Tubes vs. Tubeless - Is there a clear winner?

Tubes: Tried and True

Tubes are the time-tested solution - a rubber inner tube inside your tire holds the air. Picture this: It's Saturday morning, and you're getting ready for your coffee ride.

With tubes, you just give your tires a quick squeeze, top off the air, and roll out. No overthinking needed.

The Good Stuff:

• Simple as can be - if you can change a light bulb, you can handle tube tires
• Budget-friendly (more money for post-ride coffee)
• Quick fixes when things go wrong - no special tools or tech required
• Available at any bike shop

The Not-So-Good:

• More likely to flat if you hit a pothole
• Needs higher tire pressure, which means you'll feel every bump
• Less forgiving on rough roads - your hands might remind you the next day

Tubeless: The New Kid on the Block

Tubeless is like having self-healing tires. No tube inside - just the tire, some special sauce (we call it sealant), and a bit of magic. Hit a piece of glass on your ride? Your tire might just seal itself before you even notice.

The Good Stuff:

• Shrugs off small punctures like they never happened
• Lets you run lower tire pressure for a smoother ride (your back will thank you)
• Grips the road better - especially useful on those post-rain mornings
• Perfect for wider tires, which means more comfort on longer rides

The Not-So-Good:

• Initial setup can be hard - your bike shop can help
• Costs more upfront than traditional tubes
• Requires occasional maintenance (like checking sealant every few months)
• Big cuts can still leave you walking home

Mike, who rides the glass-strewn LA River path daily, converted last year: "I was getting flats weekly. Since going tubeless, I just hear the occasional 'psst' sound, and the tire heals itself. Worth every penny of the setup cost."

Making Your Choice

Here's a straightforward guide to help you make your choice on tubes vs. tubeless. 

Stick With Tubes If:

• You like keeping things simple and straightforward
• You're comfortable with basic repairs
• You mostly ride well-maintained roads
• You'd rather save money for other bike upgrades (or post-ride tacos)

Try Tubeless If:

• You're tired of frequent flats interrupting your rides
• You want more comfort without compromising performance
• You explore beyond the pavement sometimes
• You don't mind spending some time on maintenance for a better ride

What Really Matters