Hello! I’m Ishikawa from Circles Tokyo.
It’s finally here. It’s finally happening, everyone!
OMM LITE / BIKE is taking place July 20 (Sat) and 21 (Sun)!!
Ishikawa here will be taking part on behalf of Circles Tokyo.
This will be my first time riding OMM BIKE!
I’ve been looking forward to it so much that it’s no exaggeration to say I’ve been working hard all this time just for this.
The bike I’ll be riding on the day is my RITCHEY SWISS CROSS.
I’d been thinking about upgrading something for OMM BIKE…
While gathering information about OMM BIKE, I heard that
“It may seem like it’s mostly dirt, but there’s a lot of pavement too. There are climbs, so you’ll want a bike that feels nimble.”
I’d been interested in that thing for a while, but never quite got around to trying it. Could it be the best way to ride?
Maybe it’s time to give it a shot…!
That’s right: going tubeless.
I’d heard plenty of negative opinions from more experienced riders, like:
“Tubeless is great, but it’s a pain to maintain,” and “It depends on how well the tire and rim work together…”
Those comments had put me off without me even realizing it, but if people keep riding tubeless despite the drawbacks, there must be even more to like about it.
They say you have to try things for yourself, so I decided to convert my RITCHEY to tubeless and take it to OMM BIKE!
What is tubeless…?
A system that uses no inner tube. Instead, sealant is poured into the tire to fill the gaps in the bead and keep air from escaping.
All you need are a tubeless-ready rim and tire, a tubeless valve, tubeless rim tape, and sealant.
First, check whether your rim and tires are tubeless-ready.
The rims I use are EASTON R90 SL.
My tires are WTB Riddlers, 700c x 37.
To keep from getting left behind by the rest of my team, I decided to take on OMM BIKE with slightly narrower tires.
Here’s what I got to convert to tubeless!
① PEATY’S Tubeless Sealant
A non-hazardous, latex-based compound for tubeless tires. In a temperate climate, it stays effective inside the tire for up to six months.
It can seal punctures and cuts up to 6 mm, and corrosion inhibitors help protect your tires and rims from deterioration.
Some brands’ sealants smell like ammonia, but PEATY’S doesn’t stink!
② PEATY’S x Chris King Mk2 Tubeless Valves
You’ll need tubeless-specific valves to make the conversion.
The PEATY’S x Chris King Mk2 Tubeless Valves come with a spoke key cap and a valve core removal cap.
They come in a wide range of colors, making them a great accent for your bike.
These colors also match CHRIS KING products, so it’s easy to coordinate!
③ TUNE Tubeless Rim Tape
TUNE’s tubeless-specific rim tape.
It has excellent tear strength and barely stretches.
It won’t get in the way when installing tires, and leaves no residue when removed.
It’s also highly resistant to heat, cold, and abrasion.
I started by applying the rim tape, then installed the valve and tire.
And now, the moment of truth: adding the sealant.
The amount of sealant needed varies by tire, so be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommended amount.
Once you’ve added the sealant, put the valve cap back on, inflate the tire, and spin it around so the sealant coats the inside evenly.
※This is what Tomoda-san calls his signature move: the “Tubeless Dance.”
Then leave it overnight, and you’re done.
At this point, lay the tire on its side so the sealant can spread throughout the entire tire.
I’ve been testing them on my commute and on gravel rides during my days off, and the acceleration is… so light…!! That smooth, gliding feeling is incredibly satisfying!!
On pavement, it feels almost like riding on a road that’s just been resurfaced.
Being able to run lower tire pressure than usual gives you a cushy ride while still rolling smoothly.
The bumps don’t send as much impact through your body as they used to.
Off-road, they feel incredibly stable and light, carrying you forward with ease.
The lower pressure lets the tire knobs bite firmly into rocks and gravel, boosting grip and giving you amazing stability.
I’ve only been riding them for a few months, but the ride quality is seriously addictive.
Benefits of going tubeless
・Lighter and faster rolling!
Without an inner tube, the setup is lighter and has less rolling resistance. That smooth, effortless ride is addictive.
・You can run lower tire pressure!
Enjoy a softer ride, and get great grip as the tires bite into the ground on dirt roads.
・More puncture-resistant
Compared with clincher tires, pinch flats are less likely, and the sealant can plug small holes to some extent.
Drawbacks of going tubeless
・Repairs on the road can be a hassle
You’ll end up changing the tire covered in sealant…
Adding sealant while out on a ride is tricky, so you’ll ultimately need a spare tube anyway. There are also repair kits available to plug holes that sealant can’t handle, so it’s worth carrying one just in case.
・Rim and tire compatibility can be an issue
Even when both are tubeless-ready, some rim and tire combinations—or individual tires and rims—just don’t work well together.
・Maintenance takes effort
You’ll need to replenish the sealant regularly, about once every six months.
(※The interval varies depending on the sealant brand.)
・Tire installation can be tricky
A floor pump may not be enough to seat the bead; sometimes you need a compressor.
Etc…
Even with all these drawbacks, I now understand why people prioritize the “great ride quality” they get from going tubeless.
Honestly, considering the downsides, I don’t think it’s necessary for a bike used mainly for riding around town. But if you race or want to have even more fun off-road, give it a try!
This ride is seriously addictive.
I can’t wait to take these tires to OMM BIKE…
If you’re taking part in OMM BIKE, let’s have fun together!!
I’m so excited!!!