Re: any mountain bikers out there
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cavemanmoore</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> What happens when I pick up a sticker / goat head? </div></div>
No shortage of info on the web about the benefits of tubeless. Been running them for 15 months now, including through 2 goat head seasons, without a single flat (other than a cut sidewall from a flat rock that would have taken out a tubed tire as well).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_BsT8D9JYY
Pic shows the Stan's ZTR rims on the Salsa - that just saved you $350 for a new wheelset.
Note in your research - it is important to understand that the original Stan's system was designed to do tubeless conversions of non-tubeless wheels and tires. The bike you are looking at comes with tubeless-specific rims and tires. While yes both can take tubes, the tire/rim design makes running tubeless much easier than depicted in the video below. Basically, just put 'em on, put in the sealant, roll the second bead all the way over, spin it to distribute the sealant, and away you go.
The dealer will have done this before you got the bike; you just need to put 2 oz. of sealant in every 4 months or so to maintain the flatproofing. You put the sealant in via the valve stem. No need to remove the tire. I carry a little 3 oz bottle with me in case I let the too much time go by and I get a flat that won't seal. Squirt the stuff in, spin it around, re-inflate, and off you go. The beads remain sealed even if you let the tire get a little dry to the point where it does not want to seal a puncture.
The smart thing to do is carry a spare 29er tube with you. If you can't take care of the flat with a re-seal, like a large cut, you can take the tubeless stem out, put the tube in, then something between the tube and the tire to bridge the cut. A dollar bill works fine for many cuts.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=mA4nea1UT0w
The tubeless wheels/tires completes the experience of the modern 29er bike IMO. You have less rolling mass, can run lower pressures without pinch flat danger, can run some nice light but large air volume tires (2.2 to 2.4 out here is good), all things contributing to a better ride.
