Tubeless vs. Tubed Tires: Understanding the Impact on Mountain Bike Pressure and the related PSI for mountain bike tires

When it comes to mountain biking, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right tires for your bike. Two of the most popular options are tubeless and tubed tires. Both types have their own unique benefits and drawbacks, and understanding the differences between them can help you make a more informed decision about which one is right for you. You will also read how these types of tires influence PSI for mountain bike tires. Also read up our blog article on setup mistakes to avoid concerning tire pressure.

PSI for mountain bike tires and tubed tires

Tubed tires are the traditional type of tire that most people are familiar with. They have an inner tube, made of rubber, that is filled with air and sits inside the tire. The tube is held in place by the tire and the rim. The PSI for mountain bike tires inside the tube is what gives the tire its shape and supports the rider’s weight. The main advantage of tubed tires is that they are easy to fix in case of a puncture. You simply remove the wheel, patch or replace the tube and refit the wheel.

What about tubeless tires?

Tubeless tires, on the other hand, do not have an inner tube. Instead, they have an airtight seal between the tire and the rim, which is maintained by a liquid sealant that is poured into the tire. The sealant helps to prevent punctures and leaks by filling any small holes that may occur. The main advantage of tubeless tires is that they can be run at lower PSI for mountain bike tires rather than tubed tires, which improves traction, control and comfort. This is especially beneficial when riding on rocky, technical terrain as the tires can conform to the terrain better.

PSI for mountain bike tires and tubeless tires

When it comes to PSI for mountain bike tires, tubeless tires typically require lower pressure than tubed tires. The sealant in tubeless tires helps to prevent punctures and increases the tire’s ability to conform to the terrain. This allows the rider to run lower tire pressures, which can improve traction and control on the trail.

Disadvantages of tubeless tires

However, it’s important to note that tubeless tires can be more difficult to set up and maintain. The airtight seal between the tire and the rim can be tricky to achieve, and it may take some trial and error to get it right. Additionally, tubeless tires require a special valve stem and sealant, which can add to the cost of the tires.

In conclusion

In conclusion, both tubeless and tubed tires have their own unique benefits and drawbacks. Tubeless tires can offer improved traction, control, and comfort, especially on rocky, technical terrain, but they can be more difficult to set up and maintain. Tubed tires are the traditional option, easy to fix in case of puncture and can be more cost-effective. Ultimately, the choice between tubeless and tubed tires depends on your personal preferences, riding style, and budget. It’s always a good idea to try both types and see which one works best for you. 

SAGLY’S tire pressure calculator

Do not forget to download SAGLY. With the mobile app SAGLY you can document, tune and compare your mountain bike settings. The built in tire pressure calculator helps you to find the right tire pressure with ease. This calculator takes also in consideration if you are riding tubeless or with tubes. Moreover other parameters are considered like terrain preference and your weigth to find the ideal tires pressure for you.

Save these tire pressure settings with all your other mountain bike settings in the SAGLY app. You can also constantly improve and personalize the settings of your bike with many neat features.