Tubeless vs tube: Which offers better cycling performance?

Whether you’re a casual or a seasoned cyclist, choosing the right tyre system is crucial as it can significantly affect the quality of your ride. They determine your bicycle performance, control, and comfort while riding. 

That said, when it comes to bicycle tyres, you have two options: tubeless vs tube. In this guide, learn how these tyre systems differ to choose the right one for your bicycle. 

What is a tubeless tyre?

From the name alone, a tubeless tyre has no separate inner tube to hold the air pressure that inflates the tyre. Instead, the tyre locks directly against the bicycle’s rim using a beadlock system, which involves using bolts and a locking ring to lock the tyres securely. A sealant is also added to prevent air leaks and small punctures. 

Due to the absence of the inner tube, tubeless cycle tyres are lighter and can run on a lower tyre pressure, causing the tyres to deform over bumps and obstacles. This makes riding on uneven and rough terrain more comfortable, which is why many use this type of tyre for mountain biking and off-road cycling. 

What is a tube tyre?

Tube tyres, also known as tubular tyres, are traditional tube tyre systems. They come with a separate inflatable inner tube to make them more rigid. 

Tubular tyres are easier to maintain and repair than tubeless tyres because, aside from not needing a sealant, you’ll find a wide range of inner tubes and tyres. Plus, they’re compatible with various bicycle rim types. 

Tube tyre vs tubeless: What are their key differences?

As cycling continues to become popular in the UK, the topic of which bicycle tyre system is better becomes more relevant. If you’re one of the many people who are interested in cycling and want to know which tyre system best suits your cycling preferences, this guide is for you. 

In terms of puncture resistance

For those who love the thrill of off-road adventures, choose a tubeless tyre system. Unlike tubed bicycle tyres, they don’t have an inner tube, making them less susceptible to pinch flats. 

A pinch flat is common in tubed cycle tyres, where your tyres completely compress to the bike’s rim after a sharp impact, like hitting a curb or a large rock or pothole.

Moreover, tubeless tyres automatically fix minor punctures using a specialised sealant. The sealant is made of a liquid rubber that dries up when your tyres’ air pressure drops after hitting an obstacle, creating a rubber plug that seals the bike. 

One downside of sealants is that they typically require periodic replenishment because they dry out over time, losing their effectiveness.

In terms of performance

To better compare the performance of tubeless vs tube tyre systems, you have to consider the following:

• Tyre pressure or the amount of air inflated to your tyres.

• Rolling resistance or the friction between your tyres and the ground that slows down the bike.

So, are tubeless tyres better when it comes to performance? Yes, because, even on uneven, rough roads, tubeless cycle tyres are faster and more efficient. As mentioned earlier, this tyre system allows bikes to run at a lower tyre pressure,  helping them to adapt to various surfaces and lowering the risk of puncture flats. This is why many cyclists with mountain bikes go tubeless. 

Not only mountain bikers but also road bikers can benefit from tubeless road bike tyres. This is because they have lower rolling resistance, allowing them to move faster when riding smooth roads. 

Tube tyres can also perform consistently under standard road conditions. However, they don’t offer the same efficiency when riding on rough terrain. 

In terms of ride quality

Ride quality heavily depends on two things: your cycling preferences and the terrain type.

If you frequently go gravel or off-road biking, such as riding on rock gardens, narrow trails, and loose terrain, your tyre system should be tubeless. One of the advantages of tubeless tyres is they absorb bumps and road vibrations better than their tubed counterparts. This makes them feel lighter and more comfortable to ride on uneven terrain. 

Moreover, remember that tubeless bicycle tyres use a sealant that can self-repair punctures. This reduces the likelihood of frequent stop-overs and repairs, increasing your ride quality. 

However, having a tube tyre system is enough if you mainly use your bicycle for leisure and commuting. Although, keep in mind that tubed tyres aren’t as flexible as tubeless tyres. For example, you need to increase the tyre pressure of tubed tyres to ride more efficiently on smooth, paved roads. Meanwhile, you need to lower your tyre pressure to make riding on rough surfaces more comfortable. 

If you’re unsure how to correctly adjust the air pressure of your tube tyres, it’s better to ask a bicycle expert to do it for you. 

In terms of traction

Traction is the grip of your tyre on the surface it is rolling on. If your tyre system has good traction, it’s easier to manoeuvre your bicycle on different surfaces. 

Regarding tube vs tubeless tyre systems, the latter has better traction due to having lower tyre pressure and a larger contact patch. For context, a contact patch is the area covered when the bicycle’s tyres meet the road surface. 

On the other hand, tube tyre systems require higher air pressure, so their contact patch is smaller, offering less grip. Although you can adjust and lower the tyre pressure, your tyres will likely get pinch flats because of the presence of inner tubes. 

In terms of assembly and installation process

For tubeless-ready bikes, or bikes with a tubeless rim, the installation is more complicated, requiring the assistance of bike assembly experts. Not only do you have to know how to fit tubeless tyres with rim tape and sealant to create an airtight seal, but you also need to use an air compressor to ensure the tyres are adequately inflated.

On the other hand, tube tyres have a more straightforward assembly and installation process. This is because they have an inner tube to hold the air, eliminating the need to form an airtight seal on the bike’s rim. Moreover, they can fit into almost any type of bicycle rim.  

In terms of cost

Bicycles with tube tyre systems are more affordable upfront. They don’t require tubeless-ready wheels or a tubeless valve and sealant. However, since they have less puncture resistance than tubeless tyres, you might have to frequently send them for repairs, leading to higher long-term bike service costs.

Meanwhile, tubeless tyres are more cost-effective for professional cyclists due to their performance benefits. So, although they require higher initial investments and maintenance, the costs are justifiable. 

Expert bicycle tyre assembly assistance at your fingertips with Airtasker

Having an expert assist you in installing your bicycle tyres can help ensure that your bike is put together correctly and safely. This helps prevent bigger road problems and accidents, providing a smooth and comfortable ride. 

At Airstaker, many assembly experts can help you with your bike assembly and installation. They have all the knowledge and tools needed, so feel free to post a task to find a bike assembly expert near you!