Tubeless Tyres: Pros, Cons & Is It Worth Converting?
Published
Local Bike Mechanic — James Thornton, Staffordshire Moorlands & Cheshire East
Tubeless tyres have become standard on mountain bikes and are increasingly popular on road and gravel bikes. But are they right for you? Here's an honest look at the benefits and drawbacks.
How tubeless works
Instead of an inner tube, a tubeless tyre seals directly against the rim using airtight rim tape and a tubeless-compatible tyre. Liquid sealant inside the tyre automatically plugs small punctures as they happen.
The pros
- Fewer punctures: sealant plugs small holes from thorns, glass, and flints automatically
- Lower pressures: no risk of pinch flats means you can run 5–10 PSI lower for better grip and comfort
- Better ride quality: lower pressures absorb bumps better
- Lighter (sometimes): removing the tube saves weight, though sealant adds some back
- Self-sealing: many punctures seal without you even noticing
The cons
- Messier: sealant is liquid latex — it gets everywhere when you remove a tyre
- Sealant dries out: needs topping up every 2–3 months
- Harder to set up: initial installation can be fiddly and may need a compressor
- Large punctures still flat: sealant can't fix big cuts or sidewall tears
- Harder roadside repairs: if sealant fails, you need to fit a tube (messy)
- Not all wheels are compatible: rims need to be tubeless-ready (marked "TLR" or "UST")
Who benefits most?
| Rider type | Worth it? |
|---|---|
| Mountain bikers | Absolutely — almost essential |
| Gravel riders | Yes — lower pressures and puncture protection |
| Road cyclists (keen) | Worth considering — comfort and puncture benefits |
| Commuters | Maybe — puncture-resistant tyres with tubes may be simpler |
| Casual riders | Probably not — the hassle outweighs the benefits |
What's involved in converting?
- Check rim compatibility: must be tubeless-ready
- Tubeless rim tape: applied to seal the spoke holes
- Tubeless valves: replace the tube valves
- Tubeless-compatible tyres: marked "TLR", "TLE", or "UST"
- Sealant: 60–90ml per tyre (Stan's, Orange Seal, Muc-Off, etc.)
- Air compressor or tubeless pump: to seat the tyre bead initially
Maintenance
- Top up sealant every 2–3 months — it dries out
- Check tyre pressure before every ride — tubeless tyres lose air slowly
- Carry a spare tube — for emergencies when sealant can't fix the puncture
- Replace sealant fully every 6 months — old sealant clumps and stops working
Tubeless setup and maintenance
We can convert your wheels to tubeless, top up sealant, or fix tubeless punctures that sealant can't handle. We come to you.