Touring with Tubeless Tires: What I’ve Learned After Making the Switch

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This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Updated August 3, 2025
Thinking about going tubeless for your touring bike? Here’s what I’ve learned after thousands of miles — the good, the bad, and the gear I trust to make it work.
Close-up of a tubeless bicycle tire sealing a puncture with foaming sealant

By Bruce | The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

As an avid cyclist who’s been touring for many years, I’ve experimented with just about every piece of gear you can imagine. These are the bib shorts I trust now—comfortable enough for 60+ mile days and built to last.  But few changes have had a bigger impact on my riding experience than switching to tubeless tires.

🛞 Fewer Flats, More Fun

Since switching to tubeless tires, the number of flats I’ve had has dropped dramatically. I used to carry multiple spare tubes and a patch kit everywhere I went—now I rarely worry about punctures at all. The sealant inside tubeless tires works quickly to plug small holes as they happen, which has saved me from countless roadside repairs and kept my rides rolling.

I use Stan’s NoTubes Tire Sealant and have for years. It’s reliable, easy to top off every few weeks, and has sealed more punctures than I can count without me ever needing to stop. If you’re going tubeless, this is the sealant I trust.

That said, no sealant can handle everything. For bigger punctures, I carry the KOM Cycling Tubeless Tire Repair Kit. It’s small, simple to use, and comes in different colors to match your setup. I keep one in my saddlebag at all times—and more than once, it’s saved the day when a cut was just too big for the sealant alone.

Yes, there’s a bit of a learning curve when you first go tubeless. You’ll need to set them up with sealant, make sure your rims are compatible, and occasionally top off that sealant. But honestly, that extra maintenance only takes a few minutes every few weeks—and it’s more than worth the peace of mind.

🚴 Gear I Use for My Tubeless Setup

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⬇️ Lower Pressure, Smoother Rides

One of the best things about tubeless tires is that you can run lower tire pressure without worrying about pinch flats. That translates to better traction, a more comfortable ride, and less fatigue on those long days in the saddle. If you’ve ever ridden rough chip-seal roads for hours, you know how much of a difference a bit of cushioning can make.

I’ve also noticed improved rolling resistance. Tubeless tires seem to glide more efficiently, helping me hold speed longer with less effort—especially noticeable when I’m loaded down with touring gear.

🎒 Lighter Load, Smarter Packing

Going tubeless has even allowed me to downsize my gear—here’s what I carry now on most of my bike tours. Without the need to carry multiple spare tubes, I’ve been able to shrink my saddlebag and free up space to ride lighter. When you’re touring long-distance, every ounce matters.

⚠️ A Few Considerations

That said, tubeless tires aren’t a perfect fit for every rider or every bike.

  • Compatibility: Not all rims and frames work well with tubeless setups. If your wheels aren’t tubeless-ready, you might need to upgrade.

  • Cost: Tubeless tires and sealant tend to be more expensive than traditional clincher systems.

  • Availability: In remote areas, it can be harder to find replacement tubeless tires or sealant. That’s something to think about if you’re touring far from major cities.

Still, with a little preparation—like carrying a spare tube just in case and knowing how to reseat a tire if needed—those risks can be managed.

🛠️ Talk to Your Local Bike Shop

Before making the switch, I recommend visiting your local bike shop—they’ve saved me more than once and usually know what really works. They’ll help you figure out if your current wheels are tubeless-compatible, suggest the right tires for your style of riding, and may even set everything up for you. Plus, they often have better deals and more practical advice than what you’ll find online.

People are asking:

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Do tubeless tires really prevent flats?
Yes, they significantly reduce the number of flats from small punctures thanks to the liquid sealant. Larger cuts still require a repair plug or spare tube. I have actually rode over 6,000 miles in the past 12 months with only one single flat. That's a new record for me.

How often should I add sealant?
Typically every 4–6 weeks, depending on temperature and mileage. You can check by removing the valve core and measuring with a dipstick or syringe.

Can I still use a tube in a tubeless tire?
Absolutely. If something goes wrong and the tubeless setup fails, just insert a tube like normal — but you may want to clean out the sealant first.

Is it worth going tubeless for casual riders?
If you ride regularly and want fewer flats, smoother rides, and better control, it’s worth considering. But casual riders might be fine sticking with tubes.

What’s the biggest downside of tubeless tires?
Setup and maintenance can be messy or intimidating at first. And you’ll need to carry a few extra items (like sealant and a repair kit) on every ride.

🚴 Gear I Personally Use

  • Renpho Smart Scale
    Lost 17 lbs since buying — motivating and full of great info.
    👉 See the One I Have
  • Giro Fixture MIPS II Helmet
    My most important piece of gear — a must-have for every ride.
    👉 Lots of Colors
  • Outdoor Cooling Arm Sleeves
    I wear these every ride to protect my skin from cancer.
    👉 Check Price
  • Cosmos Cooling Leg Sleeves
    I had cancer cut off my leg — I refuse to have more problems and wear these now.
    👉 See Them
  • Przewalski Bib Shorts
    I have multiple pairs — more comfortable and last longer.
    👉 See Them
  • Premier Protein Shakes
    I drink one after every ride — low sugar, high protein.
    👉 Amazon Price

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Location: Lubbock, TX, USA

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