Running Tubes on Tubeless Rims

[xckeefe12]

Quick Question -

I have Bontrager Race Lite Tubless rims right now. I'm planning a cross country ride from the east coast to the Colorado Trail, then continuing on roads and eventually making my way to Banff and getting on the GDR. Starting off, I'd like a smoother touring-type tire, but it seems that tubeless isn't much of an option. I also don't want to deal with the hassle of sealant if I don't have to. So can I run tube tires with tubes on my tubeless rims without any problem, and then switch back to tubeless when I get to the CT?

Thanks

[MidSouth]

I run Continental Touring Plus 700x32c with tubes on my Bontrager Rythem Pro TLR wheels with no problem for paved roads and paths.

[joeydurango]

You'll have no problems.  Make sure you leave the tubeless strip (hard plastic strip in the rims if you're currently set up tubeless) in the rim - just remove the valve and bring it along.  The one small issue you may have is getting the tires to seat up correctly - with tubes installed, certain tires can be stubborn about popping into place along the bead seat, leaving you with a hop in the tire.  A combination of judicious pressurizing and good old elbow-grease manhandling should seat everything if you're patient.

[xckeefe12]

Thanks for the help. I'm looking at Continental Travel Contract tires for the road sections. For the CT, I'm leaning towards Continental Mountain King Protection.

Any word on the new version 2?

[boddunn]

I used to run Travel Contacts on UST Cross Max with tubes; the first time I tried to seat them I pumped them up so hard the tyre blew and knackered the rim (not impressed and nor was the dog when it exploded at 3am right next to him). After that I carried a tiny bottle of soap solution which made them seat first time every time. Other rims might be easier though.
 Matt

[joeydurango]

Continentals tend to run tight in general.  My guess based on experience with both lots of Conti tires and several models of Bontrager rims is that you'll have some good fun getting them seated.  As Matt mentioned above, soap solution works well, as does this stuff in a can called Bead Wax (if you can still find it).

Personally I was never impressed with Conti's Mountain King tires.  Like all MTB Continentals, they run smaller (width) than advertised and I never liked the large, widely spaced blocks, but I do like the Protection sidewall.  Conti's road/touring tires are really nice, though!

Have you looked at some of WTB's new tire offerings?  The TCS (Tubeless Compatible) series looks pretty sweet.  Currently available in 26", but if you're on 29" we'll have to wait until Sea Otter before they're even officially announced.  I've been running the 29" non-TCS version of the Bronson and Wolverine, and they are both sweet on anything I've thrown their way here in Western Colorado.  Looking forward to the TCS versions...