What is the best tire sealant for wet and slippery conditions for commuting?

[Tony Bleyar]

Whats the best tire sealant for wet and slippery conditions when commuting, and by best, I mean the one thats actually going to keep you upright and on the road, rather than the one thats just going to make you feel good about your bike maintenance routine until you hit that first patch of oil-slicked asphalt?

Is it the stuff thats specifically designed for tubeless tires, or can you get away with using the same sealant youd use for your mountain bike? And whats the deal with all the different types of sealants out there - latex-based, ammonia-based, CO2-based - do they all work equally well in wet conditions, or is one clearly better than the others?

And lets talk about the whole how often do you need to reapply thing - is it really necessary to reapply sealant every few hundred miles, or can you get away with just topping it off every few months? And whats the best way to actually apply the sealant - do you just dump it into the tire and hope for the best, or is there a more scientific approach?

Ive seen some people swear by the stuff thats got all sorts of fancy additives - you know, the kind of stuff thats supposed to make your tires more puncture-resistant, or give you better traction on wet roads. But do those additives actually make a difference, or are they just a bunch of marketing hooey?

And finally, whats the deal with all the different brands out there - is one clearly better than the others, or is it all just a matter of personal preference? I mean, Ive seen some people rave about Stans, while others swear by Orange Seal - but is one really better than the other, or is it all just a matter of what youre used to?

Im not looking for any vague it just works answers - I want to know the specifics. Whats the best tire sealant for wet and slippery conditions, and why?

 

[gixser11]

When it comes to tire sealants for wet and slippery conditions, there are a few factors to consider. One key aspect is the type of sealant - latex-based, ammonia-based, or CO2-based. Latex-based sealants are a popular choice for their eco-friendliness and flexibility, but they can be less effective in extremely wet conditions. Ammonia-based sealants, on the other hand, tend to be more durable and effective in wet environments, but they can be harsh on tires and tubes. CO2-based sealants are a newer option that offer quick sealing and low viscosity, making them a good choice for tubeless tires.

Another important consideration is the frequency of reapplication. While some sources recommend reapplying sealant every few hundred miles, this may not be necessary in all cases. Topping off the sealant every few months can often be sufficient, especially if you're using a high-quality product.

As for the best way to apply sealant, it's generally a good idea to avoid simply dumping it into the tire. Instead, try removing the valve core and injecting the sealant directly into the tire. This can help ensure even distribution and prevent excess sealant from accumulating in one spot.

When it comes to fancy additives, the evidence is mixed. Some additives may help increase puncture resistance or improve traction on wet roads, but others may be little more than marketing hype. It's important to do your research and choose a sealant with additives that have been proven to be effective.

Finally, as for brand preference, this can often come down to personal experience and preference. Some cyclists swear by Stan's or Orange Seal, while others prefer alternative brands like Slime or Bontrager. Ultimately, the best tire sealant for wet and slippery conditions is one that is effective, durable, and well-suited to your specific needs as a cyclist.