UST vs. Tubeless Ready

sib321

Hey Guys!

I have UST rims so have always fitted UST tubeless tyres. Now I’ve found my favourite tyre is available in a “tubeless ready” version that is 200g per tyre lighter than the UST version. For two tyres that’s 400g and using the old formula “one off the wheels is worth two off the frame” that’s an equivalent weight reduction of nearly 1Kg!!!

The only downside to the tubeless ready seems to be that you must use sealant, which I do anyway, but the more flexible carcass should give better grip and the tubeless ready are also significantly cheaper too. Am I missing something or is it a ‘no brainer’ to run tubeless ready on my UST rims?

Thanks!

Si

Mccraque

I've run both tubeless and tubeless ready on the Zesty.

Always adopted a "belt and brace" approach to using UST...with the sealant, just in case.

It's true. You get the weight saving on the TR's, and I have never had a problem sealing them. I ran a Mud X all through winter with a slosh of sealant, no problem.

As I see it - the TRs are less sturdy tyres. Sure, they are lighter, but drop through a big rock garden, catch a sidewall on a bit of flint, and they are more likely to be in a spot of bother than a standard fatter walled UST.

On a ride 2 weeks ago, both my friend and I blew (on the same drop) a TR off the rim. and both unable to re-seal it trailside...so an innertube back in for each of us to get home. The stans was pssing everywhere!

Never had that problem with UST.

My personal preference now is to have TR for winter and XC use, and the burlier UST for bigger stuff, dryer months and trails

rhialto

Completely agree with Mccraque. Tubeless Ready are lighter but generally not as tough or durable. Depending on the type of riding and terrain, TR might work for you and as you say, the weight saving is very attractive. However, if you find you are having to stop and repair tires every other ride you may decide that it's not worth it. There really is no way to tell without trying them for a while.

To make it more complicated, you can find lots of people on the forum who say that they run tube-type tires on UST rims with sealant but no tubes. I haven't tried it, but it allows for even more tire choices (I'm not sure that's a good thing)!

I am currently running Maxxis UST 2.35 High Rollers. Super Tacky on the front, medium compound on the back. I run them because they are burly and durable. But they are heavy.

jairaj

Yep if you are using sealant I see very little reason to go for a UST over tubeless ready.

I use normal Maxxis tyres on my Stan's Rims. I have been running Ignitors on Crest rims all winter long and have had no issue what so ever.

On my other bike I am using Specialized 2-bliss tyres on Shimano UST rims and again no problems here either.

sib321

Thanks guys for that great info, very helpful.

My concern, as per Mccraque's experience, was that they may blow off the rim. That would be a bad thing in itself but then failing to reseal would add insult to injury!

Some of the guys in the LBS had given ALL tubeless setups a bad review re 'blowing off' but I had no problems with my full UST set up last year. I'm no riding god, but I'm 17st and I pound all of the black runs/rocks up at Cannock Chase regularly so I think full UST could be viewed as reliable TBH.

I'm really not sure which is best choice now, I like the idea of the weight saving but I don't fancy exploding tyres lol!!!

Guess I'll give them a go and let you know how it goes, fingers crossed.

Thanks again