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Why I Switched to Tubeless Tires (And Why I’m Not Going Back)

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Last Updated: June 30, 2026
Quick Answer: Tubeless tires are worth it for many long-distance cyclists because they can dramatically reduce flats, allow lower tire pressure for more comfort, and make many small punctures fixable without removing the wheel. They are not perfect, and they do require sealant maintenance, but after switching to tubeless, I am not going back to tubes.
Tubeless bicycle tire setup for long-distance cycling

A few years ago, I made the switch to tubeless tires, and I can say without hesitation: I love them.

As a 70-year-old long-distance cyclist with more than 155,000 miles behind me, I have fixed enough flats on the side of the road to last a lifetime. There is nothing fun about sitting in the heat, fighting tire levers, pulling out a tube, and watching your ride fall apart because of one tiny piece of wire or glass.

Since switching to tubeless, my flats have dropped dramatically. I still carry a tube just in case, and you should too, but I almost never need it anymore.

Here is the real-world example that sells tubeless tires better than any chart ever could: as I am writing this, it is June 30, and my last flat was in October of last year. I ride about 6,000 miles a year. That is a lot of miles with very few problems. Oh yeah, it took less than 5 minutes to fix.

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What Are Tubeless Tires?

Tubeless tires are bicycle tires that do not use inner tubes. Instead, the tire seals tightly against the rim, and liquid sealant inside the tire helps close small punctures while you ride.

Mountain bikers have used tubeless tires for years, but road, gravel, and long-distance cyclists have caught on too. For riders who hate flats, tubeless can be a major upgrade.

Tubeless Tire Pros: Why I Switched

  1. Fewer Flats
    This is the biggest reason I switched. The sealant inside the tire can plug small punctures before you even know they happened. I have finished rides, checked the tire later, and found dried sealant where a tube probably would have gone flat.
  2. More Comfort from Lower Tire Pressure
    With no inner tube to pinch, you can usually run lower tire pressure. That can make rough roads, chip seal, and patched pavement feel smoother. For older riders, that comfort matters. Less vibration means less fatigue in your hands, back, shoulders, and knees.
  3. No Pinch Flats
    With tubes, hitting a pothole can pinch the tube between the tire and rim, causing a “snake bite” flat. With tubeless, that problem basically goes away because there is no tube to pinch.
  4. Better Rolling Feel
    Some riders notice better rolling resistance with tubeless setups. I am not going to pretend I can feel every scientific watt saved, but I do know this: my bike feels smooth, comfortable, and reliable on long rides.
  5. More Confidence on Long Rides
    This is a big one for me. When I am 30, 40, or 50 miles from home, I do not want to spend the whole ride wondering if the next piece of road debris is going to ruin my day. Tubeless tires give me more peace of mind.
  6. Many Flats Can Be Fixed Without Removing the Wheel
    If the sealant does not completely close a puncture, a tubeless tire plug can often fix it in just a few minutes. You do not have to remove the tire from the rim, wrestle with an inner tube, or completely reinstall everything on the side of the road. Push the plug into the puncture, air the tire back up, and you are usually ready to finish the ride.

Gear That Makes Going Tubeless Easier

If you are going tubeless, these are the items I would look at first. You do not need to buy everything at once, but sealant, valves, plugs, and a good way to add air are the basics.

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Tubeless Tire Cons: Because Nothing Is Perfect

  1. Setup Can Be Tricky
    The first installation can take patience. Getting the tire to seat, hearing that loud pop when it locks into place, and avoiding a sealant mess can be intimidating the first time.
  2. You Still Have to Maintain Them
    Tubeless is not “install it and forget it.” Sealant dries out over time, especially in hot, dry climates. You need to check it and top it off every few months.
  3. Your Wheels and Tires Must Be Compatible
    Not every rim or tire can safely be used tubeless. You need tubeless-ready tires and rims that can hold a proper seal.
  4. Big Cuts Can Still End Your Ride
    Tubeless sealant works well for small punctures, but a large cut, sidewall tear, or damaged tire bead can still leave you stranded. That is why I still carry a tube, tire boot, pump, and repair kit.

Not Sure If Your Bike Can Go Tubeless?

If you are not sure whether your current bike can be converted to tubeless, take it to a local bike shop. A good shop can quickly tell you whether your rims are tubeless-ready, whether they can be converted with tape and valves, or whether new wheels would make more sense.

That is the safest route, especially if you are not comfortable working on wheels and tires yourself.

But not everyone has a good bike shop nearby. Some riders also already know what they need and prefer to do their own maintenance. If that is you, Amazon has tubeless-ready tires, valves, sealant, plug kits, pumps, and wheelsets that can help you make the switch.

The key is simple: do not guess on compatibility. Make sure your tires and rims are designed to work together before you start pouring sealant into anything.

My Verdict After Thousands of Miles

Switching to tubeless did not just reduce my flats. It changed how I feel on long solo rides.

I ride with more confidence. I worry less about every little piece of glass or wire on the shoulder. I get more comfort from the lower pressure. And when a small puncture does happen, the sealant often handles it before I even know anything went wrong.

Is tubeless completely flat-proof? No. Anyone who tells you that is selling fairy dust.

But compared to riding with tubes, the difference has been big enough that I have no interest in going back.

If you are a long-distance cyclist, a gravel rider, a senior cyclist, or just someone who is tired of fixing flats, tubeless tires are absolutely worth considering.

Sometimes the road throws enough problems at you. Your tires do not need to be one of them.

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FAQs About Tubeless Tires

Do tubeless tires completely eliminate flats?

No. Tubeless tires dramatically reduce flats from small punctures, but big cuts, sharp metal, and torn sidewalls can still cause problems. I still carry a tube and basic repair kit on every ride.

Can older rims be converted to tubeless?

Sometimes, but not always. Some rims can be converted with tubeless tape, valves, and sealant. Others should not be converted. If you are unsure, ask a local bike shop before trying it.

How often should I add sealant?

A good rule of thumb is every 2 to 4 months, depending on your climate and how often you ride. Hot, dry weather can dry sealant faster.

Is tubeless worth it for short casual rides?

Maybe, but tubeless shines most for riders who hate flats, ride rough roads, ride gravel, or do longer solo rides where a flat can ruin the day.

Do I still need to carry a spare tube?

Yes. Tubeless reduces flats, but it does not make you invincible. A spare tube can still save your ride if the tire gets a large cut or the sealant cannot fix the puncture.

What tire pressure should I run with tubeless?

Most riders can run lower pressure than they used with tubes. Start a few PSI lower than your old setup and adjust based on comfort, grip, rider weight, tire size, and road conditions.

Location: Lubbock, TX, USA

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