Secret To Inflating Tubeless Tires

Anyone who may have watched the tire shop mount tubeless tires on a wheel rim has seen the method most use to inflate the tires. Once the tire is mounted on the rim, the technician lifts the opposite edge of the tire and attaches the compressed air fitting to the valve stem. In a matter of seconds the beads of the tire pop and the technician inflates the tire. Other methods are equally effective when inflating tubeless tires.

Tubeless Beads

All tires have beads that seat against the inside of the wheel below the edges of the rim. With a freshly mounted tubeless tire, pumping or applying compressed air in the valve stem is futile unless the beads of the tire are seated against the rim.

Straps

Inflator straps fit around the circumference of the tire and have a friction lever or buckle that connects the ends of the strap. Straps for large tires are made from galvanized steel or heavy nylon. Straps for smaller tires are made from lighter gauge nylon. Tightening the strap compresses the tire and forces the tire beads against the inside of the wheel rim. The strap is removed once the tire begins to fill with air.

Inner Tube

An inner tube is used in the same way as an inflator strap. Select an inner tube with a smaller diameter than the tire. Twist the tube inside out so the valve stem is on the outside surface of the tube. Stretch the tube tightly around the outside of the tire. Inflate the inner tube to compress the tire and force the tire beads against the rim. Partially inflate the tire until the beads seat against the rim. Deflate the inner tube and pull it off the tire.

Tie-Down

Many motorcyclists and cyclists use tie-downs when transporting their bikes. Attach a tie-down around the tire with the ratchet handle facing out. Tighten the tie-down until the tire beads are against the inside of the rim. Partially inflate the tire and release the catch on the tie-down ratchet.

Sealants

Some profess the advantages of applying a tubeless tire sealant on the tire beads before attempting to inflate the tire. Sealants can be effective as long as the tire is pliable and can be manipulated by hand while air is added. Lifting and lowering the sidewalls of the tire may seat the beads enough to so the tire can be inflated.