Going tubeless? Don’t ditch the repair kit
At my last club ride, I heard someone say, ‘Now that I am tubeless, I don’t carry a repair kit, it’s great!’
Tubeless is great. Not carrying a repair kit, less so.
This is why I urge you to carry a repair kit with your tubeless setup and think through what being tubeless really means.
Tubeless is not infallible
Firstly, tubeless is not foolproof (nothing is). And when it fails, it’s a mess. It’s great for small punctures. Sharp objects like glass shards or metal debris can cause punctures that sealant alone can’t handle, necessitating a plug repair.
Secondly, if sealant and a plug don’t do the trick, you’ll have to get home somehow. Have you ever had to charm a taxi driver into agreeing to put a bike in their car? Now imagine trying to pull that when your wheel and frame are covered in sticky goop. For that reason, I would also carry a spare inner tube, just in case.
Tubeless vs tubes: what’s easier?
Don’t assume tubeless equals low-maintenance bliss. In fact, it’s often more work than traditional tubes. A poorly looked after tubeless system is a recipe for disaster.
Sealant dries out over time, tyres need regular inspection, and fitting tubeless tyres can be a serious workout. Either commit to regular checks and tubeless top-ups yourself, or have your local bike shop do it. Tubeless tyres are typically tighter and more difficult to fit onto the rim, so you’ll have to be extra good at changing tyres.
Tubeless vs tubes: what’s better?
Nope. I will not be going down that rabbit hole. What’s better is what works for you. Tubeless is breezy most of the time, but when it goes wrong, it’s messier. Keep this in mind when you consider changing setup.
Like disc brakes, hydraulics and suspension systems, tubeless tech originated in the mountain bike world—where low pressures, wide tyres, and rough terrain made it a no-brainer. However, road bikes run on higher pressures. A sealant that does a great job in a wide, low-pressure tyre may perform poorly in a narrow, high-pressure road tyre.
So how do I choose?
What are you trying to achieve?
If you are looking for ease 90% of the time and are willing to do more regular tyre maintenance, tubeless is a good idea.
Increased comfort thanks to lower pressure and less frequent roadside repairs are good reasons to go tubeless. Then again, if lower tyre pressure alone is what draws you to tubeless, why not simply run slightly wider tyres?
Being scared of punctures and wanting to become more autonomous is not a good reason to go tubeless. Finding a clincher tyre that easily fits onto your rim and practicing your tyre lever skills would be a safer option.
Take people’s opinions with a pinch of salt. If someone says their tyre is really easy to fit onto their rim, it may not be true for your rim (tyre and rim combinations are surprisingly not that standardised). What they call ‘easy’ repairs or maintenance may not be easy for you.
Suggested tool kit for tubeless setups
A tyre plugger and plugs (ideally with a small blade to cut off the excess)
A pump (depending on your tyre/rim combination, you may want to carry a CO2 inflator instead to help your tyre sit)
The traditional toolset as a backup: inner tube, tyre levers, and an Allen key for thru axles
Latex gloves (optional, but you’ll thank me)
Still not convinced?
You don’t want to lug around extra tools and you see tubeless as magic? OK. But be prepared to work on your zen the day your puncture doesn’t seal and you have to find a plan B.
Conclusion
While tubeless tyres offer significant advantages, they aren’t a catch-all solution to puncture woes. Being prepared with a well-stocked repair kit and understanding how to maintain and repair your setup ensures that your adventures remain uninterrupted, allowing you to focus on the journey ahead.
Ride safe!
