How to stop MTB punctures.

[So]

We live in an area with a lot of hawthorn and I am responsible for repairing the tyres of several bikes. After a ride there is usually at least one puncture.

Is there a product that is any good that can go in the tyre to prevent such problems?

Many thanks.

[Tall_Paul]

Go tubeless.

[So]

Tall_Paul said:

Go tubeless.

I’ve not looked into it but I am not sure how practical it would be. One of the bikes has very wide tyres (I think about 2.8 inches or there abouts at 24” diameter).

[techguyone]

I've used Slime for many years and had zero punctures, but a lot of people dismiss it as it it supposedly unbalances the tyres or adds rolling resistance or some such thing. As I've a MTB not a racer I prefer the no punctures personally...

[Tall_Paul]

So said:

Tall_Paul said:

Go tubeless.

I’ve not looked into it but I am not sure how practical it would be. One of the bikes has very wide tyres (I think about 2.8 inches or there abouts at 24” diameter).

Shouldn't matter, mtb tyres are up to 3.0" now and can be set up tubeless, it's easy if you have tubeless ready rims and tyres but even if not it can be done. Rim tape, tubeless valves and sealant and you're good to go.

[james7]

Tubeless is definately a winner for me.
I took my tyres off after 6 months or so to check the sealant and see if i had stopped any flat tyres and there were 6 or 7 punctures in 1 tyre, and 3 or 4 in the other. I didnt know about any of them at the time.
I have also had a few where there is a piece of twig stuck on the tyre by the thorns. Pulled it out, lost a tiny bit of air till i rotated the wheel and instantly fixed.
So for me it does work.

I do carry a tubeless repair kit, as well as tubes and a puncture repair kit just in case, but never had to use any of it.

[Phooey]

It looks a PITA to convert to tubeless, and you have to top them up every couple of months. What about Slime inner-tubes?

https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Slime-Pre-Filled-Self-Hea...

[So]

Phooey said:

It looks a PITA to convert to tubeless, and you have to top them up every couple of months. What about Slime inner-tubes?

https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Slime-Pre-Filled-Self-Hea...

It's an idea, but they appear not to do the necessary size for the chunkiest tyres.

[Alfa Pete]

Sealant can be topped up if you have removable valve cores and can be syringes in with an injector.

[techguyone]

So said:

Phooey said:

It looks a PITA to convert to tubeless, and you have to top them up every couple of months. What about Slime inner-tubes?

https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Slime-Pre-Filled-Self-Hea...

It's an idea, but they appear not to do the necessary size for the chunkiest tyres.

When I originally suggested slime, I didn't mean the pre done tubes but the bottle you use yourself, that way you can adjust to suit the chunkiest tyre (I'm guessing anyone who runs 3 inch tyres isn't going to be bothered about weight)

[Likeomg]

Depending on the usage...

Theres some Schwalbe puncture proof tires with a Kevlar beed...

But as suggested going tubeless is the best option. stan's is a good starting point.

[DJFish]

I put slime in the tubes of my mtb & road bike.
No punctures since but that could just be coincidence.

[Sheetmaself]

I use DH tubes and slightly low pressures so far i have either been very lucky or it seems to work.

Yeah they’re heavy but then so am I!

[techguyone]

Do MTB even have tubeless ready rims, it seems like a lot of faff instead of putting in slime to regular tubed tyres, which basically work the same i.e. using sealant to stop most punctures.

I'd rather buy a tube of slime vs

New wheels, new tyres, rim tape, sealant, a different pump etc etc.

[threadlock]

techguyone said:

I'd rather buy a tube of slime vs

New wheels, new tyres, rim tape, sealant, a different pump etc etc.

I use Stan's in bog standard tyres with standard rims and have had no problems. The only special component is the Stan's rim tape. Great stuff.

Only problem I've had in the past is getting the tyre inflated the first time to seat the beads. A compressor is a huge help here.

[Tall_Paul]

I've had mine set up tubeless since May, when I give wheels a shake I can hear the sealant sloshing around. I used Orange seal endurance which is meant to last longer than normal stuff. You'll just need tubeless tape which is a few quid, then some valves. If I've had any punctures I've not been aware of them in the 400+ miles I've done.

I've also done a tubeless conversion on my dad's hybrid bike with tubeless ready tyres but non tubeless ready rims, they've held pressure perfectly fine.

I'd say if you've got tubeless ready tyres or rims and tyres go proper tubeless. If not, give the tube sealant a try.

[Likeomg]

techguyone said:

Do MTB even have tubeless ready rims, it seems like a lot of faff instead of putting in slime to regular tubed tyres, which basically work the same i.e. using sealant to stop most punctures.

I'd rather buy a tube of slime vs

New wheels, new tyres, rim tape, sealant, a different pump etc etc.

Probably for the last 5 years + now.....

[The Mad Monk]

What about Schwalbe Marathon Plus?

They have this fat bit of rubber(?) which absorbs thorns and stuff.

https://tinyurl.com/y983tbtz

[techguyone]

Likeomg said:

techguyone said:

Do MTB even have tubeless ready rims, it seems like a lot of faff instead of putting in slime to regular tubed tyres, which basically work the same i.e. using sealant to stop most punctures.

I'd rather buy a tube of slime vs

New wheels, new tyres, rim tape, sealant, a different pump etc etc.

Probably for the last 5 years + now.....

Ah fair enough, I haven't kept track of recent MTB tech stuff

[Craikeybaby]

Depending on the wheels/tyres tubeless setup can be a PITA. However, I'd rather be messing about with tyres at home, than by the side of the trail.