A few thoughts on tubeless. I decided to try tubeless this year, not because I was unhappy with tubes but because the ability to run sealant and, hopefully, have the sort of thorn punctures I get from time to time self seal is very appealing. With the arrival of the Schwalbe Ones the reviews suggest that they ride well - similar to Vittoria Open Corsa and Ultremo ZXs my previous favourites - and they're available in 25 and 28 widths. So a fast comfortable tyre with more puncture protection for year round use and for commuting (when delays matter).
I also moved my mtb to tubeless this winter after a series of punctures meant that over a two week period I spent more time walking than cycling. Tubeless is brilliant on the mtb - I used gorilla tape for the rims and already had 'tubeless ready' Schwalbe Hans Damf tyres on the bike from new. Again, best thing is that I've ridden all the way home every time I've been out since converting. I run lower pressures too, good in the mud of late but harder work on the road.
I currently have tubeless One's fitted to 3 sets of wheels - rims are Pacenti SL23, Kinlin XC279 and Exal LX17. Of these only the Pacentis are offically tubeless ready, but both other wheels set up fine. All needed the 21mm Stan's tape. The LX17s ride well with the Schwalbes, but they and the bike are at the heavy end of the spectrum, so doesn't accelerate quickly. It does roll well though and I've been running slightly lower pressures than I used to run with Ultremos. Grip, in the dry, has been fine. I'm hoping the fall doesn't indicate poor wet grip, but I suspect that the issue was diesel or salt.
The One's in 28c come up at 28mm wide on the Exal LX17 (17mmm internal) and about 30mm on the Pacentis (18mm internal). In 25c on the Kinlins they are a solid 25 wide. That rim is a 17mm internal and the package looks nice and 'aero' (for an alloy rim) without breaking the bank. The Pacentis are noticably lightly - as is the wallet!
Mike
I'll write more when I'm back on the bike and have a bit more experience.
