How Tubeless Technology Has Changed Modern Wheelset Design

Tubeless technology has rapidly transformed the cycling world, moving from mountain biking to now becoming mainstream in road and gravel cycling. This evolution has not only changed how we ride but also how wheelsets are designed, manufactured, and optimized.

So, how exactly has tubeless technology reshaped modern wheelsets? And why does it matter for today’s cyclists? Let’s dive in.

What Is Tubeless Technology?

Tubeless wheels allow riders to mount tires without inner tubes. The tire and rim form an airtight seal, typically with the help of sealant that can self-repair small punctures.

Key Benefits:

Lower Tire Pressures: More comfort and better traction.

Reduced Risk of Pinch Flats: No tube to pinch against the rim.

Better Rolling Efficiency: Less friction compared to tube setups.

Self-Sealing: Sealant can instantly fix small punctures on the go.

Key Changes in Wheelset Design Driven by Tubeless

1. Wider Internal Rim Widths

To support tubeless tires at lower pressures, rims have become significantly wider.

Traditional internal widths: 15-17mm

Modern tubeless road widths: 19-25mm

Gravel tubeless widths: 23-27mm

Why it matters:
Wider rims better support wider tires, creating a more stable tire profile and reducing the chance of burping (air loss from bead separation).

2. Hookless Rim Design

Hookless rims, which feature straight sidewalls without a bead hook, are increasingly common in tubeless wheelsets.

Advantages:

Stronger rim sidewalls.

Easier manufacturing process.

More consistent tire bead seating.

Trade-offs:

Requires tubeless-compatible tires.

Often recommended for pressures below 72.5 PSI (5 bar).

3. Improved Rim Bed Profiles

Tubeless rims now feature:

Deeper center channels for easier tire mounting.

Tighter bead shelves for improved tire retention.

Bead lock ridges to prevent burping.

These rim bed shapes are essential to create the airtight seal needed for tubeless setups and ensure safe, secure riding even at lower pressures.

4. Focus on Air Retention and Manufacturing Precision

Tubeless systems demand extremely tight tolerances:

Rim dimensions must perfectly match tubeless tire beads.

Manufacturing processes have improved to minimize air leakage.

Valve holes and spoke beds are often sealed or reinforced to prevent slow leaks.

Brands now invest more in QC (Quality Control) for tubeless-ready wheels than ever before.

5. Increased Compatibility with Wider Tires

Modern tubeless wheelsets are optimized for:

Road tires: 28C-32C

Gravel tires: 35C-50C+

Riders are now running lower pressures (as low as 40 PSI on road bikes), which was unthinkable in the tube era. Wheel designs must safely accommodate these setups without compromising stability.

6. Greater Emphasis on Sealant-Friendly Design

Rim bed surfaces are smoother to prevent sealant leaks.

Tubeless-specific rim tape is now a standard component.

Valve stems are more robust and often include removable cores for sealant topping.

These details make tubeless setups more reliable and user-friendly.

Tubeless: Changing Rider Expectations

What’s changed for cyclists:

Tubeless is now expected, not optional, especially in gravel and all-road categories.

Riders demand easier tire mounting and lower maintenance setups.

The market expects wheels that work seamlessly with a wide range of tubeless tires.

At Superteam, our latest carbon wheelsets feature tubeless-ready designs with wide internal rim widths, smooth bead seats, and support for both hooked and hookless setups to meet modern rider expectations.

Conclusion: Tubeless Is Shaping the Future

The rise of tubeless technology has changed almost every aspect of wheelset design:

Wider, more stable rims.

Improved sealing precision.

New materials and rim profiles.

If you’re considering upgrading, tubeless-ready carbon wheelsets are now the standard for performance, comfort, and versatility.