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We asked: Tubeless tyres – yes or no?

07.05.2025 |Know-How

Tubeless tyres promise more puncture protection, better grip and a more comfortable ride - but is it really worth switching? Alexander Steurer, SIMPLON expert and tubeless fan from the very beginning, explains the benefits, challenges and gives practical tips for anyone who wants to try out or optimise the system.

9 questions - 9 answers: Everything you need to know about tubeless tyres

Tubeless tyres provide more puncture protection, better grip and a smoother ride - say some. Others prefer the classic tubular tyre system. The truth? Both systems have their strengths.

But what is really behind the tubeless trend? Is the switch worth it? What does it take? And how does the installation work?
We asked someone who knows all about it: Alexander Steurer, tubeless rider from the very beginning. In this article, he answers the 9 most frequently asked questions about tubeless tyres - honestly, comprehensibly and with plenty of practical experience.

Bonus for all DIY fans: In the how-to video, Alex shows you step by step how to fit a tubeless tyre easily and cleanly - ideal for anyone who wants to try it out for themselves.

1. What are tubeless tyres?

Tubeless tyres do not require a classic inner tube. Instead, a special sealant is filled into the system to ensure that the tyre is airtight. If the tyre gets a puncture, the sealant quickly seals the damage. This technology has long been used in cars and motorbikes and has now also gained a foothold in the bicycle sector.

The tubeless system has become particularly popular on mountain bikes, as it offers puncture protection and more grip with lower tyre pressure. However, roadbikes and city bikes also benefit from the advantages of tubeless technology. The system is therefore being used in more and more bicycle categories and has established itself as a reliable solution for everyday use.

2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of tubeless tyres?

The advantages of tubeless tyres are clear: less rolling resistance, as the flexing of the classic inner tube is eliminated, and lower weight, as the inner tube is no longer required. Tubeless tyres also offer a high level of puncture protection: minor damage, such as punctures caused by thorns, is immediately sealed by the sealant so that you can continue riding without interruption. A snakebite (pinch flat) is also prevented, as there is no tube to get pinched.

However, there are also disadvantages to tubeless tyres: Initial fitting can be more time-consuming, especially with tyres that are not ‘tubeless-ready’ from the outset. In the event of major defects, the sealant can leak out, which can contaminate the tyre, the bike and the rider. In addition, the sealant must be topped up every three to four months, as it dries out over time and loses its sealing effect.

3. Which bikes benefit from tubeless tyres?

Tubeless tyres are useful for all bike categories as they increase puncture protection, reduce rolling resistance and improve riding comfort. The technology, which originally started out on mountain bikes, is becoming increasingly popular and is now also popular on gravel bikes, trekking bikes and e-mountain bikes.

On gravel bikes and trekking bikes, tubeless tyres ensure greater safety on different surfaces. They make it possible to reduce the air pressure, which leads to improved grip and comfort. Tubeless tyres make sense for e-mountainbikes, as the additional motor can increase the load on the tyres. The sealant prevents small punctures from quickly becoming major problems, which is particularly advantageous off-road.

4. Can all SIMPLON bikes be retrofitted with a tubeless system?

Yes, in principle, you can convert any SIMPLON bike to a tubeless setup. The key factor is the type of wheels installed. Many of our models come standard with tubeless-ready wheels, which make the conversion especially easy. All you need are tubeless tyres, sealant, and a compatible valve set.

5. Can all rims be converted to a tubeless setup?

In principle, many rims - even older models - can be converted to tubeless. However, caution is advised: Not every rim was designed for this. Older wheels in particular often lack the special rim profile with flattened, raised shoulders (so-called "humps") or tubeless-specific rim flanks in which the tyre bead securely engages.

Why this is important:
There is an increased safety risk with rims that are not designed for this purpose. In extreme situations - such as hard landings, high lateral loads or low air pressure - the tyres can suddenly lose air. This can be dangerous, especially off-road or at high speeds.

Modern rims are often tubeless-ready
Many current rims are already designed for tubeless. In these cases, it is sufficient to seal the rim with self-adhesive tubeless rim tape, fit suitable tubeless valves and mount a tubeless tyre with sealant.

Recommendation:

If you are not sure whether your rim is suitable for tubeless, a specialist dealer can help you. Our wheels, e.g. from DT Swiss, are generally tubeless-ready and can be easily converted.

6. Can tubeless tyres also be used with inner tubes?

Yes - tubeless tyres can still be ridden with an inner tube in an emergency.
If the damage is too great and the sealant no longer reliably seals the hole, you can simply remove the tubeless valve and insert an inner tube as with a conventional system. This is particularly practical on tours or off-road when you don't have a suitable spare tyre to hand. Important: The inner tube should be a good match for the tyre type and rim to ensure safety and functionality.

7. What is Easy-Fit?

Easy-Fit is a special fitting fluid that is used when fitting bicycle tyres - especially tubeless tyres. It ensures that the tyre slips more easily onto the rim and sits evenly in the correct position (‘in the rim bed’). Easy-Fit also helps to seal the tyre faster and better when inflating it for the first time.

Ideal for tubeless setups:
Easy-Fit supports reliable ‘popping’ of the tyre - i.e. the audible engagement of the tyre bead in the rim - especially when mounting tubeless tyres.

Alternatively, you can also use soapy water, e.g. a mild detergent solution. However, Easy-Fit is often gentler on the material and specially formulated for rubber and rim.

8. How much weight can you save by going tubeless?

A tubeless system generally saves around 50 to 60 grams per wheel - depending on the rim, tyre and valve. Instead of a tube and standard valve, tubeless uses a specialised valve, sealant and possibly rim tape. Many current tubeless components are extremely light - e.g. high-quality aluminium valves, which save additional weight.

This is particularly relevant for anyone who pays attention to every gram when riding a road bike - such as the super-lightweight SIMPLON PAVO, which is designed to maximise efficiency and minimise system weight. If you switch to tubeless here, you get even more performance out of every metre of elevation gain.

9. What should you consider when buying a tubeless setup?

It is important that all components are designed for tubeless and have a high-quality finish. The rims should be clearly labelled as tubeless-ready. The tyres themselves can also be tubeless-ready or ‘tubeless-compatible’, but the rims play the decisive role when it comes to safe and tight installation of the tubeless system. Also pay attention to

high-quality, self-adhesive rim tape,
robust, precisely fitting tubeless valves,
and a high-performance sealant that seals reliably - even with small punctures or cuts.

Our tip: Quality pays off - when fitting, with puncture protection and over every kilometre.

Do you want to get the most out of your bike?

Then discover the SIMPLON model variety - from lightweight road bikes to versatile SUV bikes - and customise your dream bike with the bike configurator.

Switching to tubeless tyres – here’s how!

Svenja B.

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