In this guide we will show you how to setup your tyres tubeless, with this simple upgrade you can reduce punctures and pinch flats, improve rolling speed and traction and save weight.
To get started its important to check if your current wheel and tyre set can be run tubeless. Most rims and tyres that are will say so somewhere on them but if you're not sure please refer to the manufacturers guide.
You will need the following:
An appropriate rim tape, this is to stop air and sealant fluid escaping through the spoke holes.
Tubeless Valves, to replace the valves that came on your inner tubes. These standalone valves sit directly in the rim and have a rubber bung or washer to tighten them against the rim to avoid air leaking out. These valves would be perfect.
Tubeless Sealant, this a liquid designed to plug small holes in a tyre's casing, thus preventing punctures or air leaks. We recommend the Barbieri sealant.
Track Pump or CO2 cartridge, to inflate your tyres once seated you will need a pump with some extra power behind it or even some CO2 cartridges and inflator. We recommend the Jobsworth Track Pump.
We also sell a tubeless setup kit with everything you will need except the pump, tape, valves and sealant. Find the product here.
Step One,
Start by removing the old rim tape if it is not tubeless compatible then give the rim a good clean to make sure the surface is clean free of debris to allow the new tape to stick with no bubbles. Apply the new tape tight, we recommend using a lint free cloth to smooth it on whilst applying pressure to the tape. Start 10 to 15 cm away from the valve and overlap by about the same. Sometimes more than one layer is required but if it’s taped up well with the correct width tape one should suffice.
Step Two,
Using a small pick or screwdriver make a hole through the tape at the valve hole, make sure this hole is not wider than the valve and then insert your new valve and tighten the lock nut to avoid air escaping from the valve hole.
Step Three,
Mount your tyre down one side of the rim making sure to get the rotation correct, at this point it is recommended to add the sealant. Check manufacturers guide for exact amount but usually around 100ml is about right. Before adding fluid we recommend hanging the wheel vertically with valve stem at the bottom. Add fluid and start installing the second side of the tyre starting at the top and making your way round to the valve then rotate the wheel so valve stem is at the top before installing the final section of the tyre.
Step Four,
Now it's time to inflate the tyre, attach your track pump and in strong full motions inflate the tyre quickly up to 30psi listening for the popping sound of the bead of the tyre seating. Check the tyre is correctly seated all way round on both sides.
Step Five,
Rotate the tyre several times and then bounce it on the floor a few times to make sure the sealant is fully dispersed inside the wheel. Check all around the tyre for any leaks of fluid or air, if you cannot find any then installation was a success. Reinstall the wheel and check brakes and gears are still working correctly.
Step Six,
Get out on the trails and enjoy your new tubeless setup and have a good time!