[KaktusJaque]

There are quite a few posts on Tubeless. I didn't see one on my question, and it didn't come up in my search. I am considering switching over to tubeless. I already am running a Mavic UST rim, just with a tube for now. My concern is if I switch over to tubeless in an environment where everything has either a thorn, a prick, a sharp, or jagged edge, a fang, a stinger, or a needle, would a tubeless be a good idea? With a tubed tire, I can put in thorn resistant tube and a tube liner as a defence for these things, options that are not available with tubeless. So should I stick with a tube solution or give it a go with tubeless?

 

[evdog]

Ummm....desert environment is exactly where you should be running tubeless. Unless you get a large puncture or sidewall tear, sealant should quickly stop any leak and without the added weight of tube liner and heavy tube.

After a winter of desert riding I've found 30-40 half inch thorns through the tire, none of which caused a flat.

 

[915654]

I live in Arizona. Don’t know of anyone still running tubes. I have MTB from Flagstaff down to Tucson.

 

[dysfunction]

What year is this?

 

[KaktusJaque]

Well...I just realized I am old school here and behind the curve Thanks for this feedback.

 

[KaktusJaque]

Any recommendations on sealant? There are a lot on amazon to choose from. (I don't have to use Amazon)

 

[J.B. Weld]

... a fang,

 

[KaktusJaque]

@J.B. Weld I've come across a few Tarantulas, Javelinas, and Diamondback rattlers. I'm sure the other AZ riders here have too. Never seen a Sidewinder though, but see their tracks that leave behind.

 

[J.B. Weld]

@J.B. Weld I've come across a few Tarantulas, Javelinas, and Diamondback rattlers. I'm sure the other AZ riders here have too. Never seen a Sidewinder though, but see their tracks that leave behind.

I've lived in the desert for 30 years and see those critters all the time but never have pulled a fang from a tire.

As for sealant, I've used Stans, Orange Seal and Bontrager and they're all pretty good. A good TR tire is most important imo,

 

[barelfly]

I’m like you - I live in New Mexico, high desert. Thought how in the world does tubeless help! You have to have thorn proof, heavy ass tubes to prevent flats!!! Even had a guy laugh at me during a discussion about this on the trails before I was properly educated on the subject.

after reading up and talking with the bike shop, I have seen the light and converted two of my bikes to tubeless and had i not, I know i would have been calling for a ride a few times seeing both tires bubbling during a couple of times.

You will enjoy the side benefits tubeless provides as well.

as for sealant, I have only used Stan’s. Others on hear in other threads recommend Orange Sealant Endurance. but, it’s simple to do yourself as well if you watch a few videos and have a small air compressor. And you don’t even need that if really, just makes it much easier.

 

[dysfunction]

I've only had one snake even act like it was going to strike when I was riding, and it had just gotten run over. Tarantulas are harmless, and funny when they're panicked. Of that list, the collared peccary is generally more worrisome

 

[blueglide]

Any recommendations on sealant? There are a lot on amazon to choose from. (I don't have to use Amazon)

I like Orange Stuff....riding in Tucson.

 

[dysfunction]

I like Orange Stuff....riding in Tucson.

Agreed, and I prefer it's boogers to stans.

 

[joe rookie]

There are quite a few posts on Tubeless. I didn't see one on my question, and it didn't come up in my search. I am considering switching over to tubeless. I already am running a Mavic UST rim, just with a tube for now. My concern is if I switch over to tubeless in an environment where everything has either a thorn, a prick, a sharp, or jagged edge, a fang, a stinger, or a needle, would a tubeless be a good idea? With a tubed tire, I can put in thorn resistant tube and a tube liner as a defence for these things, options that are not available with tubeless. So should I stick with a tube solution or give it a go with tubeless?

I live In your corner of the world. And have not found a tire with sidewalls that are seriously resistant to rock cuts or even Cholla cactus. I ended up changing back to Slime filled tubes with Kevlar tube liners. This setup is more robust. Now the bike is sluggish and heavy. But on a rocky trail like 50 Year, it works well. Fact is, most of the hombres responding don’t do desert riding.

 

[dysfunction]

That's funny, right there.

 

[Mountainfrog]

Orange and EXO, I haven't sliced or flatted a tire in ten years. I still carry a spare tube, an inflator, and a pump, because that's what I needed to get back to the trail head for the previous fifteen years. I carry a comb and forceps for the cacti too. I have not had a snake bite from a rattler ever, although I have had a few when riding aggressively with tubes. Tubeless for less weight and better traction if that is what you are looking for.

 

[TheOtherOne]

I ride in the high Chihuahuan desert in southern NM and can't imagine running tubes. Whenever I remove a tire I always find several goat heads/thorns on the inside that have penetrated the tire but I never noticed them because they seal right up and you never know they are there. With tubes, each penetration would be a flat. Orange seal works great but be aware in a hot dry climate you will need to keep it topped off more often. Orange Seal Endurance works good too and lasts longer but won't seal as large of puncture. You can mix them to get a custom mix. Or use Stan's. Or Truckerco which is works fine and is less expensive.

 

[916062]

Orange seal when I lived in Tucson. I can't imagine trying to ride there with tubes. So many spikes!

 

[joe rookie]

That's funny, right there.

Irony

 

[kendunn]

I've only had one snake even act like it was going to strike when I was riding, and it had just gotten run over. Tarantulas are harmless, and funny when they're panicked. Of that list, the collared peccary is generally more worrisome

Th

A couple of weeks ago a buddy and I were bombing down a leaf covered gravel road on the way to the trail in Dupont, NC and just as I was rolling over a little hill there was a copperhead stretched across the road and no way to miss it. They're really well camouflaged in the leaves. I was going way too fast to get hit as it would have had to been coiled, but my buddy who was about 5 seconds behind me said it was coiled and ready to strike by the time he got there.