Tubeless Compatible Wheels - Which Tyres?

thegibdog

Just purchased a new Ultegra wheelset from Ribble (they were under £200, I couldn't resist any longer!). Didn't plan on running them tubeless but thought I'd at least explore the options. The wheels will likely be used on the summer/race bike.

Interested in hearing the opinions of people on here who run/have tried tubeless. From what I've read there's no real weight saving and the cost seems higher than normal clinchers but is there a noticeable improvement in ride quality? Do they roll better? Does using them with sealant virtually eliminate punctures?

For those who have tubeless compatible rims which tyres do you run?

maddog 2

I've run Atoms, Fusion 2 and 3s, Intesives, and Bonty R3s (25mm)

The Fusions were pretty good. I didn't really notice any difference between the 2s and 3s, although the 3s seemed to be better quality. Atoms were lighter but no grippier and wore faster, so of the Hutchinsons, I preferred the Fusions. The Intensives were okay but a bit wooden and less grip that both the Atoms and Fusions.

Then I tried the 25mm R3swhich were excellent and my favourite but , again, wore quite quickly, which was annoying.

I've got some Ultremos to put on next so we'll see how they go.

thegibdog

Thanks for the response maddog. I'm not sure I find paying a premium for quick wearing tyres particularly appealing, do you find a significant improvement in the ride compared to standard clinchers?

itboffin

I thought the schwalbe ZX weren't tubeless ready?

thegibdog

There is a tubeless version:

http://road.cc/content/review/95313-sch ... less-tyres

dj58

Hi thegibdog,

I posted a similar question in Road General recently under the title 700c Tubeless Wheels and Tyres, there are some answers that may interest you.

thegibdog

Cheers DJ.

maddog 2

thegibdog wrote:

do you find a significant improvement in the ride compared to standard clinchers?

I like to run lower pressures, mainly for grip, so tubeless works well for me there. But it's close. If tubeless was the same price as a clincher+tube then it would be a simple choice but you do pay a premium over clinchers. On the rear wheel I think tubeless is the way to go as that carries more weight and gets bigger impacts and has a big influence on comfort, but I'm so-so on the front, and sometimes run a Evo Corsa clincher+latex tube at 90psi without any problems.