How Do Tubeless Tires Work? Are They Worth It?

The reasons not to go tubeless are dwindling. Sure, it’s easy to find someone complaining on Reddit about how bad tubeless tires are and why it’s a waste of time. But let it be known that 99% of those problems are due to poor installation or unrealistic expectations.

Let’s be honest. If you get a massive 1-inch sidewall slash from a sharp rock, it’s unlikely tubeless sealant and a couple of plugs will do the trick. But for everyday punctures caused by thorns, broken glass, or debris, a proper tubeless setup can save your ride (or at least prevent you from having to remove the tire and install a tube). And it is pretty magical how it works.

We’re not writing off using tubes, as some cyclists prefer them. But when out in the wild, there are many advantages of leveraging tubeless sealant that can’t be ignored.

How Tubeless Sealant Works to Fill Punctures

Think of tubeless sealant as your tire's built-in first aid system. This liquid miracle worker is made with natural latex or synthetic polymers suspended in a water or ammonia-based solution, along with small particles like carbon fiber, glitter, or other materials that help plug holes.

When a puncture occurs, the escaping air pressure forces the sealant toward the hole. The sudden pressure drop causes the liquid component to evaporate rapidly, which leaves behind the latex or polymers. These materials then coagulate around the suspended particles to form a solid plug that seals the puncture. The process works much like blood clotting to seal a wound.

For small punctures up to 5-6mm, the sealant often handles the job automatically with no plug needed. But for larger holes and cuts, using plugs (or "bacon strips” as they’re often called) act as a sticky, mechanical patch to fill bigger openings. Combined with the sealant, you’d be surprised at how big of a puncture you can repair without needing to remove your wheel.

In the instance of a puncture, the plugging process is straightforward. It just takes a little practice to get right.

Locate the puncture where sealant is seeping out of the tire
Place the middle of the bacon strip onto the provided tool
Forcibly push the strip into the hole until both ends of the strip are barely sticking out the tire
Pull the tool out quickly, leaving the strip in place
Move the tire around so that sealant seeps into the puncture and effectively seals the hole and add more air as needed

Believe or not, the bacon strip works with the sealant to create a more robust seal that’s ridable for the life of the tire. The rubber provides a framework for the sealant to bond with, while the sealant helps lock everything in place.

Undeniable Benefits of Tubeless Tires

While installing a tubeless setup takes the right tools and know-how, it’s not overly complicated to figure out. Even if you have your local bike shop mount your tires tubeless, the advantages far outweigh the hassle in the event of a puncture.

Instant Flat Repair: The liquid sealant automatically plugs small punctures within seconds, allowing riders to continue without stopping – especially crucial during races.
Significant Weight Reduction: Eliminating tubes can save up to 200 grams per wheel, with even more significant savings on mountain bikes and fat bikes where the weight savings can dramatically improve performance.
Pinch Flat Prevention: The elimination of tubes means no more frustrating snake bite flats, which commonly occur when tubes get pinched between the rim and obstacles.
Superior Traction Control: Running lower tire pressures without pinch flat risks creates a larger contact patch with the ground, delivering better grip and cornering ability, especially in loose or wet conditions.
Enhanced Ride Feel: The ability to run lower pressures allows tires to better absorb trail chatter and rough terrain, resulting in less vibration transmitted to the rider.
Improved Rolling Efficiency: Lower pressures allow tires to conform to obstacles rather than bounce over them, maintaining momentum and reducing energy expenditure, which is particularly noticeable on rough terrain.

Best Practices for Reliable Tubeless Setups

Assuming you’re on your way to becoming proficient in tubeless tire setups, there are certain best practices and tools you’ll want to have in your arsenal for both installation and maintenance.

Proper Installation

A reliable tubeless setup starts with compatible components and the right installation tools. Keep these essential items in your home workshop:

Tubeless-specific rim tape
Valve stems
Tire levers
Isopropyl alcohol for cleaning
High-pressure pump or compressor
Sealant injector or syringe

Both your wheels and tires must be specifically designed for tubeless use. The rim tape serves as your first line of defense against air loss. Apply a single layer of tape that extends 2-5mm up the rim walls, and start the application about 10cm before the valve hole. Multiple layers of tape can actually cause problems by altering the rim's dimensions.

For the initial tire mounting, start opposite the valve stem and work the first bead into the rim's center channel. This technique provides more slack and makes installation easier. A pro tip: use isopropyl alcohol or soapy water to lubricate the bead for easier seating.

For the most reliable setup, mount the tire first with a tube and inflate it to maximum pressure overnight. This process helps the tire create a "memory" of its shape and ensures the tape adheres properly to the rim.

Bring the Right Tools

Even the most reliable tubeless setup can encounter challenges on the road or trail. Experienced riders prepare for situations by carrying these essential tools:

Tubeless plug tool with bacon strips
CO2 inflator with multiple cartridges
Quality mini-pump as backup
Spare tube for emergency situations
Valve core removal tool

These tools can mean the difference between a quick trailside repair and a long walk home. While tubeless setups excel at sealing small punctures automatically, larger cuts require manual intervention.

The combination of plug tools and backup inflation options ensures you can handle most common issues. A spare tube serves as the ultimate backup plan for situations where tubeless repairs aren't possible.

Tubeless Maintenance

For the best results with tubeless sealant:

Check sealant levels every 6 months
Add fresh sealant as needed
Keep tires properly inflated
Carry a tubeless repair kit on rides

Most riders can expect their tubeless sealant to remain effective for 2-7 months before needing a refresh. The exact duration depends on your local climate and riding conditions. In particularly arid environments, more frequent monitoring becomes necessary.

Regular maintenance checks every 6 months help prevent issues. Top up sealant levels, inspect rim tape integrity, and verify proper valve tightness. For optimal performance, clean and refresh the entire system annually (or more often if you ride over 7,000 miles per year.)

So, Are Tubeless Tires Worth It?

Pictures this: you’re out on a long adventure ride, and a small pokey stick punctures your tire. If you’re relying on tubes, then you’ll need to either patch the tube or replace it (both options take time and the right tools.)

Now, picture getting the same puncture with tubeless sealant in your tires. If the puncture is small enough, the sealant will fill the gap automatically, and you will be back on your bike in seconds. Otherwise, you’ll need to plug the puncture and ensure it seals before adding a little air and heading off on your merry way. Either way, you’re only looking at a couple of minutes of lost time.

With tubes, you’re looking at several minutes of lost time fixing a flat. Mechanically inclined riders can change a tube in 3-5 minutes. But if you’re in a race scenario, those precious minutes could end your chances of getting a good result.

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