Cadex AR 40x700c tubeless with "Giant" (Stans) sealant came with my new Giant Revolt gravel bike. After several hundred miles the front tire seemed to lose significant air compared to the rear over the course of a few days of sitting idle. Soapy water revealed 5 "pinhole" air leaks - 2 almost dead center on tread and 3 closer to the edge of the contact patch. None had anything embedded outside or inside the tire and were it not for a magnifying glass there was no evidence of any damage to the exterior or interior.

Tire was reinstalled with new (and well shaken) Stans sealant and over the course of a few days rotated at both high and low pressures as well as a 25 mile ride at 32 psi. There has not been any sign the sealant has seeped through any holes. A pin poked through one of the holes has failed to draw out sealant, but soapy water will produce very fine foam. I added another 2 oz without any noticeable effect.

The last straw was today, when I removed the tire, cleaned, sanded, cleaned and applied rubber glue and round inner tube patches to the 5 interior areas after identifying them by poking a pin through the exterior spots. All patches were clamped for hours. The tire was reinstalled with air only and all 5 still show the same tiny bubbles coming out. I refilled the tire with 2 oz of fresh Stans and I’m calling it a day. I am suspecting this is a defective tire where the air is travelling under the casing and through tiny holes in the tread – I can’t think of any other possibility.

I can ride the tire as is for a day without any issues, but this is not acceptable. I’ll be calling the bike shop tomorrow to see what they have to say about Giant/Cadex support. Chime in if you have any ideas – thanks!