Yes, vacuum tires are tubeless.
Based on the provided information, vacuum tires are described as having no inner tube, which is the fundamental characteristic of a tubeless tire.
Understanding Vacuum Tires
Vacuum tires are a type of pneumatic tire designed to function without a separate inner tube. Unlike traditional tires that rely on an inner tube to hold air pressure, vacuum tires seal directly against the wheel rim.
Key Features Based on Reference
According to the reference, vacuum tires have specific features that distinguish them:
- No Inner Tube: A defining characteristic mentioned is the absence of an inner tube. This is the key element that makes them tubeless.
- Self-Sealing Capability: They often contain a tire-filling liquid that automatically repairs small punctures, such as those caused by nails.
- Lower Rolling Resistance: Since there is no inner tube rubbing against the tire casing, tubeless (vacuum) tires generally experience less rolling resistance compared to tubed tires.
Tubeless Tire Explained
A tubeless tire is simply a tire that does not require an inner tube. The tire itself, along with the wheel rim, forms an airtight seal to contain the pressurized air. This design offers several advantages:
- Reduced Risk of Pinch Flats: Without an inner tube, there's no risk of the tube being pinched between the rim and the tire during impacts, which is a common cause of flats in tubed setups.
- Ability to Run Lower Pressure: Tubeless tires can often be run at slightly lower air pressures for better grip and comfort without the high risk of pinch flats.
- Self-Sealing: When used with a liquid sealant (like the tire-filling liquid mentioned for vacuum tires), small punctures can seal instantly, preventing significant air loss.
The Connection: Vacuum = Tubeless
The reference explicitly states, "Since there is no inner tube and tire in the vacuum tire, the rolling resistance of the tubeless tire will be smaller." While the phrasing "and tire" is a bit unusual (it likely means "no inner tube within the tire"), the core point is the absence of the inner tube and its link to the properties of a tubeless tire. This confirms that the term "vacuum tire" as used in the reference refers to a tubeless design.
In summary, if a tire is described as a "vacuum tire," it signifies that it is constructed without an inner tube and possesses the characteristics associated with tubeless technology, such as potentially incorporating a sealant for automatic repairs.
