On 1/16/2019 8:53 PM, bob prohaska wrote:
wrote:
Seriously, what is the point of these things? What problem do they solve and is it worth the extra maintenance hassles for non-racing riders?

A tubeless tire offers
1. lower cost, the impermeable membrane is cheaper than a tube
2. lower rolling resistance, the membrane is more flexible
3. better air retention, membranes that don't need to stretch leak less
4. (slightly) lighter weight, the membrane is thinner than a tube
5. (neat, small) punctures can be plugged without dismounting

A tubeless tire requires
1. a close tolerance interference fit at the beadseat
2. a positive bead retention scheme in the case of air loss
3. an airtight mounting surface (no spoke holes)
4. a reliable method for mounting and dismounting the tire bead on the seat

The advantages are marginal, the requirements are showstoppers for bicycle
applications. As tires get bigger, around motorcycle sizes, the requirements
can be met more easily and the (slender) advantages remain. As manufacturing
precision gets better and cheaper, tubeless bicycle tires might make sense

bob prohaska

Good analysis, I think.


--
- Frank Krygowski