So, what is the verdict? For XC is it worth it? If I went this way I woul dbe converting Rhynolite XL's and unknown tires.

I (knock on wood) only lose a few tubes a year, and they are normally during DH runs. So the puncture resistance of the "goop" would be nice, but not absolutely necessary.

SO what's the opinion?

I guess that it depends on why you want to switch to tubeless.

If you're switching to be able to run lower tire pressure and lower the risk of pinch flats (for DH potentially) then it's probably a good plan to experiment with.

If you're switching for a weight reduction, then you'd want to switch to a UST wheel (one w/out spoke holes on the inside of the hoop) because the Rhino lite wheel you're talking about would require one of those tubeless rimstrips as well as goop (roughly the same weight as a tube).

The other thing that lots of people forget about is that you have to replace the "goop" effectively like every 6 months (lots of people only do it once a year and get away w/ it). This can be a bit messy as you have to start over w/ a totally clean system. The other thing is that the "goop" settles if you don't ride your bike. This isn't a problem for us in the summer, but over the loooooooooooong winter if you don't spin your wheels you'll end up w/ a goop-ball which renders the goop not useable. This is why I decided to just run tubes in my XC setup which has UST wheels and tubeless tires. I just didn't see myself being psyched to swap goop 2 times a year...

Just my 2 cents...

I had forgotten the goop dies. I guess some XC tires and tubes will do fine.

The droid will be runnin' 2bliss on his hawt new mosheen! I'm anxious to see how that works out.

ya, those look interesting. I will have to do some research and find some nice foldy tires.

i have 2 brand new still folded in package , Kenda Nevegal 26x2.50 foldable sidewall (765gramseach) . 50. + dollar per tire . for you here right now $60.00 for the both .
ask J , thats a SMOKIN HOT DEAL

Sounds like a good deal. I'll have to get some $$ up to you.

$60 for both?! That is a smokin' deal! That tire is the shiz!

MAN I WANT TO RIDE OUTSIDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ya, riding a trainer and doing laps in the basement isn't cutting it anymore.

ill send'um down with next shuttle to C-town (most likely tomorrow). just give J the cash .

Ok, will do.

hey Tim ,
i sent the tires down with Todd .
ill call J to let him know .

Sweet, J has the $$$$

Sweet! J has the tires too! I'm skippin' town!

Just kiddin'

The tires are at the shop, feel free to stop by at your leisure

The other thing is that people try and run tubeless so they can go lower pressure - but it seems like an awful lot of BURPS, or BLOWOFFS happen. For me - the middle of a DH course is not the time for a burp. Not stoked about burping for XC either.

So in theory its a good concept, with draw backs:
1) lighter weight becuase uses no tubes. OK fine, but the slime weighs almost as much as a tube and goes to poo regularly and is a pain in the azz to deal with. Add a rimstrip in the mix and you are now heavier than a tube setup

2) Lower pressure than tubes - OK fine, but unless you are running a properly designed UST rim with corresponding UST rated tire, lower pressures makes you tire fall off the rim and you are left on the side of the trail with no air in your tire, a broken collarbone, and a spooge stain on your riding pants where your tire puked slime all over you.

3) Better ride - I have noticed this is a big difference - the tires feel more supple without tubes - but this can vary. A UST tire is nearly as stiff as a regular tire with a tube - a TLR tire has less rubber in it and is designed for use with sealant, and these are more supple. a regular tire run ghetto tubeless is also very supple

I remain not impressed - an ultralight tube weighs 90g and I can swap them out all day long, and never have to deal with coagulated slime. What is really cool is when you get a good size slime ball going and then it sounds like a superball is bouncing around inside your tire as you roll down the road.

If you have UST rims and TLR or UST tires it might be worht experimenting - otherwise, tubeless with regular rims & tires is a big mess & accident waiting to happen.