It’s been about a decade since tubeless wheelsets started appearing. When I was still working at Adventure Bicycle Company in Mesa (part-time, by that point), wheel giants Mavic sent a representative to our shop to show us how to work on them and convince us of the benefits.
I didn’t come away convinced. Not at all. Didn’t like ‘em. Didn’t want ‘em.
Let’s get this straight: I’m not old-school just to be contrary. I’m just a skeptic. If something is truly worth it, you’d better give me more than marketing hype to convince me. And be sure to pick the right features and benefits.
For instance, the Mavic dude really hung his presentation on the concept that tubeless tires would prevent pinch flats. That would let riders use lower tire pressures to get a smoother ride
My response was … BFD. Most of our customers at the time were riding various Santa Cruz full-suspensions bikes. Traction and smooth rides weren’t –and still aren’t- really concepts a Santa Cruz owner need lose any sleep over.
Now, let’s move ahead in time. I’ve become a tubeless believer. I know what you’re thinking: “What-what-what?!”
I was wrong. Kind of. It wasn’t lower tire pressures that convinced me.
See, many of the new generation of tubeless wheelsets require users to use tire sealant to help maintain a seal between the tire bead and the rim. The sealant also works to plug up punctures.
Okay, so maybe you’re thinking “Ah, Wandering Justin … you poor fool. Slime has been around for eons.” Sure, but [...]
