How to Go Tubeless: A Complete Guide

Switching to tubeless tires is one of the most popular upgrades in the cycling world today. Whether you're an avid mountain biker, a gravel rider, or even a road cyclist looking for a smoother ride, going tubeless can offer substantial benefits—fewer flats, improved traction, and lower rolling resistance. However, transitioning to a tubeless setup may seem intimidating if you’ve only ever run tubes. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to convert your bike to tubeless, including step-by-step installation instructions, brand recommendations, troubleshooting tips, advanced tubeless hacks, and a detailed pros and cons section on popular sealants.

Before diving into the “how-to,” it’s important to understand why many cyclists are making the switch to tubeless tire setups. Here are the key benefits:

Fewer Flats and Puncture Protection

Tubeless tires use liquid sealant inside the tire, which automatically seals small punctures and cuts. This means you’ll experience fewer pinch flats and a lot less downtime dealing with roadside repairs.

Lower Tire Pressures for Better Traction and Comfort

Without an inner tube, you can safely run lower tire pressures. Lower pressures allow the tire to deform more over obstacles, improving grip on rough terrain and providing a smoother, more comfortable ride. This is especially beneficial for mountain biking and gravel riding.

Reduced Rolling Resistance

Tubeless setups reduce the friction between the tire and the tube. With no tube to pinch or deform, rolling resistance can be decreased, leading to improved efficiency and speed.

Weight Savings

Eliminating the inner tube not only cuts weight but also reduces rotational mass. This can be particularly noticeable during acceleration and climbs.

Enhanced Durability

Tubeless tires are less likely to suffer from blowouts caused by pinch flats, and many tubeless setups come with additional puncture protection features. With proper maintenance, tubeless tires can last longer than their tube counterparts.

Before you begin converting your bike, make sure you have all the necessary components. Here’s what you need:

1. Tubeless-Ready Tires

Not every tire is tubeless-compatible. Look for markings like “Tubeless Ready (TLR)” or “UST.” These tires are designed with bead profiles and sidewalls that seal properly without a tube.

Recommended Brands:

• MTB/Gravel: Maxxis, Schwalbe, Continental, 45NRTH
• Road: Vittoria, Continental, Schwalbe, Pirelli
• Commuter/Touring: Panaracer, Teravail

2. Tubeless-Ready Rims or Rim Tape

Your rims need to be tubeless-ready, or you’ll need to convert them using tubeless rim tape. The tape covers spoke holes and ensures an airtight seal.

Popular Brands:

• Rim Tape: Stan’s NoTubes, Muc-Off, Orange Seal

3. Tubeless Valves

These valves are specifically designed for tubeless setups, allowing for a secure seal and proper inflation. Look for valves that are durable and have a reliable locking mechanism.

Brands to Consider:

• Stan’s, Muc-Off, Wolf Tooth

4. Tubeless Sealant

Sealant is the liquid that seals punctures in your tire. There are several popular brands on the market, each with its own advantages.

Sealant Options and Their Pros & Cons:

• Stan’s NoTubes Sealant:
  Pros: Fast sealing action, widely tested and trusted by riders.
  Cons: Can dry out faster in hot climates, may require more frequent top-offs.

• Orange Seal:
  Pros: Longer-lasting than Stan’s, excellent performance in cold weather.
  Cons: A bit thicker, which may lead to slight weight gain and occasional messiness.

• Muc-Off No Puncture Hassle:
  Pros: UV tracer technology to detect leaks, ammonia-free formula.
  Cons: May not seal larger punctures as quickly as Stan’s.

• Finish Line Tubeless Sealant:
  Pros: Claims to never dry out, ideal for riders who want minimal maintenance.
  Cons: Less effective at sealing larger punctures and may create more residue inside the tire.

• Silca Ultimate Sealant:
  Pros: Infused with fibers for sealing larger cuts, excellent performance in harsh conditions.
  Cons: Premium priced, and the fiber particles can sometimes clog the valve.

5. Air Compressor or High-Volume Pump

Tubeless tires require a burst of high-pressure air to seat the bead properly. A floor pump with a high-volume head or a dedicated air compressor will help ensure that your tire beads “pop” into place.

Now that you have all the components, let’s walk through the process of converting your bike to tubeless.

Step 1: Prepare Your Wheel

1. Remove the Tire and Tube:
   Remove the old tire and tube from your rim. Clean the rim thoroughly using isopropyl alcohol or a dedicated rim cleaner to remove any residue, grease, or debris.

2. Inspect the Rim:
   Check your rim for any damage. Ensure that it’s tubeless-ready, or plan to apply tubeless rim tape.

Step 2: Install Tubeless Rim Tape

1. Select the Right Tape:
   Use a high-quality tubeless rim tape that matches the width of your rim. Popular choices include Stan’s NoTubes or Muc-Off.

