How to Convert to a Tubeless MTB
Those involved in mountain biking know that it would be highly advantageous to not have any more flats, ever. Plus many feel that you get better traction with tubeless, and a smoother ride with tubes. It is fairly easy to convert tube tires to tubeless and inexpensive as well.
Items you will require:
- Drill with a 3/8 bit
- Plastic tire lever
- Pliers
- Bucket with soapy water
- Bicycle tire pump
- Tubeless conversion kit
- Go to any store that sells mountain bike supplies and buy a conversion kit for conversion from standard tires and rims to tubeless.
- Using your drill and 3/8-inch bit enlarge the valve stem hole which will make the tire inflation much easier. You only need to do this if you are using a standard rim.
- Take out your old tube and replace with the rubber liner that comes with the conversion kit. Coat it well with the soap and water solution so as to make it easier to stretch in along the inside of the rim. Begin at the valve stem and finger-tighten the nut. Push the liner under the bead lock by using the plastic tire lever.
- Use the plastic tire lever and mount your tire onto the rim. Use the soap and water again to make this a lot easier. Set the wheel with the tire stem on top and inflate the tire to about 10 PSI with your tire pump. Don’t worry if the tire begins to lose air, as it is normal. That will stop with the addition of sealant.
- Read the instructions on the sealant container and prepare to inject it into valve stem. You can use the pliers if you need to remove the valve core.
- Inflate the tire to no more than 40 PSI and keep the valve stem on top. Once you have the 40 PSI rotate the tire to move the sealant around in the tire. Use the soap and water to check for leaks. There will, as a normal rule be leaks as most tires have pinholes along their sidewalls.
- Hold the tire vertically in front of you and shake it for about half a minute and then begin to shake it for 5-10 seconds and slowly spin it as you do. Turn it as you go until you have rotated the tire all the way around.
- Turn the tire over and repeat on the other side. Continue to check for leaks with the soap and water.