Fat tire ebike using flatout to prevent flats

[AHicks]

I am about to put/refresh tube sealants. I was going to go for Slime 2in1 as I have always used slime(red version and it seems this is the new formula) but then found out about Flatout which is stated to be superior compared to Slime.

I was wondering if I should switch to Flatout? It seems nice but the dosage seems quite excessive. it looks like 2 times the advised dosage of Slime in most cases. For my tires which are in the 2.6-2.8 range, I always used around 4-6oz of Slime but flatout dosage calculator shows 12+oz per tire which feels excessive.

What is the correct dosage for flatout? Is it worth it?

My first thought would be on the "refresh". I don't think it would be a real good idea to mix brands. If you want to change from what's in there, a tube change might be in order?

As far as which of the 2 is "superior", not going there! My bigger concern would be to make sure one of them is in use. Get to that point, and I think the difference may be a lot less important - despite what the add copy says. The "fan boys", representing their favorite brand, are NEVER going to stop arguing to my way of thinking....

For Slime quantity, that's a good question. They seem a little vague there, especially on these larger sizes. What seems to be working fine for my purposes for the last couple of years now, I've been using 6 oz on the 2.4" bikes and 8oz for the 2.8's. No unusual handling, and the tires are holding pressure for months at a time. That's me though! YMMV...... -Al

 

[m@Robertson]

I am about to put/refresh tube sealants. I was going to go for Slime 2in1 as I have always used slime(red version and it seems this is the new formula) but then found out about Flatout which is stated to be superior compared to Slime.

I was wondering if I should switch to Flatout? It seems nice but the dosage seems quite excessive. it looks like 2 times the advised dosage of Slime in most cases. For my tires which are in the 2.6-2.8 range, I always used around 4-6oz of Slime but flatout dosage calculator shows 12+oz per tire which feels excessive.

What is the correct dosage for flatout? Is it worth it?

When I was using Slime, the common advice on internet fora was to double the dosage on the bottle. I never regretted doing this.

Slime hardens in a tube eventually. Flatout lasts forever (they say 10 years which on an inner tube may as well be forever).

Read the manufacturer's specs on the size of holes each can fill. Slime is 1/4". Flatout is 1/2". My personal experience is that the 1/2" can be believed. I've never had a puncture or slash it couldn't seal. I have seen Slime fail at about 1/2". I think it can go a little more than the advertised 1/4" based on one tire shalsh I had that partially sealed, then blew, then partially sealed again to a point I was able to get *just* enough air in the tire to roll home slowly without it blowing again.

There are quite a few Flatout videos online. But really for me the decision can be made simply from looking at the manufacturer's specs on hole size and knowing its a single, permanent application with no top-up ever needed.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=flatout+tire+sealant+reviews

This one shows it working in a vid that lasts only 45 seconds

And this comparison test is pretty widely circulated.

 

[m@Robertson]

I've been using 6 oz on the 2.4" bikes and 8oz for the 2.8's. No unusual handling, and the tires are holding pressure for months at a time. That's me though! YMMV...... -Al

Thats what I was using on a fat tire setup. 8 oz. of Slime.

 

[Rickman1]

I am about to put/refresh tube sealants. I was going to go for Slime 2in1 as I have always used slime(red version and it seems this is the new formula) but then found out about Flatout which is stated to be superior compared to Slime.

I was wondering if I should switch to Flatout? It seems nice but the dosage seems quite excessive. it looks like 2 times the advised dosage of Slime in most cases. For my tires which are in the 2.6-2.8 range, I always used around 4-6oz of Slime but flatout dosage calculator shows 12+oz per tire which feels excessive.

What is the correct dosage for flatout? Is it worth it?

I have 26x2.8 tires. I contacted Flat-Out awhile back and they responded back:

(For 26 X 2.8 Tires)
For your application we would recommend either the Sportsman or MultiPurpose and it would be 8-10oz per tire.

 

[Johnny]

My first thought would be on the "refresh". I don't think it would be a real good idea to mix brands. If you want to change from what's in there, a tube change might be in order?

Good point. I was planning to switch tubes if I switch. However I have a feeling that it should still work since fibers will still be carried to the hole and they will get stuck and build up.

There are quite a few Flatout videos online. But really for me the decision can be made simply from looking at the manufacturer's specs on hole size and knowing its a single, permanent application with no top-up ever needed.

These are tilting me towards flatout, it seems to be a bit better. Flatout seems to have some additional strands/gooier and maybe that is the reason.

Btw I always used the Red version of slime, is the new 2in1 any better ?

In terms of dosage I will follow the advice I will go 8oz for 27.5x2.8-3.0 tires and 4oz for tires <=2.0.

(For 26 X 2.8 Tires)
For your application we would recommend either the Sportsman or MultiPurpose and it would be 8-10oz per tire.

Good info

 

[m@Robertson]

Good point. I was planning to switch tubes if I switch. However I have a feeling that it should still work since fibers will still be carried to the hole and they will get stuck and build up.

I used the same imperfect reasoning and I mixed as well. I also mixed Orange Seal and Stans on tubeless, when I needed to top up after Stans had dried out. I never had a problem but thats hardly a scientific observation.

Btw I always used the Red version of slime, is the new 2in1 any better ?

The red version is the one you are supposed to use for tubed bicycle tires and is what I used. I made the mistake of buying the green once and watched it spray goo all over the side of the road and do zippo to seal my tube. Then I read the label and realized I effed up.

I did look at 2-in-1 and it seemed to me its big selling point is it also works as a tubeless sealant. I found this on their web site:

• Instantly seals up to 1/4" punctures in tires and 1/8” punctures in tubes

So... that sucks. I also took a moment to go to the Red Slime's page and it says

• Instantly seals up to 1/8" (3mm) punctures

I was saying above that Slime works on punctures up to 1/4". Silly me.

By the way I see Flatout has now released a product that is a lot more like Slime in terms of its feature set. Its called QuickStrike (tm). the off road version includes fat bikes on its menu and keeps the 1/2" hole capacity. The on-road version is also 1/2". The 'small tire' formula has regular bicycle tires on its list, but it peaks at 1/4" which is the same as Slime. Apparently this QS(tm) version is meant to flow faster into holes. I'll wait until the thick stuff fails me on smaller tires before I consider a change.

 

[fooferdoggie]

By the way I see Flatout has now released a product that is a lot more like Slime in terms of its feature set. Its called QuickStrike (tm). the off road version includes fat bikes on its menu and keeps the 1/2" hole capacity. The on-road version is also 1/2". The 'small tire' formula has regular bicycle tires on its list, but it peaks at 1/4" which is the same as Slime. Apparently this QS(tm) version is meant to flow faster into holes. I'll wait until the thick stuff fails me on smaller tires before I consider a change.

now that may be good. its a pain to get into a presta valve. its like thick snot.