2. Apply the Tape:
   Start at the valve hole. Align the tape so it covers the entire inner rim, pressing it firmly to avoid bubbles. Use a plastic scraper or your fingers to ensure a tight, even seal.

3. Cut Excess Tape:
   Trim any excess tape that may interfere with the tire bead seating.

Step 3: Insert the Tubeless Valve

1. Poke a Hole:
   Use a sharp tool to create a small hole in the rim tape where the valve will be inserted.

2. Install the Valve:
   Insert the tubeless valve through the hole and secure it with the provided nut. Ensure the valve is tight and sits flush with the rim.

Step 4: Mount the Tire

1. Partially Mount the Tire:
   Mount one bead of the tire onto the rim completely, leaving the other bead loose.

2. Add Sealant:
   Shake the bottle of your chosen tubeless sealant vigorously. Pour the recommended amount (typically 60-120 ml for MTB tires, 30-60 ml for road tires) directly into the tire. Rotate the tire as you pour to distribute the sealant evenly.

3. Complete the Mount:
   Tuck in the second bead and ensure it is evenly aligned along the rim. Some sealant will spill out—this is normal and helps to lubricate the bead.

Step 5: Inflate and Seat the Bead

1. Inflate Rapidly:
   Use a high-volume pump or air compressor. The sudden burst of air should force the tire beads to snap into place. You might hear a series of “pops” as the beads seat themselves.

2. Check the Bead:
   After inflation, visually inspect the tire to ensure the beads are uniformly seated. If parts of the bead are not properly seated, use soapy water along the rim to help the process.

3. Spin the Wheel:
   Rotate the wheel vigorously and shake it to distribute the sealant thoroughly inside the tire. This ensures that any small punctures or gaps are sealed.

Step 6: Check for Leaks and Adjust Pressure

1. Leak Test:
   Spray soapy water around the tire’s bead and valve. Look for bubbles that indicate an air leak. If you find any, tighten the valve nut or re-seat the bead.

2. Adjust Tire Pressure:
   Set the pressure according to your riding needs. Lower pressures improve traction and comfort on rough terrain, while higher pressures reduce rolling resistance on smooth surfaces.

3. Monitor Sealant Distribution:
   After a few rides, check the tire’s sidewalls to ensure the sealant has spread evenly. Top off the sealant every 2-6 months, depending on usage and temperature.

For those looking to get the most out of their tubeless setup, consider these advanced tips and hacks:

1. Using Tire Inserts

Tire inserts, such as CushCore , can be added to your tubeless setup to improve ride comfort and reduce pinch flats. These foam inserts offer additional sidewall support and are particularly beneficial for aggressive mountain biking or fat biking.

2. Pre-Seating Techniques

Sometimes the tire bead can be stubborn. Use a small amount of soapy water on the tire bead before mounting. This extra lubrication can help the bead slide into place more easily.

3. CO₂ for Emergency Seating

While not ideal for regular use, a CO₂ cartridge can provide a quick burst of air in emergency situations when you’re having trouble seating the tire bead. However, be cautious as CO₂ can reduce sealant effectiveness if overused.

4. Regular Maintenance and Monitoring

Tubeless setups require regular checks to ensure optimal performance:

• Sealant Top-Off: Replace or replenish sealant every 2-6 months, especially in hot climates where it dries out faster.
• Valve Core Maintenance: Remove the valve core occasionally to clean out any dried sealant.
• Tire Inspection: Periodically inspect the tire for cuts or damage. Although tubeless tires seal small punctures automatically, larger cuts may need attention.

Choosing the right sealant is a key part of a successful tubeless conversion. Here’s a closer look at some popular options:

Stan’s NoTubes Sealant

• Pros:
  • Widely used and trusted in the cycling community.
  • Seals punctures quickly.
  • Available in various formulations for different riding conditions.
• Cons:
  • Can dry out faster in hot climates.
  • May require more frequent top-offs.
  • May be difficult to initially seal sidewalls on some tire models.

Orange Seal

• Pros:
  • Longer-lasting than some alternatives.
  • Excellent performance in colder weather.
  • Easier setup compared to Stan's
• Cons:
  • Thicker consistency can sometimes make installation messier.
  • Heavier, which can marginally affect tire weight.

Muc-Off No Puncture Hassle

• Pros:
  • Contains UV tracer technology to help identify leaks.
  • Ammonia-free formula is environmentally friendly.
• Cons:
  • Slightly less effective on larger punctures.
  • More expensive compared to some standard sealants.

Finish Line Tubeless Sealant

• Pros:
  • Advertised to never dry out, reducing maintenance.
  • Ideal for casual riders who want minimal upkeep.
• Cons:
  • Not as effective at sealing larger punctures.
  • May leave more residue inside the tire.

