FLOWT

LIBERATION ON TWO WHEELS

Tubeless Fat Tire Bike on a lake in winter

Are Tubeless Tires Worth It On a Fat Bike?

Hesitatant to set up my bike trainer this winter, I caved and bought a fat bike. Not just any fat tire bike; a rather light and nimble Salsa Beargrease.

I am no stranger to fat bike riding, having made several trips to the Upper Peninsula for winter cycling retreats in the wilderness. But I had a lot to learn in dialing my rig.

salsa beargrease fat tire bike
Flowy trails like these make my tubeless Salsa Beargrease more fun.

The bike, which was lightly used when I bought it, came with tubeless-ready tires, though inflated with inner tubes installed (basically stock.) While I don’t mind a little extra weight, I was curious whether setting up my fat tire bike tubeless would be worth it.

Advantages of a Tubeless Fat Bike Setup

mountain-ready tuneless fat tire bike with front suspension

Going tubeless on your fat bike can provide many noticeable gains in your overall riding experience. Here are the key advantages that make tubeless conversion on a fat bike:

  • Significant weight reduction: Removing large fat bike tubes can reduce the rotating mass by 300-500 grams per wheel, or about 2 pounds on average. This makes the bike substantially lighter, more nimble, and easier to accelerate.
  • Enhanced power efficiency: Converting to tubeless can save up to 15 watts of power at 8 PSI, which is approximately 10% more usable power for the average cyclist. This is especially noticeable during long rides.
  • Superior traction control: Safely running ultra-low tire pressures without risking pinch flats allows the tire to better conform to the terrain, creating a larger contact patch with the ground for improved grip.
  • Cold weather performance: Special low-temperature sealants make tubeless systems viable even in extreme winter conditions while eliminating tubes reduces the overall system complexity in challenging environments.
  • Better rolling resistance: Tubeless setups demonstrate significantly lower rolling resistance than tubed configurations, and the advantage becomes more pronounced at lower pressures commonly used in fat biking.
  • Puncture protection: The combination of liquid sealant and the elimination of pinch flats provides superior protection against common tire issues. Most small punctures seal automatically while riding.

Converting to tubeless isn’t just a trend – it’s a meaningful upgrade that can enhance nearly every aspect of fat biking performance. While the initial setup requires effort, the benefits typically outweigh the investment for most riders seeking to optimize their fat bike experience.

Why Forego Tubeless Fat Tires?

A fat tire bike without tubeless tires on a winter trail

While tubeless setups offer compelling benefits, there are several notable drawbacks to consider before converting your fat bike. Here are the key disadvantages:

  • Complex initial setup: Converting to tubeless requires precise installation of rim tape, valves, and sealant. This process is particularly challenging for fat bike tires due to their large volume and need for proper bead seating.
  • Ongoing maintenance requirements: Riders must regularly check sealant levels every three months and replenish as needed to maintain puncture protection and proper tire function.
  • Messy sealant management: Working with liquid sealant can be particularly dirty, especially when refreshing or cleaning dried sealant, which can form rubber-like deposits inside the tire.
  • Higher initial cost: The conversion process requires specialized components, including tubeless-ready tires, valves, rim tape, and sealant, plus potential shop labor costs of $15-30 per wheel for professional installation.
  • Cold weather complications: While most sealants can handle cold temperatures, they can freeze in extreme conditions or dry up quicker, potentially compromising their puncture-fixing capabilities over time.
  • Shop dependency: Unless you’re willing to learn the technical aspects of tubeless maintenance, you may need to rely on bike shops for basic tire service, which can increase the long-term cost of ownership.

The decision to go tubeless on a fat bike should carefully weigh these drawbacks against the potential benefits, particularly considering your riding style, maintenance comfort level, and local conditions.

Bottom Line

Man spreading his wings while riding a fat bike down a winter road

If you’re accustomed to seating your own tires and have sufficient bike maintenance know-how, then installing tubeless tires on your fat bike is most definitely worth it.

With fat bikes, tubeless tires save nearly 2 lbs in weight (fat tire tubes are heavy!) The added nimbleness, puncture resistance, and enhanced riding experience also make tubeless tires worth it.

You don’t need an air compressor to do it. An Air Shot works great as a portable, low-cost method to seat your own tubeless bike tires and take ownership of your own bike maintenance needs. 

Tyler Tafelsky is a Cyclist who lives for all things Gravel Bikes
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Tyler Tafelsky is an adventure cyclist with an affinity for long-distance gravel races, bikepacking trips, and ripping your weekend shootout ride. Tyler seeks to race at the front just as much as he enjoys a good party pace. You can find him exploring Michigan’s backroads and tearing up the state’s gravel series.