What is a significant characteristic of tubeless tires compared to tube tires?

A significant characteristic of tubeless tires compared to tube tires is that they have a rubber inner liner that retains air. This inner liner creates an airtight seal between the tire and the rim, which eliminates the need for an inner tube. This design not only helps in maintaining air pressure but also provides better performance and safety features such as reduced chances of punctures leading to rapid deflation, since the tire can hold air even if there is minor damage.

The tubeless design allows for the tire to be lighter since the inner tube is omitted. Additionally, repairs can often be made for punctured tubeless tires using sealants, which is a significant advantage. Thus, the rubber inner liner is a crucial feature that enables the air retention for tubeless tire functionality, enhancing their performance compared to traditional tube tires.