Tubeless bicycle tires are a lightweight, high-performance alternative to the standard form of bicycle tire. However, since they do not have an inner tube, they require a slightly different installation process to that of the standard bicycle tire. This does not mean that you cannot install a tubeless tire without professional help though, and by following a few simple steps you can fit a new tire in no time at all.
Step 1
Remove the wheel from the bicycle, and the old tire from the wheel rim. Use tire levers to make this easier if you do not intend to repair the tire since you don't need to worry about damaging it. But if you wish to repair the tire, try to carefully remove it by hand.
Step 2
Lubricate the wheel rim with some soap or detergent and water to both clean the rim and help to facilitate slipping the new tire onto the rim.
Step 3
Lay the wheel flat on a stable surface and place one half of the new tire into the bottom half of the rim. Locate the valve on the new tire and push it through the valve hole on the rim. Make sure that the bead (the bottom section of the tire) is tightly located in the marked section of the rim.
Step 4
Move to the opposite side of the tire and fit the second bead of the tire into the rim by hand; tire levers should not be used here because they increase the likelihood of damaging the new tire.
Step 5
With the two beads in place, work around the tire one side at a time, fitting the rest of the tire into the rim.
Step 6
With the tire now correctly in place on the wheel rim, fully inflate the tire to seal it into the wheel. As you inflate the tire, you will hear the rest of the tire's beads popping into place.
Step 7
Check that the bead seat indicator, which is located around the edge of the tire wall, is fully exposed above the rim. If this is visible then your tire has been correctly installed.
Step 8
Replace the wheel onto the bike frame and take a test ride to ensure the wheel performs correctly.
Things You'll Need
- Tire levers
- Soap or detergent
Member Comments