So having had my new GT Grade Carbon for a couple of weeks now, I've been busy putting this my first tubeless setup consisting of Stans Radler rims fitted with Clement Strada Ush tyres to the test. I had always been quite sceptical about tubeless but as the new bike came with them fitted, I saw it as a good way to at least try them out without having to go through the faff and expense of the diy approach. I have to say I was impressed, running the 700x32 tyres at their minimum pressure of 40psi and treating them to an off road pounding each day on my daily commute. Comfortable, fast, grippy and no punctures, I was really impressed, so much so that I removed the spare tube from my repair kit and replaced it with a tubeless repair kit, just in case, and continued into week 2 with my newfound reckless riding style.
So today I decided to give the bike a once over to check all was still in order. Out of sheer curiosity I deflated the front tyre just to take a peek inside. Imagine my surprise when I discovered there was no sealant, tubeless valve or rim tape, but instead there was the humble inner tube.
Although I've taken up the case with Wiggle as the bike was not advertised as only being "tubeless ready" I have to say I'm not overly fussed, as I'm delighted with the bike and this experience seems to confirm my original skepticism regarding tubeless. Even if they concede and give me a tubeless "kit" I'm struggling to see what advantage it would give me?