Tubeless has become the default for new high-end road bikes, and for good reason. Without a tube, there is no friction between tube and tyre casing, which reduces rolling resistance. The sealant inside plugs small punctures — thorns, glass, wire — before you even know they happened. And because there is no tube to pinch, you can run lower pressures for better grip and comfort without risking pinch flats. The downsides are real but manageable: initial setup can be messy and frustrating, sealant dries out every 2-3 months and needs topping up, and if you do get a puncture the sealant cannot seal, you are dealing with a messier roadside repair. For regular road riding, the puncture protection alone makes tubeless worth it.
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