For me, it’s completely not worth moving away from tubes. I rarely flat, maybe once in the last 4 years on tubes
I wouldn't say I flatted many times before, so that wasn't a huge decision for me, but 1 flat in 4 years really does sound improbable on UK roads?! Then again you where mainly running tubulars over that time so your mileage would be low on tubes until more recently? Did you mostly run tubs over in Oz? Know you did when racing and I guess probably better/cleaner roads than over here?
I really enjoyed the other benefits of tubeless (wide, low pressure, great grip in mud/winter) which I could have got with tubes I know, but would've been more tricky finding the right tyre for it. Which I never really did. So I would say most of the happiness I got from Tubeless, on the cheap tyre option I found, although I had been fairly happy on tubes before on similar and more expensive tyres, was just me getting more comfort and piece of mind... I wasn't puncture prone before, but I certainly didn't miss them. Probably 50% of the group rides I have been on have someone puncturing, it feels fantastic to not be that person (not that I was very often as I've always chosen tougher tyres), while having far little concerns over some of the rough stuff and shortcuts I'd otherwise have questioned. Solo I've ridden plenty of rougher tracks that I wouldn't even have considered on tubes, as well as across a few fields. but I guess part of it for me was just wanting to try it out as I could on my rims (and lets be honest we all like to try something new). I'm a convert, especially after how prone I was for punctures when I came back to tubes during lockdown, but I do realise how it's not that suited for some of us with limited/low amounts of punctures. It could've been me running lower pressures than I should've been, rubbish luck, or just a case of the P fairy catching up with me...
Maybe there's more benefit to me at 95-98kg who has had probably 20+ flats this year from pinched tyres? Maybe I've not had enough pressure in, but I've generally tried lots of different things from 80psi to 110psi.
You won't know until you try it!
I'd always recommend people try it if they're curious, but I do know those who are 'happy' on tubes will really need some convincing (and most won't be!). I'm not saying tubeless isn't without it's own caveats and hassle of setup...
Considering the extra cost of tyres, install and maintenance hassle (remember to add sealant as it dries up etc), the faff when things go wrong and the lack of any noticeable gain I can't be bothered with it. It's kinda nice knowing with a tube puncture the worst case is probably 20mins of playing around but often less than 10. If punctures were really frequent then perhaps tubeless would be worth the hassle.
For me the tyres where not more expensive, if anything they where cheaper and turned out tougher than most of the previous more expensive tubed ones I'd used, but I was disappointed with most of those in the larger sizes before going Tubeless anyway.
I ran tubeless without issues for ages, decided I would rather have the security of tubes for long rides and switched back. Got my first puncture for two years within 3 weeks. *shakes fist*
I thought that when I switched back. First couple I blamed on myself (pinch flats) for running too low pressure and not being overly concerned on rough stuff, but when I punctured for the 4th time and actually had to start making decisions about how many replacement tubes to buy (at nearly £5 each!) I realised I was insane to continue running the tubed tyres I had (GP 4000 sii) just 'because I had them' and hadn't got the right size tape to re-tape my rim to go back tubeless.
On the plus side, no punctures and the tyres didn't feel too bad today. Maybe they're scrubbing in a little, or maybe it's all in my head?
It's partly in your head - new tyres always 'feel' different and it's highly likely the gators are 'harder' so have a harsher ride than your previous and need some bedding in.
Also in the process of buying a house which is a bit more of a priority than cycling, I hope to **** there isn't a second lockdown.
Goodluck! My sister has had 2 weekends of viewings and she's in Birmingham so you should be ok!
Make sure you get a garage, bigger the better!
Had a quick jolly yesterday but really wasn't feeling it. Found headwinds the one way (from the north) I had thought to do an out-and-back kinda loop so turned south, was going to ride some lanes and some climbs I've been meaning to check out, but legs where really not feeling it, so turned for what should've been a more sheltered ride east and found headwinds from there too. Sometimes living in a 'bowl' really does my head in!