Tubeless tires offer the advantage of riding your bike on lower air pressure. Bike magazine's website reports that running bike tires with lower pressure provides more traction, especially on rough terrain. A tubeless tire does not support an inner tube. These tires instead carry a sealant that adheres to the rim and makes it part of the system. Inflating a tubeless tire does more than just fill space with air. It activates the sealant that attaches the rim. Proper air inflation is essential when adding a tubeless system to your bike.
Step 1
Attach the valve of an air compressor to the valve stem of the tire. Do not use a hand pump. According to UtahMountainBiking.com, you may also use a CO2 power inflator to fill the tire. Place the nozzle of the compressor or CO2 inflator over the top of the tire valve. Press down to secure the nozzle. Follow the instruction on the unit for proper attachment to the valve.
Step 2
Inflate the tire to 40 psi. This will lock the bead into place. The tire bead is the sealant that secures the tire to the rim. Once the tubeless tire inflates, press the center of the valve stem and deflate it. The first inflation sets the bead, deflating the unit allows you to check the bead.
Step 3
Check the tire to ensure that it is seated securely against the rim. As air inflates the tire, the bead pushes to the rim. If the tire does not sit correctly on the rim, press on it with your fingers to work it against the rim surface. Reinflate to 40 psi in an attempt to seat the bead, if necessary.
Step 4
Fill the tire with air from the compressor or CO2 inflator to the pressure recommended by the tire manufacturer. Bloom Bike Shop reports this will probably be 20 psi to 35 psi.
Things You'll Need
- Air compressor or CO2 power inflator
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