or is it just the bead that’s different?

After Grant getting that unusual large slash in his Nobby Nic (double defence) on Sundays Howgills ride and me getting one in my Maxxis crossmark, I was wondering if a change to UST/Tubelsess specific tyres would reduce the sidewall damages?

opinions please

ta

Dave

I think it will vary, proper UST just means air-tight bead + sealed tyre so could just be a thin layer of sealant in the carcass rather than specific strengthening. That said to me the High-Roller LUSTs have a noticeably thicker sidewall than the single-ply XC version so I think at least some manufacturers add some strengthening to (although as everyone’s a weight-weenie I guess most still reserve the serious reinforcement to the DH specific tyres).

Yes, proper UST tyres are thicker, so you’re less likely to rip sidewalls etc.