Tube or tubeless? Find the best tyre type for your bike.

• To begin with, let’s understand the Tubeless tyres closely:

  It wouldn’t be a bad idea to get to know tubeless tyres a little better. As the name suggests, the tubeless bike tyre functions without tubes. The air is directly filled in the tyres, which means that the rim has an airtight setting.

  → The tubeless tyre is available in two types of construction – Bias-ply and Radial. The former is made of several layers of the same rubber. It is interdependent on the central part of the tyre. that leads to overheating during high-speed driving.

  → The radial tyres, comprising many elements, do not rely on the central part of the rubber. With the independent sidewall, radial tubeless tyres prove to be cooler during high-speed rides. They are the preferred choice of tyres for performance bikes.

  → The compound used in the construction of the tubeless tyre is usually medium-thick. This makes it hard and adds longer life to the tyre.

• So then, what are Tube type tyres?

  The tube-type tyre comes with a tube that holds the air pressure inside the tyre. It is made up of soft compounds that equip it with impeccable gripping capabilities.

  → Since the tube and the tyre are not connected, the bonding between the tyre and wheel is not airtight.

  → The separation between the tube and tyre is one of the foremost reasons why forked wheels use this tyre format. The tension of the spokes affects the wheels while hitting rough patches. The air pressure is not at a disadvantage as the tube acts as a protective layer.

  Now that you have a basic idea about the two tyre types, let’s move on to the next part of the race. This is an obstacle course, and the two candidates must beat each other on 2 major points: value for money and efficiency. May the best tyre win!

• Advantages

  Tube type

  ●        Easy puncture repair. Every tyre service guy is equipped to repair this tyre type.

  ●        Cost-effective

  ●        Air pressure is not lost

  ●        Provides excellent grip

  Tubeless type

  ●        Less prone to punctures

  ●        High durability

  ●        Easy maintenance 

  ●        If punctured, it loses air gradually. This gives you enough time to find a suitable place to stop, especially on open roads or highways.

  ●        As it is tubeless, this tyre is lighter in weight which aids in fuel efficiency

  ●        In the same price range as tube-type tyres

• Disadvantages

  Tube type

  ●        Highly prone to punctures

  ●        These tyres are heavy as the tyre and tube are separate, which could result in low fuel mileage.

  ●        Once punctured, it gets flat in no time, leaving you with no time to find a repair shop or find the right opportunity to park. 

  ●        High maintenance, as the wheel needs to be removed to repair the puncture.

  ●        Punctures hinder mobility and damage the tube valve.

  Tubeless type

  ●        It cannot be repaired easily in case of heavy damage - Very few professionals have the know-how to repair a tubeless tyre.

• And the winner is…..

  After weighing all the pros and cons, the tubeless tyre wins hands down, to be the best tyre layout! It requires less maintenance, is less prone to punctures, with no hassle even in case of a puncture as the vehicle won’t come to an immediate stop. And it offers more fuel savings. Plus it’s in the same price range as tube-type tyres!

  So the next time you buy or replace your tyres, prefer the tubeless type.

• Where to purchase the tubeless tyres?

  The tubeless tyre can be purchased either online or from a tyre shop nearby. So if you have a bike that can handle tubeless tyres, you should make the switch, to enjoy a hassle-free ride today!

  CEAT Tyres offer an exciting range of tubeless tyres for all kinds of bikes! Learn more about the best tubeless tyre for your bike on our website. You can check for vehicle compatibility to speed up the buying process. Less tube, more fun!