Question on running tubeless. Have a set of 28 S-Works tubeless on a set of Giant PR-2 wheels. I’ve been told by various folks that I will experience more air loss while running tubeless than with the same tire and wheel combo running tubes. Today’s ride, 53 miles and I was down almost 10 pounds on each wheel. No punctures. Any sage advice greatly appreciated.
Greg Huneke: Sounds similar to tubular seepage but as the sealant works its way into the cracks and crevices, the pressure should hold better. Initial install the sealant really gets spread pretty thin, maybe an extra ounce in each wheel will help
Joe Ott: This….
Joe Sandschulte: Tubes lose 10% of their pressure every 24 hours or less. Sewups about 30psi. Tubeless need about 24hrs to seal the whole tire. Theyll still lose some air overnight but not 10psi in 4-5 hrs.
Chris Dermody: Not sure what tubes & tires youre running but mine might lose 10% over a week.
Joe Sandschulte: Chris Dermody are you referring to clinchers?
Chris Dermody: Joe Sandschulte tubes and clinchers, yes. No sealant. I do run tlr rims, with hardshell gators and schwalbe tubes
Joe Sandschulte: Chris Dermody its a well known fact. Butyl rubber by its nature is slightly porous. I worked as a race mech for nearly 30 years and own a mobile biz. Tires (tubes) lose pressure over time. In race service we had to top off tires everyday as they would lose 8-10s overnight. How about this, if you have a spare wheel, tube and tire. Mount em up and pump to whatever pressure you like. Let it sit for a week and go back and see whats left. If you use a road tire, start at 100psi (nice round number) .
Chris Dermody: Joe Sandschulte been doing this for a fair while myself. Im well aware of pressure lose due to porous material. The rate of loss is dependent on many factors including initial pressure. Back in the bad old days there was substantially more loss when 120psi was common. That said, I currently ride at 100 psi in 700 x 25, as Im 63 and 200lbs ish, and between Sunday and Friday I might have to add 10 psi. Not sure what your point is. Yes they lose pressure. My experience of my current set up is different from yours. I have had various results over the years (40 years of wrenching bikes and a professional mechanic) but for quite a while I have not lost anywhere near to 10psi overnight. Ambient temps influence too and for reference I live in a pretty hot and dry climate.
Joe Sandschulte: Chris Dermody I only know what experience shows me. Ive been at as long as you (40 yrs and nearly 30 of that In race service). Yes, there are several factors involved but Ive seen it in 100 heat and 15 cold.
Jeff Godfrey: I’ve never tried tubeless, what’s the real advantage? Is it the weight?
Ronny Schroyen: In mountainbiking you have more advantage running tubeless than on road bikes. Less risk for flats by puncture or snakebite, you can run lower pressure = more contact between tire and trail = more traction = more speed = more fun 😉
Chris Daigle: Ronny Schroyen Exactly. Offroad, tubeless is a traction advantage and control advantage over normal tube style tires. On road bikes there is very little advantage. Tubulars are faster with better grip and control if you want a performance advantage. I have run through at least 2 dozen tube style tires with no flats until the tire was just completely worn out.
Joe Sandschulte: Tubeless tires,weigh significantly more than a clincher in the same class and size. Its about the ability to keep riding should you puncture. If the bead of the tire pops, thats a whole nother story. Id still carry a spare tube and steel core tire levers and a co2 inflator just in case.
Bill Heimann: I find that beyond the advantage of less flats the feel of tubeless tires is very nice. You can run them at a lower pressure getting more suspension. Really like the handling as well. I am not so worried about flats as many others seem to be.