[TR] Tire/Tube Q.

[Randall]

> If the original steel wheels on your TR3 are not of the Safety type (and
> they
> probably are not) then you SHOULD use inner tubes in the tires, and they
> should be tubes designed for radial tires.

Note that the tires should also be designed for use with tubes.  Many
reputable tire shops will refuse to install tubes in tires not so
designated.  The tubes generate extra heat, which can lead to tire failure
in a tire designed only for tubeless service.  And with all the lawsuits
over tire failure flying around a few years back, I don't blame the shops
for not wanting to take the risk.

> It's peace of mind knowing the air isn't gonna get out when
> cornering hard.

OTOH, tubes are famous for causing "blow-outs", which was supposed to be one
of the major advantages of tubeless tires.  It's your choice, of course, but
I would much rather take my chances with tubeless, even without the "safety"
beads.  

The safety beads primarily come into play when the tire has already lost its
air and you are still driving on the flat.  Losing air in a corner with
normal inflation (over 20 psi) is an urban myth IMO.  And there is no good
reason to ever run pressure that low on the street.  (Off-roading is a
different story of course; but I try to avoid going off-road in my TR.)

At any rate, I've covered over 150,000 miles with tubeless tires on rims
without safety beads; and never had a tire lose air in a hard corner.  And I
do frequently corner at the limits of adhesion (or just a bit beyond) <G>

Randall