Tubeless tires --- those that don't require an inner tube --- are particularly popular among mountain bikers, who love them for a variety of reasons. Tubeless tolerate low air pressure, so you can enjoy better traction --- particularly on rocky terrain --- and maintain your speed and momentum. The tires also have thicker sidewalls than conventional tubular tires, so pinch flats occur less often. Road racers, meanwhile, rave about the faster feel of tubeless tires. But going tubeless does have its drawbacks, and before you purchase a conversion kit or a so-called Universal System for Tubeless (UST), the most common type of tubeless tires, consider the disadvantages.
Cost
Not only do tubeless tires cost more than tube/tire systems, you'll also likely need to buy a new set of wheels. UST rim-beds don't have any spoke holes, so no air can escape, and they feature deeper hooked sections, so the tire bead can engage with the rim more sturdily. A full set of new wheels, rims, and tubeless tires can easily cost upward of $400. Some conventional rims and tires will allow you to go tubeless with a conversion kit containing a rubber rim strip and sealant. This is cheaper, but less reliable, because the conventional tires' sidewalls are less reinforced and less robust. You may also be able to run UST tires with conventional rims in some cases, if you add rim strips and sealant. However, if the rims you're currently using are not compatible with tubeless tires, you won't be able to seal the tubes airtight.
Weight
Because they are thicker and require sealant, tubeless tires are heavier than conventional tires, which is problematic if you're after quick start times and acceleration. There are some lightweight options available, though, but these have a thinner sidewall, making the tires more prone to tears and punctures --- diminishing one of the advantages of going tubeless.
Installation
Tubeless tires must be installed in clean conditions, and installation can be extremely complicated. Because regular tire levers could damage the bead, you're essentially required to massage the stiff rubber into place with the help of soapy water, which can be painful to your fingers, and may result in skin abrasions.
Inflation
Conventional bicycle pumps don't work with tubeless tires. Instead, you will need some sort of compressor to inflate the tire, further straining your budget.
Deflation
Even though the UST system is supposed to be airtight, some tires "magically" deflate. Using a glycol or latex sealant on UST tires helps prevent air loss to some extent. (Since sealant may wear off, check your tires' sealant level regularly to avoid leakage.) Particularly on rocky trails, you may also find that cornering force can push the bead off the rim and leak out air --- what bikers call "burping the tire."
Sealant
Not all sealants are compatible with all tires, and if you choose the wrong sealant, the rubber may soften, blister, and ultimately destroy the tire. Applying the sealant also has its drawbacks --- it's a messy business, and sprayed sealant is impossible to rinse off once it has hardened, so have some soapy water on hand to avoid a mucked-up bike.
Tubes
Just because you're going tubeless doesn't mean you're able to wave farewell to the tubes for good. Because tubeless tires are very difficult to repair when trekking in the wilderness, you still must arm yourself with backup tubes in case of a flat, especially when you're taking on trails that lead you miles and miles away from your home, car, or a shop.
Selection
Tubeless tires come in a much smaller variety of tread styles than conventional tube/tire systems, so finding the perfect tread pattern for your style of riding might be a challenge.
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