TIPS TO HELP YOU FIT TUBELESS TYRES
What do tubeless tyres do that normal tyres don’t and how should I fit them?
A tubeless set-up reduces the risk of pinch flats – but they’re not the miracle cure to punctures that some people believe, as they have as many disadvantages as advantages. One disadvantage of tubeless tyres is their higher rolling resistance due to the volume of liquid sealant inside them. You’ll also need to increase the amount of sealant when using larger tyres, and this can add quite a bit to the overall weight. Make sure the sealant you have is right type for the tyres – some tubeless tyres require a thicker solution if they have lighter side walls.
When you’re fitting tubeless tyres make sure your wheels are in good condition – any dents or buckles in the rims will make it hard to get a good seal. Push one side of the tyre over the side and into the well in the centre of the rim all around the tyre, and make sure it’s not caught on the ‘shelf’ near the edge. The tyre bead does not stretch much, so it needs to be in the well to give you enough slack to lift the other side of the tyre over the rim. When a tubeless tyre blows off the rim, it’s usually because the rim is slightly undersize or you have too little pressure in the tyre. In most cases, the problem can be solved by building up the rim bed with extra rim tape (we use thicker Gorilla Tape to to do this). The tyre should be a slightly tight fit on the rim. If huge bursts of air from a compressor are required to seat the tyre, air is escaping between tyre and rim bed – a clear sign that the rim is undersize. Don’t mount the tyre if this is the case. Build up the rim bed with extra tape to reduce the risk of the tyre blowing off.
WHEN YOU’RE FITTING TUBELESS TYRES MAKE SURE YOUR WHEELS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION