[Andrewpalooza]

After four flat tubes in the past two days (one was snakebitten, quite literally, by a largeish rattlesnake, one was a traditional snakebite, and two succumed to thorns), I am officially finished with tubed tires, at least on my everyday trail bike. I am also, and this should come as no surprise, finished with the weaksauce Rhyno Lite wheelset that has been a placeholder until I could afford something respectable. Not befitting of an S-Works Epic...but I digress.

I am going to purchase a set of the new Mavic Crossrides, I would go Crossmax, but I got a new 150mm freeride fork calling my name too. These rims come out-of-the-box ready for a UST setup, and I am positive that I want to run tubeless. I have personally witnessed mediocre at best results from UST, and was thinking about a Stan's NoTube setup instead. The tires I would be running would be either:

Panaracer Fire XC 2.1
or
Kenda Nevegal Stick-E 2.1

I know that the Panaracer comes in a UST version, not positive about the Kenda. Basically my question is, what would be the best combination of tubeless system and tire? UST and Panaracer, Stan's and Kenda, vice versa?

I'm looking for reliablity primarily here. I want a system that I can ride day in and day out and only really worry about adding air occasionally. I have heard mixed reviews about the loose bead on Panaracers in regard to a tubeless system, but those were non-UST types, so that may be irrelevant. Also, Kenda is recommended on NoTubes.com. Anyone with experience is welcome to share their thoughts on the issue. Thanks.

 

[harky]

I'm running Crossmax XLs with XC Pro 2.1 tubeless and I luv em!
You gotta run the Stans or equal to keep them sealed, otherwise they slowly loose air.
I don't even cary a spare tube and pump anymore. I've been running this combo for over a year and it has never let me down on a ride.
I have tried non-UST tires on my Crossmax wheels with mixed reuslts...gave up and went back to UST tires.
I've also run Maxxis Larsen TT's and Hutchinson Pythons...XC Pros work best for me.

 

[Andrewpalooza]

so the word is any UST tire with Stan's sealant is a good combo? I love the Fire XC tire, will probably stick with it.

Basically I've decided on the UST Panaracer Fire XC...now should I install it with the UST system and Stan's goop, or go with the full Stan's conversion?

 

[jeffscott]

With Panaracer Fire SC tubeless. I have a mavic crossmax XL.
I need Stans to seal up side wall cuts from rocks. (ride better)

I also seem to run out of Stans in the tire (proably due to cuts etc.)

So I bought the Stans removalable core Presta's to help make adding Stans easy along with the rest of the kit.

I think I am set.

I was also flatting alot snake bits cuts with tubes.

By the way UPS/ Notubes Not sure who or why dings me big time for customs brokerage fees. So if non US becareful

 

[HTail]

CrossMax+Stans

I think the combination of a UST ready rims + UST tires + Stans is the way to go!

I run CrossMaxSL wheels with Maxxis CrossMark UST tires and Stans goop. I rarely have to fill them up, pin holes are instantly plugged and most of all the performance of tubeless tires can't be beat. Much less rolling resistance, run better at lower air pressures, and the peace of mind that slow leaks and punctures will be taken care of by the sealant.

Highly recommend the full UST setup and sealant. As the prev posts state, certain tires seem to mount up and roll really well....I've had great performance with Maxxis & Hutchinson UST tires so far.

 

[Andrewpalooza]

I mounted up a set of UST Mavic 819s to Specialized Adrenaline UST tires today with Stan's goop. Went together like a dream. Sounds like a good combo...(UST tires in general, not specifically the Specialized) I think I have found the solution. Thanks for the help everyone, you never let a brother down.

BTW...I mounted them up at work for a customer...not my wheels.

 

[BrandonJ]

I have put many miles and a couple of punctures on my Pana XC Fire USTs with Stan's sealant. I'm now running Conti Vertical Pro USTs with Stan's and have been for a while. I've heard bad stories about Kenda non-USTs with Stan's. I know people with UST Kenda's running Stan's sealant no problem.

IMHO, whatever combo you go with, you should only use UST tires and add Stan's for extra protection.

 

[jeffscott]

I should explain myself better.

i asked where the leak is from because you are new to USTs.

I use Stans as well. But to ensure the tire rim system valve stem is good (proper). I also get a very good seal without the sealant.

You seem to have achieved this on the front and should get there on the back.

Then for sure use the sealant. There maybe issues that the sealant just covers up as it is intended. but this can cost you a flat later on (cause you used it up unneccessarily).

 

[Thought Criminal 9]

Sealant should not be necessary on standard UST tires. I have had one puncture in 2 1/2 years of frequent riding (3 to 5 times a week). That puncture was from a barbed wire fence. I also ride in the Sonoran desert near Scottsdale every summer and have not had a puncture there. I switch tires frequently depending on where I’m riding so I prefer to not have to use sealant.

My approach is to put a tube in if I get a UST flat, then patch the UST tire at home.

I also use the new lighter Bontrager Tubeless Ready tires and sealant is definitely required for those. It seems that the sealant dries out in hot weather and I have to add more every 2 weeks which is disappointing considering it costs $15 a bottle.

UST is heavy enough without sealant and having to put sealant in them pushes the weight too high to justify standard UST for me.

 

[HTail]

Agree

I did the Stans conversion of non-UST tires- Conti Verts. It worked, kept air in, but a pain to mount up and seal at first. On the trail sounds like your tires are hollow balloons and honestly not sure I was getting better performance other than saving the weight of the tubes.

As the prev post states, recommend UST tires and Stans if going tubeless. You can run at lower psi, the roll way better and with sealant, almost maintenance free (like your car tires).