Installing Tubeless Tires

[Wahine]

I'm working on installing my tubeless tires for the new bike. I've not done this before and to be honest, I'm a little intimidated. I've been reading and following all the instructions (I still have a little more reading to do) but I was wondering if anyone on the board had any tips. You know, those little tricks that you learn through experience that aren't in the instructions.

Any advice? I'm all ears, well eyes really.

TIA

[maillotpois]

I'm not proud of this, but I had my bike shop do it.

:o

[Becky]

Specific advice depends a little on which rims you're using: standard or UST-compatible, and tires: standard, UST, or tubeless ready.

Either way, here are my more general suggestions:
An air compressor and a schrader adapter are necessities.
Soapy water solution is the best way to find leaks. I prefer to use a spray bottle, rather than a brush and bucket.
Valve stems with removable cores sound like a good idea, but are a pain. Use standard ones and the tools below.
My favorite tubeless "tools" are a turkey baster with removalable "injector" tip and removable bulb, and those little 2 oz. squeeze bottles. Both can be bought at a kitchen store. The turkey baster with tip makes a great funnel and only requires you to crack a tiny section of bead. The squeeze bottle makes for easy pre-measuring and transfer of sealant.

Be patient with it, be prepared to repeat steps, and good luck :)

[Wahine]

Thanks for the advice Becky. As it turned out, I just followed the instructions and it went pretty well. Got them on and seated in the first go, even with a regular pump. I used UST tires and tubeless ready rims from Velocity. Apart from having to use some water to get the tires on in the first place, it all went very smoothly. My bike is more or less done now. :D:D I'm going to wait until we get a nice day so I can take some pictures of it outside and post them.

[Becky]

Glad to hear that it went so smoothly!