With the cyclocross race season in the Tokai region fast approaching, it has become the time of year when we receive many inquiries about tires.
Among the questions we often receive during this time, many people find themselves confused between tubeless and tubeless-ready.
Actually, these two are completely different things, so I would like you to be aware of this.
First, their common ground.
The biggest feature is that neither uses a tube.
The benefits brought about by this are:
・Lighter weight due to the absence of a tube.
・Smoother tire deformation, as the tube does not interfere with the process.
・Improved ride quality and grip performance due to the factors above.
These are the main points.
Though I have written this simply, the benefits are significant, and you should be able to reap them not only in race scenes but also in fun rides.
Now then, let's move on to the parts that are not the same.
First, for "tubeless," you can make the wheels function without a tube by preparing tubeless-specific rims, tires, and valve cores.
Major companies selling this standard include:
For rims or wheels: MAVIC, Shimano, and Fulcrum.
For tires: Hutchinson, Michelin, IRC, and others.
And then there is "tubeless-ready."
This is what most of the items on the market are.
You can make the wheels function without a tube by preparing tubeless-ready rims, tires, valve cores, rim tape, and sealant fluid.
So, what is the major difference between the two above?
Yes, the last two items: rim tape and sealant fluid.
This is the boundary line that sets them apart.
What is particularly important is the presence of the sealant fluid.
Sealant is not required for tubeless, but it is always necessary for tubeless-ready.
This is the key point.
Tubeless-ready is a tube-free mechanism that is built on the premise of using sealant fluid.
The performance of this sealant fluid is to seal small gaps where air leaks to maintain airtightness.
In other words, high airtightness is required for tubeless tires and rims, while tubeless-ready uses sealant to block small gaps in tires and rims that are more prone to air leakage than tubeless ones.
A major way to distinguish their airtightness also appears in the rims.
Please look at the photos.
This is a MAVIC tubeless rim.
As you will quickly notice, there is only a hole for the valve to pass through.
The nipples required when building the wheel are designed to be secured from the outside, and by reducing the number of holes for the nipples to pass through, the airtightness is increased.
And here is a Velocity tubeless-ready rim.
In appearance, it is no different from a normal rim, and there is nothing particularly special when building the wheel.
However, when using it as tubeless-ready, it requires special rim tape, which seals the holes for the nipples just like a tubeless rim.
This is the state with the rim tape applied.
The light blue part is the Velocity-specific rim tape, which is sealing the nipple holes.
This rim tape is harder and more adhesive than standard rim tape, serving as a seal, and is used to increase airtightness.
And perhaps the most confusing part is the tire labeling, isn't it?
This is a Schwalbe tire, and it says "tubeless-ready."
And here is a WTB tire. It says "tubeless."
However, take a close look: it says "TCS" before "tubeless."
The details of this TCS system can be found on the WTB website, but it is designed to use sealant.
This is it!
The tubeless-ready system is confusing because labeling differs by tire manufacturer, and the use of sealant is not always clearly indicated.
Therefore, I recommend consulting with us before making the switch.
Although tubeless and tubeless-ready can be confusing, the effects are significant, and I can say with confidence that it is a system I would recommend to many of you.
Also, I am sure you still have many questions about how to use it.
How about maintenance?
What should I do if I get a flat on the road?
Are the tire and rim compatible?
And so on.
I will introduce these topics in due time, but for now, I hope this blog helps you understand the major differences.
¥3,240-
This rim tape fits Velocity rims perfectly. It can of course be used with tubeless-ready, as well as with inner tubes.
¥400-
This is the original sealant fluid provided by Stan’s NoTubes. It’s an excellent product with a choice of sizes and hardening speeds.
¥5,400-
The all-around cross tire that WTB is proud of.
I am planning to use these this season too.
