Going tubeless - ghetto conversion

I have 1 set of wheels that have UST rims and two sets that are just normal regular rims. This is how you fit a tubeless tyre to them.

Tools

YOU NEED A COMPRESSOR. You can get away with using CO2 cannisters but they don't always work. It really depends on the tyre-rim combination. A CO2 cannister will work for some, but not others. I use a 8bar compressor with a 5 litre reservoir. Do not waste money getting a compressor with a smaller reservoir, 5 litres is the minimum you can get away with.

Fitting

First thing to do is to seal the rim. Insulation tape works just fine. Either 1 or 2 wraps depending on the width of the tape round the rim - it just needs to be wide enough to cover the rim tape. Any insulation tape will work but many of the cheap ones are a bit lacking in glue and won't stick to the rim (or anything else). I used a tape that claimed to have double the amount of adhesive on it and this worked fine.

The next job is to fit a valve. The local boutique bike shop in Tadley, Hampshire tried to tell me that tubeless valves are specific to rims. OK, I'm sure some are but in general, there's a really simple fix. Get a tubeless valve, cut out a square of rubber from an old inner tube, punch a little hole in it, stretch it over the valve, and it makes a perfect gasket. Its important to get a tubeless valve with a removable core.

You now fit the tyre to the rim and lube it with lots of water soap mix (25% washing up liquid, 75% water), just as for fitting to a UST rim. If you're re-fitting a tyre that has already been used tubeless then peel away the latex from the beads so you have a clean even surface on the beads. It really helps if the wheel is in a wheel stand or fitted to an upside down bike or something for the next step. Peel away section of rim and pour in the 2-3 scoops of Stans sealant. It pools in the bottom of the tyre, hence a wheel stand or something is handy. You can of course not peel away a section of tyre bead and simply inject the sealant through the valve with one of those syringe kits you can buy.

To inflate the tyre and seat it on the rim, remove the valve core. Fit a compressor hose over the stem and press the button. You're relying on air getting in faster than it leaks past the beads in order to get a seal. That's why you need a compressor with a 5litre + reservoir. Once the tyre is seated, remove the air line and quickly stick your thumb over the valve stem. Then get the core, quickly remove thumb and screw it in. Yes you will lose some air but not enough to unseat the beads.

Use a track pump to crank the pressure up to make sure the beads are seated. Roll the tyre round to distribute the sealant to help sealing. Any soap bubbles will then stop and you can reduce the pressure to what you want.

Simples!

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