Silca Ultimate Sealant

• Pros:
  • Infused with fibers to help seal larger cuts.
  • Excellent performance in extreme conditions.
• Cons:
  • Premium pricing makes it less accessible.
  • Fiber particles can sometimes clog the valve.

In addition to sealant, selecting high-quality components is crucial. Here are some recommendations:

Rim Tape

• Stan’s NoTubes Rim Tape: Known for its reliability and ease of installation.
• Orange Seal Rim Tape: Offers a durable, long-lasting seal for road and MTB rims.

Tubeless Valves

• Stan’s NoTubes Tubeless Valve: A solid, durable option.
• Muc-Off Tubeless Valves: Praised for their ease of use and reliable sealing.

Tires

• For Mountain Bikes: Maxxis Minion DHF/DHR II, Schwalbe Magic Mary, Continental Mountain King.
• For Gravel: WTB Riddler, Panaracer GravelKing, Vittoria Terreno.
• For Road: Continental Grand Prix 5000 TL, Schwalbe Pro One TLE.

Even with a proper setup, tubeless systems can occasionally present challenges. Here are some common issues and how to resolve them:

Issue: Tire Won’t Seat Properly

Potential Causes & Solutions:

• Rim Tape Gaps: Ensure that the tubeless tape is applied evenly with no gaps or bubbles. Reapply if necessary.
• Insufficient Air Pressure: Use a high-volume pump or an air compressor to deliver a burst of air. Removing the valve core can help increase airflow.
• Tire Bead Shape: Some tires may need a little extra lubrication. Apply soapy water around the bead before inflation.

Issue: Slow Air Leaks

Potential Causes & Solutions:

• Minor Imperfections: The sealant may need time to seal small gaps. Shake and rotate the wheel, then allow a few minutes.
• Valve Leakage: Check that the valve is securely installed and free of debris. Tighten the locking nut if needed.
• Worn Rim Tape: Replace old or damaged tubeless tape to restore an airtight seal.

Issue: Sealant Drying Out Quickly

Potential Causes & Solutions:

• High Temperatures: In hot climates, sealant may dry out faster. Top off every 2-3 months.
• Insufficient Sealant: Use the recommended amount (or slightly more) to ensure complete coverage.
• Sealant Type: Consider a brand with longer-lasting properties like Orange Seal or Silca Ultimate if you experience rapid drying.

For cyclists who want to push their tubeless setup even further, consider these advanced tips:

Using Tire Inserts

Tire inserts, such as CushCore or Rimpact, can improve ride comfort and reduce pinch flats by providing extra sidewall support. They are especially useful for aggressive riding or in fat bike setups where tire deformation can be an issue.

Pre-Seating Techniques

If your tire bead is stubborn, use a bit of soapy water along the bead before seating it. This extra lubrication can help the tire bead slide into place more smoothly. Some riders even use a small amount of CO₂ for an extra burst of air—just be cautious as CO₂ may affect the longevity of the sealant.

Regular Sealant Refresh

Even if your sealant appears sufficient, set a reminder to top off your tire every 2-6 months. This proactive step can prevent slow leaks and maintain optimum puncture protection.

Using a Tubeless Booster

If you frequently struggle to seat your tire, consider investing in a tubeless booster, a device designed to deliver a quick burst of air to help the bead lock in securely. This is particularly useful for riders who frequently set up tubeless tires in the field.

Double-Checking Rim Tape

Improper rim tape installation is a common source of leaks. Take the time to ensure the tape is applied smoothly and evenly, and press down along the entire rim with a clean tool to remove any bubbles.

Pros:

• Reduced Flats: Tubeless systems automatically seal small punctures, minimizing downtime.
• Improved Traction: Lower tire pressures enhance grip and comfort, especially on rough terrain.
• Lower Rolling Resistance: Without the tube, there’s less friction, leading to improved efficiency.
• Weight Savings: Eliminating the tube reduces overall rotational mass.
• Customizable Setup: Ability to adjust tire pressures for different conditions.
• Enhanced Durability: With regular maintenance, a tubeless setup can outlast traditional tube systems.
• Advanced Options: Additional features like tire inserts and tubeless boosters offer further performance enhancements.

Cons:

• Initial Setup Complexity: The process can be messy and requires patience, especially for first-timers.
• Maintenance Requirements: Sealant needs periodic topping off and careful cleaning of the valve.
• Potential for Leaks: Even with careful installation, small leaks can occur if the rim tape or valve isn’t perfect.
• Cost: Tubeless-compatible tires, rim tape, and valves can add up compared to standard tubes.
• Not for Every Ride: For occasional riders or those who rarely face rough terrain, the benefits may not justify the effort.