Originally Posted by
Darth Lefty
Well... there are tubeless tires and then there are tubeless-ready tires. True tubeless tires also have an extra layer of rubber inside that stands in for the tube to make them more airtight. So you might be overstating the weight savings. Just hunting around for an example,
this tire is 110 grams heavier in its tubeless version. Still, the advantage is real, and obviously greater for plus or fat tires. I also noted, while looking for my example, that the folding, non-tubeless tires are disappearing. This leaves two categories: tubeless folding for enthusiast or race, and tubed wire bead for the cheaper market.
I think it's also getting better as the companies gain experience. The 2016 Schwalbe Pro One Tubeless for example
scores higher on this guy's test than the 2014 Pro Tubeless and it's
three ounces lighter. It uses all the same technology marketing buzzwords as the MTB tires.
The advantages of lower rolling resistance and lower pressure seem like a bigger deal than the weight.
Weight savings are indeed a bonus. The lower rolling resistance and more supple tire is where the real advantage is.
And you can use a "tubeless" or "tubeless ready" tire with tubes. Usually the only difference between a tubeless ready and non-ready is the bead shape. With the right rims, almost every tire will work tubeless -some will take more effort than is worth or require a lot of sealant. That's why most new folding tires are labeled as "tubeless ready" or similar claim.