Muc-Off No Puncture Hassle Road

Why ride tubeless?

Without an inner tube there is no pinch flat, a common cause of punctures. Sealant fills small holes up to roughly 3 to 6 mm, often without you noticing. You are far less likely to have to stop during a ride.

Tubeless allows lower pressures. With no tube, nothing gets pinched on an impact, so you can ride the tyre softer. That brings more grip, more comfort and often lower rolling resistance on rough surfaces. On gravel and MTB it is now the standard.

There are downsides. Fitting is messier and takes patience, sealant must be topped up every few months and a big cut will not seal. You need a tubeless-ready rim and tyre, tape and valves. For a large leak you carry a plug kit or a spare tube.

Tubeless suits people who ride regularly, take on the maintenance and want the benefits. If you ride rarely, a tube is simpler.

Tubeless or inner tube

The two ways to run a clincher tyre.

Always use a tubeless-ready rim and tyre of the same standard.

How to set up tyres tubeless

1. Apply the tape

   Clean the rim and apply tubeless tape over the valve hole. Use two layers and press it down well, with no air bubbles beneath.

2. Fit the valve

   Pierce the tape, push the tubeless valve through and tighten the nut firmly by hand.

3. Fit the tyre

   Fit one side of the tyre first and keep both beads in the central well of the rim.

4. Add sealant

   Pour the recommended amount of sealant into the tyre, or inject it through the valve after seating the tyre.

5. Inflate hard

   Use a compressor or tubeless booster until the beads pop. Spin and shake the wheel to spread the sealant, then set your riding pressure.