I'm thinking about trading in my old Btwin for a tubeless one, but I'm not sure if the investment is really worth it. I've heard it's better for avoiding flats, but also that it's more of a hassle to maintain. Does anyone here have experience with this?
Tubeless really does cut down punctures significantly, especially on trails with thorns and sharp rocks, but the real difference comes down to where you're riding. If it's just city streets and pavement, the difference is minimal and doesn't justify the extra cost; now, if you're dealing with tougher terrain, it's definitely worth it because the tire won't come off the rim so easily and you'll save money on punctured tubes over time. Maintenance is kind of a pain to be honest (cleaning the sealant, checking pressure more often), but nothing that's too complicated once you get the hang of it.
The cost-benefit really depends on the terrain where you ride - if it's just asphalt and well-maintained paths, honestly the difference in punctures is minimal and doesn't justify the expense. Now, what's your situation? Trails with lots of debris, rural paths, or is it more urban? As for maintenance, it's true that it requires more attention to the sealant (it dries out over time), but nothing impossible - it's basically checking pressure more often and replacing sealant every few months.
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