Tube vs Tubeless
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Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 73
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From: St. Petersburg
Tube vs Tubeless
I never really paid much attention to the wheels on my 11' Forty Eight until I saw all the intricate designs of laced wheels out there. The options available are completely limitless.
However, I do have a question: Can laced wheels be sealed to use a "tubeless" tire? It was listed as an option at a wheel building site that Ive been frequenting. I have yet to call them, but I also wanted to get opinions from everyone.
Do you prefer a tubed tire over a tubless tire, why? Are there advantages of 1 over the other?
Can laced wheels really be sealed to run a tubless tire or am I risking too much?
My initial thoughts are that tubless tires > tubed tires, simply for ease of repair in case of a flat. There isnt a solid rim out there that I have found that I like, and Im leaning more towards a custom laced wheel, which is $$$, but completes that "one of a kind" look that I am going for.
However, I do have a question: Can laced wheels be sealed to use a "tubeless" tire? It was listed as an option at a wheel building site that Ive been frequenting. I have yet to call them, but I also wanted to get opinions from everyone.
Do you prefer a tubed tire over a tubless tire, why? Are there advantages of 1 over the other?
Can laced wheels really be sealed to run a tubless tire or am I risking too much?
My initial thoughts are that tubless tires > tubed tires, simply for ease of repair in case of a flat. There isnt a solid rim out there that I have found that I like, and Im leaning more towards a custom laced wheel, which is $$$, but completes that "one of a kind" look that I am going for.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,973
Likes: 9
From: Colorado Springs CO
I'll give it my best shot.
1. Laced wheels can be tubeless. Some Harley's have laced tubeless tires.
2. Generally speaking tubeless are easier to fix on the side of the road if you get a flat so advantage tubeless. Some people will argure you can seal a laced, tubed wheel as well but I have never tried or done it.
3. People prefer both types of wheels looks, ease of fixing, cleaning, and many other reasons for one or the other.
For your last question I am assuming the laced wheel is tubed and you want to know of it can be converted to tubeless? I dont know the answer but with enough money probably "yes".
1. Laced wheels can be tubeless. Some Harley's have laced tubeless tires.
2. Generally speaking tubeless are easier to fix on the side of the road if you get a flat so advantage tubeless. Some people will argure you can seal a laced, tubed wheel as well but I have never tried or done it.
3. People prefer both types of wheels looks, ease of fixing, cleaning, and many other reasons for one or the other.
For your last question I am assuming the laced wheel is tubed and you want to know of it can be converted to tubeless? I dont know the answer but with enough money probably "yes".
Thread Starter
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Advanced
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 73
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From: St. Petersburg
I'll give it my best shot.
1. Laced wheels can be tubeless. Some Harley's have laced tubeless tires.
2. Generally speaking tubeless are easier to fix on the side of the road if you get a flat so advantage tubeless. Some people will argure you can seal a laced, tubed wheel as well but I have never tried or done it.
3. People prefer both types of wheels looks, ease of fixing, cleaning, and many other reasons for one or the other.
For your last question I am assuming the laced wheel is tubed and you want to know of it can be converted to tubeless? I dont know the answer but with enough money probably "yes".
1. Laced wheels can be tubeless. Some Harley's have laced tubeless tires.
2. Generally speaking tubeless are easier to fix on the side of the road if you get a flat so advantage tubeless. Some people will argure you can seal a laced, tubed wheel as well but I have never tried or done it.
3. People prefer both types of wheels looks, ease of fixing, cleaning, and many other reasons for one or the other.
For your last question I am assuming the laced wheel is tubed and you want to know of it can be converted to tubeless? I dont know the answer but with enough money probably "yes".
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,973
Likes: 9
From: Colorado Springs CO
Well remember that laced wheels need to be checked as part of a regular maintenance routine. They are not that hard to maintain, just want you to be aware that regular checking to make sure all the spokes are tight is needed.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 756
Likes: 2
From: Virginia
If you pick up a nail or something in a tube type tire it will go flat right then. If in a tubeless tire it will act as a plug and most of the time you can ride it in to get it fixed.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
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From: Myrtle Beach,SC
Nor do you have to worry about rusting the inside of the rim with wet weather and washing the bike. Water can seep into the rim and do some nasty damage. Been there done that. No more laced wheels for me.
Patch and go...
Patch and go...
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
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From: .....
This might sound funny and I know bikes have evolved in the 30 years I was away but I had no idea there was such a thing as tubeless tires on bikes. And surely not with spoke wheels. Mags, sure. But spokes...not 30 years ago. You'd have been laughed at like your were nuts.