How to Convert to a Tubeless MTB

A tubeless tire setup on any bicycle, including a mountain bike, has several advantages. According to Bicycling Magazine, tubeless tires offer the best traction, fewer flats, and a smoother ride versus the traditional application with tubes. The downside of going tubeless, according to Utah Mountain Biking, includes dealing with messy sealant and the cost. You can, though, avoid the expense of buying tubeless rims and tires by converting your existing wheels to tubeless with a relatively inexpensive conversion kit.

Things You'll Need

  • Tubeless conversion kit
  • Drill with 3/8-inch bit
  • Plastic tire lever
  • Solution of soap and water
  • Bicycle floor pump
  • Pliers
  • Cardboard box
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a conversion kit that allows you to convert standard mountain bike tires and rims to a tubeless setup by using a rubber rim liner. Conversion kits are available at most bike shops, and online from companies such as DT Swiss and Stan's.

    • 2

      Enlarge your valve stem hole only if you are using a standard rim. According to Stan's, a leading producer of tubeless bicycle products, this must be done to eliminate the bump at the valve stem, making tire inflation easier. Ideally, you will use a drill with a 3/8-inch bit to enlarge the hole, but other makeshift methods can work with care.

    • 3

      Remove your old tube and install the rubber liner that comes with your conversion kit. In most cases, Stan's notes that you can use your existing rim tape if it is in good condition. Coat your rubber liner with a soap and water solution. This lubrication improves your ability to evenly stretch the liner along the inside of the rim. Start at the valve stem, finger-tighten the nut, and push the liner under the bead lock using a plastic tire lever for support.

    • 4

      Mount your tire on your rim using a plastic tire lever. Apply the soap and water solution to the inside of the tire and rim liner. Hang the tire with the valve stem on top. Inflate the tire to 10 PSI with a bicycle floor pump. If your tire begins losing air, this is normal and will be ameliorated when you add sealant.

    • 5

      Prepare your sealant as per the manufacturer's directions. With Stan's sealant, you will invert and shake the bottle and cut the end off the spout cap. Fill the injector and bottle provided with sealant and begin to feed it into your valve stem. You may need a pair of pliers to remove your valve core.

    • 6

      Hang your tire with the valve stem on top. Inflate the tire to no more than 40 PSI. Rotate the tire to spread the sealant around. Re-apply the soap and water solution to the tire sidewall to check for leaks. Where leaks exist, the solution will bubble. Further rotate the tire to address any leaks. Leaks are common before allowing the sealant to spread as most tires contain small pinholes along the sidewall.

    • 7

      Seal your tire by holding it vertically in front of you. Allow the sealant to puddle toward the bottom of the tire for about 30 seconds and shake the tire back and forth for 5 to 10 seconds. Move the tire a quarter of a turn and repeat until you have completed an entire revolution.

    • 8

      Let the tire rest on top of an open cardboard box for 5 minutes. Turn the tire over and repeat Step 7. Continue to test for leaks with the soap and water solution. Repeat the sealing process until there are no more leaks. Stan's notes that this can take up to half an hour. If your tire does not seal, you have likely not done a complete job of sealing the holes.