What do you think is the advantage of tubeless for road/Tri?

Flat protection, better road feel, ability to run lower pressure if needed.

---

Jim

**Note above poster works for a retailer selling bikes and related gear*

I ride road, gravel, and mountain bikes. I just don't see an advantage on road or gravel bikes. The tire pressure is too high, and the volume too low. So even when the sealant works, you've lost a lot of pressure; you're likely pulling over to pump up the tire anyway. When the hole is too big, you have a big mess; sealant all over you and the bike as you keep the wheels turning and hoping that the sealant will eventually work.

Note the sealant does work for very small holes; thorns and small cuts. So my solution is to put some sealant in the tubes. That way, when a larger puncture does occur, there is minimal mess. I stop the bike (not keep riding hoping the sealant fixes the flat), replace the tube, and ride on.

So I get the minor flat protection of tubeless sealant, I didn't have to replace my wheels, and I don't have to deal with latex all over my equipment when I get a flat. I do this with my mountain bike as well; I just don't like the mess of the sealant when changing tires. I also don't own an air compressor, which may be required in order to get the initial bead seat/seal. (A huge downside to tubeless.)

EDIT: And one more consideration is tire selection; especially for road. It has only been relatively recently that the Crr on any tubeless tire was as low as good non-tubeless tires. And there was only a single low Crr tubeless tire last I checked.

---

2015 USAT Long Course National Champion (M50-54)