If you are still using old fashioned bike wheels with tubes, you are really behind the times. This statement is especially true if you are using a mountain bike. Why? Because there are several advantages to using wheels that have airtight tires, rims and valves.
- Tubeless wheels are unlikely to go flat.
- Tubeless wheels give you better traction because you don't have to keep as much air in them.
- Tubeless wheels have a smoother ride.
- Tubeless wheels are lighter.
- Tubeless wheels give you a faster ride.
There is a certain way that tubeless tires have to be set up and the correct products used. Let's take a closer look at how to set up and maintain tubeless wheels.
The Conversion
Gather What You Need
If you have traditional bike wheels, there will be a little bit of work to get them switched over to tubeless wheels, but it is a straightforward process that only takes a little while. The first step is to make sure that your wheels are not tubeless. After determining your wheels indeed have tubes, you will need Peaty's Tubeless Conversion Kit for your size rim and a mountain or road bike. Here is what else should be on hand.
- A compressor pump
- Soft cleaning cloths
Clean Your Rims
Once you have removed the old tire from the rims, you need to clean them thoroughly. Double-check to make sure that the rims are completely clean before moving on to the next step.
Affix RimJob Rim Tape
Next, you need to apply Peaty's RimJob Rim Tape from your conversion kit. Make sure to apply the tape evenly and leave a small overlay and cut off the remaining tape so that it the tape completely covers the inside of the rim. This step ensures that your tire is airproof by sealing off the spoke adjusters. Make sure the seal is tight before the next step in the process.
Insert Valves
In the next step, you will need to insert the valves for a tubeless wheel from your kit. Before you can insert them, you need to make a small hole with a tool such as an awl, screwdriver, scissors or an icepick. Make a hole where the valve will be inserted in the rim tape. Be careful not to stab yourself with the tool you are using, if possible, wear protective gloves during this step. Next, remove the valve cap and O-ring and insert the valve in the hole, the valve is equipped with a rubber stopper that will fill the hole and seal it. Finally re-attach the O-ring and valve cap firmly but not too tight. Be sure to use the Peaty's x Chris King MK2 Tubeless Valves for that extra bling.
Put the Tire on the Rim
Be sure that the tire is properly aligned when placing it on the rim. Completely inflate the tire using an air compressor.
Add the Sealant
Next, take your pouch of Peaty's tubless sealant and shake the pouch for a few seconds to ensure it is mixed thoroughly. Next, remove the valve core allowing the tire to deflate. Once the tire is completely deflated, attach the pouch to the valve stem at the six o'clock position and inject the amount of sealant needed. Next re-attach the valve core and tighten. Use your compressor to inflate to the desired pressure. Attach the valve cap and then spin the tire for one minute to ensure the sealant is distributed in an even coat inside the tire.
Your bike now has tubeless wheels and is ready for a ride!
Maintaining Your Tubeless Tire
Peaty's Tubeless Sealant typically lasts about six months. At the end of six months, simply wash out the sealant with water, dry and replace with more of Peaty's Tubeless Sealant.
To Sum Up
For the serious bicyclist, tubeless wheels are a must-have. Tubeless wheels greatly enhance your bikes performance and your experience!