Why do tubeless tire enthusiasts insist on complicating a simple process? With tubeless, youre introducing a whole new level of complexity, from messy sealant installation to tedious tire mounting, and lets not forget the constant risk of burping or complete air loss. And for what? A marginal gain in rolling resistance and a supposed improvement in traction thats only noticeable to the most sensitive of riders?
Meanwhile, tubes have been perfected over decades, providing a reliable, hassle-free, and cost-effective solution for the vast majority of cyclists. Theyre easy to install, easy to repair, and easy to replace. So, whats the real benefit of tubeless? Is it just a case of cyclists wanting to be seen as advanced or cutting-edge, or is there a legitimate performance advantage that Im missing?
Ive seen countless threads and articles extolling the virtues of tubeless, but rarely do they address the elephant in the room: complexity. Its as if the cycling community has collectively decided to ignore the KISS principle (Keep It Simple, Stupid) in favor of chasing some mythical, marginal gain. So, I ask you, tubeless enthusiasts: whats the real justification for abandoning the simplicity and reliability of tubes? Is it really worth the added hassle and expense?