Tubeless tyres: advantages and useful information at a glance

That depends on how often you ride your bike. Follow the manufacturer’s specifications – but as a rough guideline, a tubeless tyre will remain air-tight for around 2,000 kilometres.

You can convert many models, even those with older rims, to a tubeless system. However, this goes hand-in-hand with a higher safety risk, as the rims might not have the right edges, for instance.

Regardless of how often you use your bike, you’ll certainly have to change the sealant twice a year, as it dries out over time. To top up the sealant, rest your bike on its saddle so there isn’t any pressure on the tyres. Open the valve, clean it with, say, a cotton bud, fill it with sealant and close the valve. Now, pump air into the tyres and turn the pedals vigorously a few times to distribute the sealant across the tyres. Now, you can turn your bike right-side up and you’re ready for your next tour.

Tyres and tubes rub against each other slightly during the ride. This increases rolling resistance. Without a tube, this resistance is lower and you can ride faster with less effort. This can make a difference, especially at the professional level.

Tubeless tyres offer some advantages (see video). But keep in mind:

• Most tubeless tyres are a bit more expensive than conventional tyres.

• The rims must be ‘tubeless-ready’ to prevent air from escaping.

• A compressor or a hand pump with a pressure reservoir is required to inflate them.

It is possible. But then the tyres lose their greatest advantage – their high puncture resistance. In addition, tyres without sealant do not stay inflated for long, and you would have to pump them up several times a day, depending on the tour. That's why it's not worth riding with tubeless tyres without tyre sealant.