Slime had a range of new tubeless products on display, from tubeless tools and CO2 cartridges to a brand new sealant and tubeless tape. Recognizing the fact that they’ve been a bit off the back when it comes to tubeless products, especially considering they’re one of the biggest tire sealant manufacturers in the world with their hands in not only bicycle, but automotive too, they set out to become relevant in this segment again.
Starting with tubeless specific components and tools, Slime launched a new Valve Core Tool, which stores two Presta valve cores and can remove both a Presta valve core as well as a Schrader.
Slime also has universal tubeless valves stems, which should seal up with most rims on the market. To make them carbon rim compatible, Slime uses rubber gaskets under the valve stem lock-rings. As for rim tape, Slime’s new Poly Pro non-permeable tape is 25% thinner than most tapes on the market, yet still highly burst resistant so usually only one layer is needed. The reason Slime chose to make the tape thinner than most brands is they found the bead to lock-in better than when using thicker tapes. The adhesive used will not break down, even when exposed to sealant, so it shouldn’t shift or lose its stickiness over time.
Lastly, Slime developed a new sealant formula which they claim will last as long as a standard tubeless tire, which is pretty impressive. The sealant comes in multiple sizes depending on your needs, from a trail-side repair pack to a shop sized jug. Aside from being allergen free (it uses no latex), Slime claims the new sealant practically prevents burps by coating the inside of the tire completely due to it’s non-viscous nature which creates a “bubble-gum” effect when air tries to escape from between the tire and the rim.
