Tubeless tyres offer a smoother, more adaptable ride — but even they can lose pressure over time. From tiny punctures to sealant problems and natural air loss, several factors could be to blame. In this guide, we explain the most common causes and share practical tips to keep your tubeless tyres properly inflated and performing their best.
Tubed tyres are constructed with an inner tube which is inflated, and a rubber shell that forms the surface of the tyre. Not only are these typically more durable but they have better protection from punctures – despite not being as versatile from a cyclists perspective.
The alternative tyre type available to cyclists is a tubeless tyre. Because these are made from a single layer of rubber which is inflated as required, to match your ideal pressure according to the bike and terrain you’re cycling on, they are more versatile.
However, this can make diagnosing an issue with the finish of a tubeless tyre more difficult. It can also expose these tyres to more damage from a puncture, as they are made of just one layer rather than two.
With that in mind, we thought we’d share some of the top and most common reasons why tubeless tyres lose pressure…
Common Reasons for Pressure Loss in Tubeless Tyres
Natural Air Loss
Albeit annoying, a loss of air and pressure from tubeless tyres is nothing unusual. Over time, cyclists should expect to lose air at a very gradual pace due to osmosis – when air is under pressure and finds its way through the rubber via this natural process.
Micro Punctures
Not all punctures are major, and not all punctures result in a very sudden loss of air.
Micro punctures are very small cuts or holes that appear following contact with debris or a pothole, that lead to gradual air loss. They are very difficult to identify and isolate, though there are steps you can take to find a micro puncture once you think there is one in your tyre.
The best ways include covering the tyre in soapy liquid to see where bubbles appear and feeling around the outside of the tyre when inflated to see if you can feel (or hear) air escaping.
Sealant Issues
If the tubeless tyre is not properly sealed atop the wheel rim, then you will find that air is able to escape – sometimes rapidly, and at other times over a steady and gradual period.
When a tubeless tyre is fitted to the wheel of the bike, it needs to be filled with sealant to ensure that all gaps are plugged. If this process isn’t completed properly, you may find that air loss becomes a regular issue.
Incompatibility
Finally, if the tubeless tyres you purchase are not the correct ones for the bike and its wheels, then you are setting the tyres up to fail.
The size needs to be right, and the tyre type and its tread pattern need to be well suited to the terrain you will be cycling on. All of this adds up to long-lasting tyres which are safe, compatible with the wheels, and which ensure a comfortable and smooth ride.
