic UST from a Mavic wheel.

Thanks,

Eamonnator · 17-04-2019 7:48pm

Autocorrect strikes again.

I'm guessing you mean Mavic rather then magic.
I have no experience with Mavic Wheels or tyres, but last year, I had to cut a Schwalbe tyre off a Prime rim. It was the only way, that I could get it off.

theunforgiven · 17-04-2019 7:54pm

Not what I wanted to hear. I've a new set of Mavics on the way, think I'll get rid of the tubeless tyres and put some clinchers on.

So if you get a puncture that doesn't seal, the chances of taking off the tubeless tyre, fitting a tube, re-installing the tubeless tyre...well it doesn't bear thinking about...

Mercian Pro · 17-04-2019 8:14pm

theunforgiven wrote: »

Maybe this has been addressed but how difficult is it to take off a tubeless tyre, specifically a Magic UST from a Mavic wheel.

Thanks,

Was with a clubmate on a spin yesterday and he punctured the tube that he had previously fitted to a Mavic wheel/tubeless tyre combination. Took us about 10 minutes and five tyre levers to get the tyre off and another 10 minutes to get it back on after replacing the tube. He says it's only his second puncture in about 6,000 km (he fitted the tube after the first) but the tyre was quite worn and has since been binned.

I had been following this thread and weighing up the pros and cons of going tubeless but those 25mins in the cold yesterday have convinced me to stay "tubed".

harringtonp · 17-04-2019 8:20pm

Schwalbe pro ones come of and go on my carbon rims easy. I've had way more difficulty with some tubed combos in the past.

It all depends on the tubeless combination.

Leroy42 · 17-04-2019 8:26pm

Am I correct in thinking that tubeless can also run flat should the need arise?

I'm not talking all day, but enough to get you out of bother?

Could be rubbish, but for some reason I have that in my head.

Eamonnator · 17-04-2019 9:14pm

Leroy42 wrote: »

Am I correct in thinking that tubeless can also run flat should the need arise?

I'm not talking all day, but enough to get you out of bother?

Could be rubbish, but for some reason I have that in my head.

I never heard that.
Tubular tyres would be more capable of carrying on, than either tubed or tubeless tyres.

thelawman · 17-04-2019 9:27pm

theunforgiven wrote: »

Not what I wanted to hear. I've a new set of Mavics on the way, think I'll get rid of the tubeless tyres and put some clinchers on.

So if you get a puncture that doesn't seal, the chances of taking off the tubeless tyre, fitting a tube, re-installing the tubeless tyre...well it doesn't bear thinking about...

The Mavic man makes it easy,

https://youtu.be/knlDf0GkPYM

I bought some mavic cosmic pros last month, all good so far, 70 psi tubeless

gippo77 · 17-04-2019 11:04pm

Still think I prefer tubes.

Tubeless road - it actually works

Comments