You’re out there, rolling along, wind in your face, thinking you’re the king of the road. Then—pssst—your tire’s hissing like a pissed-off snake. You reach for a solution. But wait. You don’t have one.
Because carrying a tiny bottle of tubeless sealant never crossed your mind. Or maybe you knew deep down it was pointless.
Like a bad one-night stand, you think it’ll save you, but really, it’s just extra baggage.
Now, let’s break down why most of us aren’t hauling around that magic goo.
1. If It Didn’t Work the First Time, It Won’t Work Again
Here’s the cold truth: if the sealant already in your tire didn’t stop the puncture, dumping in more won’t help. It’s like adding water to a drowning man—too late, buddy. A bigger hole needs a plug or an old-school tube. Extra sealant? Just a placebo for the desperate.
2. CO2 and Plug Kits Do the Job Better
Most riders pack a CO2 cartridge, a plug kit, and maybe a spare tube. Quick, efficient, and it doesn’t involve squirting weird milky liquid into your tire like a degenerate at a dairy farm. Dynaplugs, bacon strips—these are the real heroes.
3. Nobody Wants a Sealant Explosion in Their Bag
A bottle of sealant rolling around in your saddlebag is like carrying a grenade filled with yogurt. If it leaks, you’ll be the guy at the coffee shop with sticky white goo all over your hands, trying to explain why your tools look like they survived a dairy massacre.
4. Maintenance > Mid-Ride Panic
A good rider checks their sealant before heading out. A dumb rider trusts luck. The former tops up at home, the latter realizes mid-ride that their tire is drier than a nun’s diary. If you pre-load enough sealant, you don’t need to bring extra.
5. It’s Extra Weight. And We’re All Obsessed with Weight.
Cyclists spend thousands on lighter frames, carbon fiber everything, and aero helmets. And then you want to carry a 2oz bottle of sealant? That’s like going on a diet and then eating an entire cake because it’s your “cheat day.”
6. Most Flats Don’t Need It
Most punctures are either tiny (and the existing sealant will handle it) or catastrophic (and no amount of added sealant will help). The middle ground where a top-up saves the day? About as common as a driver who respects bike lanes.
7. If You’re That Worried, Just Carry a Tube
For those who argue, “But what if I run out of sealant?”—just bring a damn tube. A good old-fashioned inner tube is the ultimate failsafe. If your tubeless setup fails, rip out the tire guts, slap in the tube, and keep rolling. Simple.
Quick and Brutal Summary
| Reason | Why It’s Stupid to Carry Sealant |
|---|---|
| It Didn’t Work the First Time | More sealant won’t fix a big hole |
| Plug Kits Exist | Faster and cleaner than pouring liquid |
| Risk of Mess | Leaking sealant = disaster in your bag |
| Proper Maintenance Prevents Issues | Top up at home, not mid-ride |
| Extra Weight | We already obsess over grams |
| Most Flats Don’t Need It | Small holes seal, big ones need plugs |
| Carry a Tube Instead | The real emergency backup |
The Inevitable Conclusion
So, no, most cyclists don’t carry tubeless sealant. Not because they’re reckless, but because they know better. You either trust your setup or bring real fixes—plugs, CO2, or a tube.
Carrying extra sealant is like bringing a second condom after you already had unprotected sex. Too little, too late.
So if you’re still debating it, go ahead—shove that bottle in your saddlebag. But don’t come crying when it bursts, coating your gear in sticky regret.
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