Oh Dear, Oh Dear.

Of course, the real reason I'm pissed off about the hub/rattle issue is that I've just spent £50 on new front and rear 07 XT mechs in the hope that they would solve the dodgy shifting issue at the back end (clearly really caused by the wobbly block) and rattle at the front end (also clearly caused by the wobbly block). Both are now not needed - not yet anyway. Luckily they were a bargain saving of over £25 on rrp and will no doubt come into their own... eventually.

All I need now is a new rear tyre. As a Conti Vertical Pro UST is £35 at rrp, I had a quick peak at mtbr.com which is always an entertaining source of reviews/opinions from people that appear to ride in a completely different way to anyone mortal, live in perma sun, ride on hardpack and have probably never seen a puddle or wet root in their lives...

And I quote;
"The Vert Pro is useless. Running 25psi the tyre burps air over any drop over 3 feet and the sidewall shredded on sharp rocks." Erm.

Presumably this tosser weighs about 6 stone wet through cos if I so much as sit on my bike with only 25psi in the tyres the rim hits the road... and as for a 3 foot drop - let's just say it ain't gonna be a problem mate. Sharp rocks? Try putting some air in your tyres or just ride round 'em.

For the record, I've run tubeless for over 12 months now and have had minimal trouble. The bollox about being able to run low pressures is exactly that - bollox. The only time I can recall getting a puncture on a ride was when we rode the Shining Tor slabbed path before they finished it. I didn't check my pressures before the ride and the tyres were soft - the inevitable happened and the sidewall was trashed on a particularly sharp square edged slab. It was generously replaced under warranty...

With the correct pressures I haven't had a problem with pinch flats there or anywhere else since, but without gunk in them they do leak a little air over time. The front has a sealant in and hasn't had to be topped up for months, the rear hasn't and I top it up before every ride.

I reckon you can get away with about 5psi less than tubes which for me means about 35 to 40 psi. They definitely improve the performance of suspension at speed adding another level of compliance (less boinging about and rebound) and if I was fit and light enough to climb well I'm sure I could offer an opinion on that too.

Sadly I'm not.

I reckon once they're set up they're less grief than tubes, you get less punctures and they do improve ride and control - even for a bulldozer like me. Weight wise there's no real difference worth a damn.

Try 'em.