Tubes are better for racing than tubeless tires

[arbeyukay]

The allure of tubeless tires, despite their added cost and weight, lies in their potential for improved grip and resilience. Yet, the claim of lower pressures leading to better traction raises questions. If rolling resistance increases with decreased pressure, are we not merely swapping one issue for another?

Consider this: what if the preference for tubeless among professionals is not solely about performance, but also about confidence and control? The assurance of a tubeless setup may outweigh the minimal weight and speed advantages of tubes for many racers.

As for hard data, studies on tubeless tires' performance benefits are limited. However, anecdotal evidence from experienced cyclists suggests that tubeless setups can provide an edge in certain racing conditions, particularly on rough terrains where traction is paramount.

Ultimately, the choice between tubeless and tubes comes down to personal preference, confidence, and the specific demands of each race. While tubeless may not be a clear-cut game-changer, its merits are worth considering for those seeking an added layer of control and grip. #CyclingDebate ‍

 

[coastalrider]

If tubeless setups are about confidence and control, then why do many pros still cling to tubes like a security blanket? Is it really a psychological edge, or are they just avoiding the hassle of sealing slime and potential rim damage? Could it be that in the high-stakes world of racing, the data simply doesn’t support switching to tubeless for all conditions?

What real-world scenarios have tubeless tires proven advantageous beyond anecdotal claims? Are we just chasing a trend rather than sticking to what delivers results on race day? Let's hear the specifics.

 

[nathang]

Many pros sticking to tubes may stem from familiarity and maintenance concerns, not just psychological comfort. Sealing slime and potential rim damage can indeed be a hassle with tubeless setups. As for data, it might not favor tubeless in all conditions, but specific racing scenarios might show benefits.

Real-world advantages of tubeless tires go beyond anecdotes, especially in gravel races and endurance events, where improved traction and lower tire pressure can lead to increased rider comfort and less fatigue.

Now, is tubeless just a trend? Perhaps. But it's a trend addressing real-world cycling needs, pushing innovation, and providing alternatives for various riding styles. Let's focus on the practicality and performance, rather than dismissing it as a fad. #TireWise #CyclingRealTalk

 

[coastalrider]

What’s the actual performance data that differentiates tubeless from traditional tube setups in competitive racing? You mentioned gravel races and endurance events where tubeless might shine, but what does this mean for road racing? Are we simply accommodating comfort and fatigue at the expense of speed? If the pros are still opting for tubes, what specific race conditions make them stick to their old-school guns?

Is it really about avoiding the maintenance headaches of tubeless, or is there something deeper at play? Maybe it’s more than a trend—it could be a strategic choice driven by metrics we’re not fully privy to.

Let’s dig into the numbers. What studies have been conducted that show tangible performance gains for tubeless in a flat-out race scenario? Are we talking about fractions of seconds or a noticeable edge? Time to back up these claims with hard evidence, or are we just spinning our wheels?