Tubeless tires in cycling are a relatively new variant of tires. As the name implies, they don't have an inner tube, and are more like an automobile tire.
Mount Tubeless Tires
Step 1
Position the tire's sidewall label opposite the valve stem. Place the rim inside the tire. Slide the the outer bead (the one farthest from you) over the edge of the rim, into the center channel inside the rim. Work from the spot directly opposite the valve stem around both sides until the first bead is sitting in the channel.
Step 2
Slide the second bead (the one closest to you) over the edge of the rim and into the center channel inside the rim. Work from the spot opposite the valve stem around both sides until the second bead is sitting in the channel.
Step 3
Brush around both beads with soapy water.
Step 4
Hold the tire so the valve stem is at the 12 o'clock position. Inflate the tire to about 10 to 15 pounds per square inch using a compressor or floor pump in order to seat the beads.
Step 5
Let the air out of the tire. Slide the closest bead back into the channel and slide the section of the bead opposite the valve stem off the rim. Pour 2 to 3 oz. of tire sealant into the tire. Slide the bead back over the rim and into the center channel.
Step 6
Re-inflate the tire to 35 to 40 pounds per square inch by using an air compressor or floor pump.
Step 7
Hold the tire at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions. Shake the tire vigorously forward and backward to distribute the sealant around the tire. Rotate the wheel 4 to 6 inches and repeat this step until the whole tire has been sealed.
Step 8
Lay the wheel flat on an open cardboard box for five to six minutes. Flip the wheel over after five to six minutes and place it back on the box for another five to six minutes to seal the opposite side.
Tips and Warnings
- If the beads are difficult to get over the edge of the rim, you can consider using smooth plastic tire levers to carefully work the bead over the rim. Step 3: Use mostly soap suds and less water when brushing the tire. Step 4: "Slap" or compress the tire directly over the valve stem while inflating to work the bead into place. Steps 4 and 6: Use an air compressor if available. Floor pumps often don't inflate tires quickly enough to seat the beads. If the beads are not seating, insert a tube into the tire and inflate to the tire's maximum pressure. This will help stretch the beads and lock them into place. Remove the tube and re-inflate the tire without the tube. Step 8: It is important to ensure that the tire is level while it sits. This ensures the sealant distributes throughout the tire evenly and seals any small leaks.
- Always wear safety glasses when dealing with tubeless tires and sealants. Never inflate a tubeless tire more than the recommended pressure on the sidewall.
Things You'll Need
- Tubeless tire
- Tubeless rim or tubeless rim strip
- Soapy water and brush
- Air compressor or floor pump
- Tire sealant
- Open cardboard box
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