Author Topic: Need new tires...Should I go tubeless? (Read 1719 times)

Slowjenfizz · « **on:** February 04, 2011, 02:02:47 PM »

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 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 04, 2011, 02:38:42 PM »

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 · « **Reply #2 on:** February 04, 2011, 03:15:30 PM »

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

Darrinw2001 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 05, 2011, 12:28:09 AM »

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 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 05, 2011, 06:25:16 AM »

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 · « **Reply #5 on:** February 05, 2011, 12:54:47 PM »

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

ProEdgeBiker · « **Reply #6 on:** February 05, 2011, 01:11:51 PM »

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 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 05, 2011, 02:23:59 PM »

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 · « **Reply #8 on:** February 05, 2011, 05:23:09 PM »

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 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 05, 2011, 06:20:43 PM »

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 · « **Reply #10 on:** February 06, 2011, 11:17:37 AM »

Quote from: slowfatguy on February 05, 2011, 05:23:09 PM

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 · « **Reply #11 on:** February 06, 2011, 12:37:13 PM »

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 · « **Reply #12 on:** February 06, 2011, 03:27:49 PM »

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 · « **Reply #13 on:** February 06, 2011, 04:01:46 PM »

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

steve · « **Reply #14 on:** February 06, 2011, 04:50:39 PM »

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

ClintonRH · « **Reply #15 on:** February 06, 2011, 05:52:01 PM »

I hate my knobby tires on the road. I used to ride the 7 miles to Flatwoods on my mountain bike pretty regularly. Would do a lap then come home. Since I went tubeless I never do. I hate riding those tires on the road. They're way to squirmy without tubes at the pressures I run them at.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE tubeless tires. I think it's the best possible upgrade for the money. I would never go back to tubes for trail riding.

Maybe at a higher pressure I would be perfectly happy with them on road but at the pressures I prefer for trail riding they're downright scary with how much they squirm on pavement when turning at speed.

Scott · « **Reply #16 on:** February 06, 2011, 05:57:36 PM »

Quote from: steve on February 06, 2011, 04:50:39 PM

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

For even less rolling resistance check out the Specialized Renegade. I hear people talk of flat repair all of the sudden becoming harder because you are tubeless? Either way you are installing a tube, where is the problem. If you maintain your sealant by adding a scoop every 3 months, other than some catostrophic failure you will not be repairing flats.

steve · « **Reply #17 on:** February 06, 2011, 08:07:21 PM »

So true Scott

Darrinw2001 · « **Reply #18 on:** February 07, 2011, 09:56:19 PM »

Jen,

I have these tires and I love them - http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_520440_-1_202179_10000_202325

Scott · « **Reply #19 on:** February 08, 2011, 08:48:48 AM »

Quote from: Darrinw2001 on February 07, 2011, 09:56:19 PM

Jen,

I have these tires and I love them - http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_520440_-1_202179_10000_202325

Run with tubes, these are about as good as it gets

Redriderpro · « **Reply #20 on:** February 08, 2011, 09:52:00 AM »

Those look like WTB Mutano Rapters only smaller and 20 grams lighter, and cheaper.

Sirbikesalot · « **Reply #21 on:** February 09, 2011, 04:59:29 PM »

Dumb question here but if you get a flat with tubeless and your on the trail how do you find the hole in your tire?

Darrinw2001 · « **Reply #22 on:** February 09, 2011, 05:04:36 PM »

Quote from: Sirbikesalot on February 09, 2011, 04:59:29 PM

Dumb question here but if you get a flat with tubeless and your on the trail how do you find the hole in your tire?

you wont have to if you have sealant.. the tire will seal right up..

Тгірlе Т · « **Reply #23 on:** February 09, 2011, 05:50:31 PM »

Quote from: Darrinw2001 on February 09, 2011, 05:04:36 PM

you wont have to if you have sealant.. the tire will seal right up..

Not completely true. The puncture could be too big for the sealant to handle.

Тгірlе Т · « **Reply #24 on:** February 09, 2011, 05:51:42 PM »

Quote from: Sirbikesalot on February 09, 2011, 04:59:29 PM

Dumb question here but if you get a flat with tubeless and your on the trail how do you find the hole in your tire?

Carry a tube as a back up in case of emergency.

Darrinw2001 · « **Reply #25 on:** February 09, 2011, 06:10:38 PM »

Quote from: Тгірlе Т on February 09, 2011, 05:50:31 PM

Quote from: Darrinw2001 on February 09, 2011, 05:04:36 PM
you wont have to if you have sealant.. the tire will seal right up..

Not completely true. The puncture could be too big for the sealant to handle.

Then in that case it would be spurting fluid everywhere.. no problem finding the hole...

Тгірlе Т · « **Reply #26 on:** February 09, 2011, 06:15:18 PM »

Quote from: Darrinw2001 on February 09, 2011, 06:10:38 PM

no problem finding the hole...

I hope not.

RiskEverything · « **Reply #27 on:** March 05, 2011, 06:24:41 PM »

If you don't like sliding in the corners, get WTB Weirwolfs. I've run them for 4-5 years and still have one of my originals (just replaced the other original after it sat in a hot car and exploded

).

I run them tubeless (even two that aren't supposed to be tubeless) with sealant and I only replace the sealant when the tire won't hold air on its own. That's usually closer to a year than 2-3 months. I've had plenty of punctures, but none that caused a flat!

I also run my tires at 40psi front and rear, which is way more than most everyone else. This is good for less rolling resistance (speed!) but worse for traction... except that these tires still grip so well that I have NO problems with traction! They don't even slide on wet roots!

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Author Topic: Need new tires...Should I go tubeless? (Read 1719 times)