For today's Mechanical Monday, we are taking a look back at the myths of tubeless tires. With all the rumors, both good and bad, about tubeless tires, it is about time to cut through the fluff and give a real accounting of this ever-growing technology. What are some of the common myths that need answering? We've compiled the list below:
Myth One: "Tubeless doesn't work."
Myth Two: "Any cyclocross tubeless tire will work."
Myth Three: "My Road Tubeless or 29er tubeless wheels will work just fine."
Myth Four: "You must use tubeless tires."
Myth Five: "Low PSI means faster."
Myth Six: "Wider rims are always better."
Myth Seven: "You need a compressor."
Myth Eight: "It’s always possible to change a tire the night before a race, or the morning of..."
Myth Nine: "Valves are all the same."
Myth Ten: "Low pressure is the only reason to try tubeless."
Myth Eleven: "Setup is complex and time-consuming."
Myth Twelve: "There are limited options for tires and rims."
Myth Thirteen: "Tubeless is heavier than tubulars, but lighter than clinchers."
Myth Fourteen: "If I can bottom out without burping, I’m good."
Myth Fifteen: "Tubeless is heavier than tubulars"
With top-tier riders like Mical Dyck finishing as the lead North American Elite Rider at the 2015 Cyclocross World Championship in Tabor, tubeless is becoming too relevant to ignore. For quality content like this tech article, be sure to subscribe to our print or digital magazine today, which is also available on Uberflip, in the App Store on iTunes, and on Google Play for Android.
If you find yourself pleasantly surprised by the dispelled myths, and the idea of going tubeless has piqued your interest, be sure to check out our earlier "how to" guide for going tubeless in Issue 25 as well.
Myth Two: “Any cyclocross tubeless tire will work.”
Though standards have been available for mountain biking, adapted for mountain biking, tubeless for cyclocross is still new territory. The needs of cyclocross wheels differ from mountain bike wheels since ’cross tires are narrower, and people are looking for a light weight and supple tire.
Without a standard, trial and error have led to these predictors for winning tires: A tighter, slightly thicker tire bead without the serrated ridges sometimes seen just above the bead is more likely to be successful. Just because a tire is marked tubeless or tubeless-ready doesn’t mean all of these parameters are present, though the chances are greater.
Busting the myths of tubeless tires. © Cyclocross Magazine
