Would anybody feel comfortable converting a road tire to tubeless w/slime? Other than a higher air diffusion rate than with tubes, there doesn't seem to be a reason not to try it, especially if you get flats on a constant basis.
Zog The Undeniable 30 March 2005 22:48:00 [ permanent link ]
Phil, Squid-in-Training wrote:
Would anybody feel comfortable converting a road tire to tubeless w/slime? > Other than a higher air diffusion rate than with tubes, there doesn't seem > to be a reason not to try it, especially if you get flats on a constant > basis.>
I think Vredestein et al have essentially solved the problem of flats for most people by using soft rubber layers (they claim the PRS tyres are twice as effective as Kevlar belts, which IME make for a horrid-riding tyre). I've been very impressed - one very slow puncture in 2500 miles, ridden in all sorts of conditions.
One advantage I could see to tubeless tyres would be the ability to mount them with tools without the risk of trapping a tube. Some foldable tyres are a real struggle when new, although they all seem to stretch after a fortnight on the rim.
Incidentally, the tubeless tyres used on cars have much lower air loss than tubed tyres. That's one of the reasons they were introduced.
On Wed, 30 Mar 2005 18:41:45 GMT, "Phil, Squid-in-Training" <phil_leeIHEARTBASHGUARDS@hotmail.com> wrote:
Would anybody feel comfortable converting a road tire to tubeless w/slime? >Other than a higher air diffusion rate than with tubes, there doesn't seem >to be a reason not to try it, especially if you get flats on a constant >basis.>
YMMV, but for me, this would represent about triple the amount of time and effort that I spend fixing flats over the life of a tire given the continual need to add more latex. (Also, over time, would that continual addition process not make the wheel awfully heavy?)
I'm sure there are people who would regard this as a wonderful thing. I'm not one of them. -- Typoes are a feature, not a bug. Some gardening required to reply via email. Words processed in a facility that contains nuts.
-- "Bicycling is a healthy and manly pursuit with much to recommend it, and, unlike other foolish crazes, it has not died out." -- The Daily Telegraph (1877)
Squid-in-Training Phil 31 March 2005 03:36:06 [ permanent link ]
Werehatrack wrote:> On Wed, 30 Mar 2005 18:41:45 GMT, "Phil, Squid-in-Training"> <phil_leeIHEARTBASHGUARDS@hotmail.com> wrote:>
Would anybody feel comfortable converting a road tire to tubeless>> w/slime? Other than a higher air diffusion rate than with tubes,>> there doesn't seem to be a reason not to try it, especially if you>> get flats on a constant basis.>>
YMMV, but for me, this would represent about triple the amount of time> and effort that I spend fixing flats over the life of a tire given the> continual need to add more latex. (Also, over time, would that> continual addition process not make the wheel awfully heavy?)>
I'm sure there are people who would regard this as a wonderful thing.> I'm not one of them.
I'm not one of them, either, actually. I don't think the latex needs to be added forever...
If one can use a sealed rim such as the Ksyrium SL (is the rim joint airtight?), the need for latex would not be that critical. No tubes, no pinch flats, but probably some air burping.
Michelin's developing something like this, I think. -- Phil, Squid-in-Training
On Wed, 30 Mar 2005 23:36:06 GMT, "Phil, Squid-in-Training" <phil_leeIHEARTBASHGUARDS@hotmail.com> wrote:
Werehatrack wrote:>> On Wed, 30 Mar 2005 18:41:45 GMT, "Phil, Squid-in-Training">> <phil_leeIHEARTBASHGUARDS@hotmail.com> wrote:>>
Would anybody feel comfortable converting a road tire to tubeless>
If one can use a sealed rim such as the Ksyrium SL (is the rim joint >airtight?), the need for latex would not be that critical. No tubes, no >pinch flats, but probably some air burping.>
Michelin's developing something like this, I think.
I think the Michelin tyre has already been tested by pro teams, and Mavic designed the Ksyrium to be tubeless compatible from the start - that FORE drilling technique seems a bit pointless unless you absolutely have to avoid penetrating the tyre bed.
Kinky Cowboy*
*Batteries not included May contain traces of nuts Your milage may vary
Qui si parla Campagnolo 31 March 2005 18:01:51 [ permanent link ]
Phil, Squid-in-Training wrote:> Would anybody feel comfortable converting a road tire to tubeless w/slime? > Other than a higher air diffusion rate than with tubes, there doesn't seem > to be a reason not to try it, especially if you get flats on a constant > basis.>
Since the advantage of tubeless on a MTB is no pinch flats for less air, and knowing that less air on a road bike is a BAD idea, why?
'Flats on a constant basis'? Need to find out why, and fix that problem. Flats on tubeless is a MUCH bigger problem and much harder to fix on the road(impossible w/o adding a tube).
