Ask The Editors: Do I Need Beadlocks?
Dear ATVC:
I keep pinch flatting! As an amateur XC racer and avid trail rider in the Midwest, rock ledges are a way of life around here. Will beadlocks cure my troubles? Are they worth the high cost?
Well assuming you’ve tried (unsuccessfully) to run higher air pressure in your tires, beadlocks look like your best bet. Harsh impacts – either from smacking obstacles or flat landing, are usually enough to disrupt the tire’s interface with the rim so that air can escape. The beadlock solves this by incorporating a tension ring at this critical juncture.
Since you expressed concerns of investment cost, perhaps you should consider looking into STI Tire & Wheel’s all-new HD one-piece alloy Beadlock. Their goal with the model is to bring numerous features and benefits to the beadlock to market, but not the associated costs.
Their entire line can be viewed by clicking here.
