Originally Posted by
wschruba
There is quite a bit of superstition about tubeless tires with regards to bicycles. I must imagine it's not unlike the switch that cars underwent...
The bottom line is, using tubeless tires, with tubeless rims (that is, designed specifically for it), prepared properly, leaves you with a system that is at least as dependable as a tubed tire. The oft cited "problem" of having a mess on your hands for a puncture that doesn't seal (requiring a tube) is almost entirely hyperbole...else quoted by someone with no direct experience; there is residual sealant in the tire, but it hurts absolutely nothing slipping a tube inside. You wouldn't attempt to remount a tubeless tire on the side of a road, anymore than you would with a car--you would simply install a tube, and continue on your way.
Only you can decide if the benefits of a tubeless system make sense touring, for you: performance/comfort increase due to lower pressures (beware dinging the rim...), or moderate self-healing ability, with sealant.
Umm, no.
The stories are all warranted, and you calling it myth and hyperbole shows a lack of experience. I speak from experience. When you say they are as reliable, that's true...until something goes wrong. That's like saying all planes are equally reliable until they have a crash. Totally absurd.
I had Campy/Hutchinson tubeless on my racing bike. No way on earth I would use them for touring. Despite what you say, the stories of tubeless being a total PITA are from people who have or have them. Yes they feel amazing on the road, but they can be a nightmare when they puncture or flat. I wouldn't risk it on a tour. GCN did a great video on youtube about manufacturing and tolerance problems related to tubeless.
Problems that are just now being solved.
If someone is really worried about thorns, just put sealant in the tubes and/or get a pair of Schwalbes.
Maybe in the future tubeless will be reliable when Mavic makes these available in a touring build with larger tire, but for now, especially on a tour, its not worth the potential problems with little upside.