Forum menu
Have had UST wheels for years. Ran UST tyres. Best (for my type of riding) were Panaracer Trailblaster 1.9" They stopped being available a few years ago and since then I've struggled. Tried Schwalbe, tried Hutchinson, tried other Panaracer and not had much success.
Now when I'm looking round, the range of 26" UST tyres seems to be dismal.
What's the sketch? Can I run 'ordinary' tyres or am I missing something?
C
Don't think you can run ordinary tyres on a UST rim (as tubeless) - the bead is the wrong shape to fit. CRC seems to have enough 26" UST tyres, though - although I know what you mean about that size wheel dying out, I need a new fork and it seems my bike's obsolete 🙁
I happily used UST for years, but switched to tubeless ready (marked TLR) a while back and wouldn't go back. Been using specialised ones in the main. They're a lot lighter in general and the range seems great. Reliability has been spot on - did get one puncture that I reckon a UST tyre would have shrugged off but that's been a one-off so far.
I say wouldn't go back, but I reckon UST would be a good choice if you were doing a lot of remote riding were reliability is king - particularly for heavier riders. They are very durable.
Never ever had any problems with choice on 26 UST rims, really like the Panaracer Rampage 2.1 UST fast, grippy and narrow enough if you have been used to 1.9's. But otherwise take your pick >>
http://nextdaytyres.co.uk/search.aspx/TYRES-UST
Specialized 2bliss are what I tend to use on ust rims. The good is that they are easy to get, range of decent tread options and relatively cheap. My only gripe is that it is surprisingly easy to bust the carcass threads. I have lost two to this in last twelve months and I have not even ridden that much. Got a couple of bumps in the side of the current one too.
I happily used UST for years, but switched to tubeless ready
Don't think 2Bliss tyres are "ordinary" - just some kind of dodge by Specialized to avoid having to pay UST royalties.
I've also used them, nice tyres but seem a bit delicate, I really hate the way you can see the sealant oozing out through the tyre walls.
Last ones (current) are Panaracer Rampage 2.1 UST but they seem to be suffering from small very sharp pieces of grit (say about 5mm) puncturing the middle thin part of the tyre, especially when on tarmac or hard-pack. Happened again yesterday and I'm getting a bit peaved with it
C
Maxxis exo carcass tyres work good on ust rims.
Ditto on one chunky monkey and smorgasbord once you've got them inflated.
Standard tyres are fine on UST, as are tubeless ready. (or, rather, there's nothing about either that stops them from working fine with UST, but individual tyres may vary- so just like using them on non-UST tubeless rims)
Specialized have a pretty good range now, not perfect but solid and not too pricey.
You are using sealant in the tyres? I've used them in the Lakes/Peak/N.Wales and apart from where I tore off the bead (being stupid) I've never had problems with puncture sealing.
To the OP, there's a good Pinkbike article on UST [url= http://www.pinkbike.com/news/To-The-Point-UST-Rims-Tires-2013.html ]here[/url] which answers your question about compatibility.
As for choice in UST tyres - take a look at some of the Maxxis offerings.
That's a classic Pinkbike tech page tbh, says very little and most of it's cobblers.
And that's a classic STW response - slag something off without any specifics what is wrong with it, or offering an alternative source of information that is supposedly better. 🙄
If it helps, I gather the WTB tubeless ready range have a UST bead (but will need sealant). Also, IIRC Conti still do UST.
Sorry Perthmtb, fair point! The biggest howler is "And the significant discrepancy in the shape of the bead will cause trouble with air retention. The tire bead just won’t seal very well against the rim." He might have got away with that years ago but so many users know better now, it just doesn't hold any water. " Airtight UST rims don’t have a weight penalty compared to non-UST rims."- also mince. "A person would have more success putting a UST tire on a non-UST rim", that's pretty much the worst approach. It's just misinformation.
The one I like is "Note that on the tire side, “UST-ready” systems are ubiquitous."- actually, they're rare, the only 2 companies that do it are coincidentally the 2 companies he's puffing up in the piece, Mavic and WTB. (oh, meanwhile Stans only get a mention for their worst product, the rim strips, not for their rims which any fule know work damn well)
Draw your own conclusions really. Giving them the benefit of the doubt,[i] maybe[/i] it's just a bad article.
PS I am grumpy because I'm supposed to be at a hogmanay party and instead I'm at home with broken ribs 😉 So please take that into account if I'm being a cock.
No problems Northwind 🙂 . In fact I agree its a very slanted piece, reads very much like a marketing release for UST! I'd particularly take issue with the assertion that UST rims aren't heavier, because the higher sidewalls, deeper well, and no spoke holes dictated in the UST specs [i]do[/i] make for a heavier rim. Granted, the addition of rim strips and sealant for other systems somewhat counters that, but that wasn't their argument.
Despite its failings though, in an area where there's a lot of confusion, where each manufacturer extolls the virtues of their system, and where the average MTBer probably doesn't know the actual physical differences between UST, TLR, and Stans, I think its got some useful information.
Sorry to hear about the ribs - been there! Just try not to sneeze or laugh 😉
Chris - Happy New Year.
Specialized 2bliss - go for the control over the s works. Purgatory, Ground Control for grip, The Captain is faster rolling. If you're up this way I've a range of 'obsolete' 26" tyres you can try.
Cheers Box E,
are you staying with us for the TdF? Think we'll have a good house load but the plan is to Fri night here then get up early and MTB or road ride to Wharfedale. Plenty of beds, camping etc
C
Yes please......
Need to check with indoors...