Well is it these days? On the forum the one topic that always creates a bit of heated discussion is the use of inner tubes and whether tubeless systems are better.
There are of course a couple of options, you can use a true UST tubeless rim system, where you use a UST compatible tyre and some sealant. Or you can use a rim strip system like the Stan’s conversion kit, which will allow you to run your existing rims and your existing tyres.
Since my first trip to Spain in 2006 I’ve run the Stan’s kit. I was talked into it by the Turnerminator and I must say it’s been one of the best bike upgrades I’ve ever made. In the time since I fitted it there have been only a handful of times, less than 5, when I have had a puncture that Stan’s couldn’t seal. All those were actually splits to the tyre’s sidewall that would have destroyed a tube as well. Every time I have changed my tyres inside I found numerous thorns that Stan’s had sealed successfully.
What is my point? Well recently I got my Hummer rebuilt, but I was forced to use tubes. On my first two rides out I have had three punctures. Not a very good record! So as soon as I can I’ll be fitting a Stan’s kit……
Let’s hear your comments for either side of the argument.
Hummerlicious
8 comments
martin says:
May 5, 2010 at 9:35 pm (UTC 0)
Stans= fantastic.
Jon B. Don’t even bother argueing, you know your wrong.
Enough said.
bigsi says:
May 5, 2010 at 10:26 pm (UTC 0)
I used to run Stans and agree that its bloody great but I’ve been running tubes on the 29er for over a year now and have got to the stage where i no longer have inner tubes that will stay inflated. I can’t find the holes, even by submerging them inflated in to the bath so am having to make the choice of shelling out £10 for new tubes or over £50 for some rim strips and sealent. It takes the piss to be honest. £20 for 5 new tubes should see me through another year but i am tempted to go back to Stans
fancyahandjob says:
May 6, 2010 at 11:27 am (UTC 0)
I also made the change for the Spain trip in 2006 and at first thought it was poo and went back to tubes. But when I got three or four punctures on one ride decided to give Stans another go. And I’m glad I did. Since having the handjob I can only recall one time when I needed to put a tube in due to a split tyre. They take some persistence and a bit of confidence building, but when you get that they are fantastic.
sparky says:
May 6, 2010 at 5:54 pm (UTC 0)
I fixed a tyre wall gash with 4 small zip ties
luckily, I had my leatherman to cut some holes to thread
them through.
I had a airplane issue pot of stans in my pack
amazingly it stayed up till I got home.
wish I’d taken a picture!!
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adey says:
May 7, 2010 at 3:34 pm (UTC 0)
I’ve been using Stans for about a year now and have had one cut caused by a flint that wouldn’t seal. I took it off to put my spare tube in and found I ahd left it at home!
I put the tyre back on and managed to pumped it back up easily just using my hand pump, but could’t get it to hold more than about 15psi before the split started opening up again.
I’ve got Stans Flow rims and just the yellow tape, and never had a problem when swapping tyres.
Simples!
JonB says:
May 10, 2010 at 4:50 pm (UTC 0)
Not gonna argue, don’t see the point now. Tubes do me fine, never been an issue!
fancyahandjob says:
May 24, 2010 at 3:12 pm (UTC 0)
To be fair though Sam, i mean Jon, you only ride downhill courses which don’t have thorns and such, so you’re less likely to have problems.