Unlike conventional bike tires that rely on an inner tube for inflation, tubeless MTB tires have beads designed to provide an airtight seal when mounted on tubeless mountain bike rims. With this in mind, installing and inflating a tubeless MTB tire is about the seal. Experienced riders and bicycle mechanics can install a complete set of tubeless tires in a relatively short time using a proven method. Once you install a tubeless MTB tire, you may decide to handle all the tire work on your mountain bike.
Installing the Tire
Step 1
Place the mountain bike wheel on a workbench or sturdy worktable. Put a small section of carpet or a towel down first to prevent scratching the rim or the hub.
Step 2
Fill a spray bottle with soapy water. Spray the inner and outer edges of the wheel rim with a generous amount of the solution. Spray the beads on both side of the tubeless tire.
Step 3
Turn the wheel so the valve stem is away from you. Lay the tire atop the wheel. Slide the tire toward you until the inside edge of the lower bead is even with the outer edge of the rim. Press down on the tire and push the lower bead inside the rim.
Step 4
Turn the tire and wheel together and continue to push the lower bead inside the rim. When you reach the final section, grip the tread and twist the tire down to pop the last portion of the lower bed into the rim.
Step 5
Install the upper bead into the rim in the same way, starting closest to you and turning the wheel and tire as you go. When you reach the final section, press down on the side of the tire with the palms of your hands and push the final portion of the bead into the rim.
Inflating the Tire
Step 1
Fasten a tire strap or tie-down around the tread of the tire. Center the strap on the tread and tighten it until the tread begins to compress and is no longer fully rounded out. This forces the beads against the inside of the rim.
Step 2
Attach a tire inflator to an air compressor line and turn on the compressor. Use a tire pump when a compressor is not available. Thread the inflator fitting on the pump hose onto the valve stem of the wheel.
Step 3
Begin inflating the tire using short bursts with the inflator, or use the tire pump. Continue to inflate the tire until you notice that it holds air. If necessary, loosen the strap and manipulate the tire beads back and forth in the rim if the tire does not begin to inflate. Tighten the strap again and continue to inflate the tire.
Step 4
Expect the tubeless tire beads to pop in place against the inside edges of the rim as the tire inflates. This indicates you have achieved the seal. Inflate the tire to the recommended pressure using your tire gauge.
Tips and Warnings
- Use the small button on the head of the tire gauge or a small screwdriver to let air out, if necessary. Recheck the tire pressure and inflate the tire as needed. Ask a fellow MTB rider or bike mechanic to let you watch as he installs a tubeless tire.
- A damaged or bent wheel may prevent the tire beads from sealing.
Things You'll Need
- Spray bottle with soapy water
- Tire strap or tie-down
- Air compressor and tire inflator
- Tire pump, optional
- Tire gauge
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