Topic: Need new tires...Should I go tubeless?

[Slowjenfizz]

Hey all,
 
I'm in need of new tires for my bike.  I've got Maxxis Ridgelines (26 x 2.1) now and I've been happy with them, but since the side wall of one is shredding I need to go ahead and get some new ones.  I thought I'd ask for your collective knowledge and request your input.
 
I asked John Moore the other day, and he said he likes sliding around corners.  I don't...DO NOT...like sliding around corners. I like things grippy.  I like maintaining contact with the trail.  I'm not that worried about weight (not a weight weenie by any means) but I don't want super heavy, either.
 
And, since I've got to get new tires, anyway, should I go for tubeless?  As many tubes as I've had to change (well, had to have changed) lately it seems an interesting options. 
 
Please, feedback wanted/welcome.
 
Thanks in advance,
 
Jennifer

[Redriderpro]

K.I.S.S. Do you know what that means?

Are you having lots of flats? Having to change tubes? If not buy good 2.1 Kevlar tires( or my fav: http://wheelworld.com/product/wtb-mutano-raptor-race-2.4-37095-1.htm) that provide good traction and keep going.

Unless you have UST rims, you'll need a Stans kit or to do the Getto method ( See Darrwin W) to set them up, which for me was a pain in the butt.
But, I'm old and lazy.

I'm sure the tubliss troups will weight in too.

Frank

[Alan]

What rims do you have now?  That may help with some of the tubeless suggestions that will be coming.

[Darrinw2001]

Jen,


in all honesty tubeless takes a real commitment, why not just get a nice set of all around tires (maxis ignitors, Panaracer fire xc pro) and start using slime light tubes... the slime lite tubes are easy to use and dont add very much weight... 

[Sirbikesalot]

2bliss were a real nightmare for me.No quick flat tire change trail side.Get a hole in your tire and your replacing the tire not a 3 dollar tube.Certain rims require a C02 cartridge to get the tire seated to inflate them.I always drill my rims to fit a shrader valve tube and never have a problem finding a tube.SLIME works real good also.

[Slowjenfizz]

OK, after these comments and others will keep with the tubes.  Now..hmm..which new tires>

[ProEdgeBiker]

TUBES!!! ---- LESS!!!  Go UST, Jen. 

Slime tubes are probably the worst thing ever invented, at least for bikes.

I saw a friend once have to cut his tires in order to remove those nasty tubes, the slime had clogged the valves and he could not get the air out of the tubes in order to remove the tire.

[Sirbikesalot]

Agree slime can cause a mess...I just ordered these......http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/11888-320_PANFC3-3-Parts-73-Tires/Mountain/Panaracer-Fire-XC-Pro-Tire-26x2.1.htm

[slowfatguy]

I've been tubeless for 4-5 years and can count the number of flats I've had on my 2 hands with fingers left over. I'm a big fan of tubeless!

[BeerCan]

I agree tubeless can be great.  It really comes down to her rims.  Ghetto tubeless can be a pain and if your not committed to getting them right.

[ProEdgeBiker]

I've been tubeless for 4-5 years and can count the number of flats I've had on my 2 hands with fingers left over. I'm a big fan of tubeless!

Totally agree with SFG, going UST(DRY) on 6+ yrs myself an I can only count 1 flat due to my sidewall blowing out due to a manufacturer flaw..
BTW, no sealant was helping that situation.

[FACTORe]

45 mile ride yesterday and the guy I was riding with got 2 yes 2 BIG nails in his tires and he had stans and it sealed right up and there was no problem at all

[Sirbikesalot]

Is ust a good idea if you ride 50% road?Are road bikes tubeless.I only ask cause slowjen was talking about commuting to work alot.

[FACTORe]

It is a great idea for commuting especially - who wants to be late for work because of a flat?

[steve]

Like PEB,Factor and SFG said tubeless with a smaller knobby for commuting if you are doing that I use the Specialized fast track which seems to work everywhere we go and on my 13 mile rides to Carter do fine on the road with low pressure also