How to Go Tubeless on Your Mountain Bike
Switching to tubeless tires is one of the best upgrades you can make for your mountain bike. Say goodbye to pinch flats, ride with lower tire pressure for better traction, and enjoy a lighter, smoother ride on the trails. Here's a step-by-step guide to make the switch!
How Do Tubeless Tires Work?
Instead of using an inner tube, tubeless tires create an airtight seal between the tire and the rim. The tire bead sits snugly against the rim, and a special liquid sealant fills small gaps and seals punctures automatically.
Why Go Tubeless?
No More Pinch Flats – No tubes to pinch between the rim and tire.
Better Traction – Lower air pressure increases grip.
Smoother Ride – More cushion and shock absorption.
Self-Sealing – Small punctures are sealed instantly by the sealant.
Lighter Weight – Ditching the tubes reduces rotational weight for better climbing efficiency.
What You'll Need:
Tubeless-Compatible Tires (Look for "Tubeless Ready" or "TR" labels, e.g., Maxxis Tubeless Ready, Schwalbe Tubeless Easy)
Tubeless-Compatible Rims (Most modern rims are tubeless-ready, but check your specs)
Tubeless Rim Tape (E.g., Stan’s NoTubes, Muc-Off Tubeless Tape)
Tubeless Valve Stems (E.g., Peaty’s, Stan’s NoTubes, Muc-Off)
Tire Sealant (E.g., Orange Seal, Stan’s NoTubes, Muc-Off No Puncture Hassle)
Floor Pump or Air Compressor (For easier tire seating)
Scissors, Knife, or Dental Pick (For cutting rim tape and making valve holes)
Step-by-Step: Setting Up Tubeless Tires
Tape the Rim
Remove the old rim strip or tape if your wheels have tubes.
Apply tubeless rim tape, starting one spoke hole away from the valve.
Wrap 1.5 to 2 full loops around the rim to ensure a good seal.
Overlap the starting point by a few inches and cut off the excess tape.
Press the tape firmly into the rim using your fingers or a tire lever to ensure a tight seal.
Install the Valve Stem
Use a sharp knife, scissors, or a dental pick to make a small hole in the rim tape where the valve hole is.
Insert the tubeless valve stem through the hole.
Tighten the locking nut on the valve stem to ensure a snug, airtight fit.
Mount the Tire
Install one bead of the tire onto the rim.
Flip the wheel and start mounting the second bead, but leave one-third of the bead unseated to add sealant.
Add Sealant
Shake the bottle of sealant well to mix any settled particles.
Pour the correct amount of sealant inside the tire (typically 60-120mL per tire, depending on size).
Rotate the tire to distribute the sealant evenly.
Seat the Tire Bead
Use a floor pump or air compressor to inflate the tire rapidly.
If the tire isn’t seating properly, remove the valve core to allow more airflow.
You should hear a "pop" or "snap" sound, indicating the tire bead has seated onto the rim.
Seal the System & Adjust the Pressure
Once the bead is seated, reinstall the valve core and adjust the pressure to your preferred PSI.
Spin and shake the wheel to distribute sealant inside the tire, ensuring a proper seal.
Let the tire sit for 10-15 minutes, periodically flipping it to help the sealant spread evenly.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Air Leaking at the Valve → Tighten the valve nut or check if the rim tape has a proper seal.
Tire Won't Seat → Try using an air compressor or CO₂ inflator for a quick burst of air.
Sealant Leaking from Bead → Shake the wheel and let it sit; it may take a few minutes to seal fully.
Losing Air Overnight → Ride the bike for a few minutes to help the sealant coat the inside properly.
How to Maintain Tubeless Tires
Top off sealant every 2-4 months, as it dries out over time.
Check tire pressure before every ride (tubeless tires may lose air slightly faster).
Inspect for punctures—most will seal on their own, but larger cuts may require a tire plug.
Replace rim tape if it starts peeling or leaking air.
Now that you're rolling tubeless enjoy the benefits of better grip, fewer flats, and a smoother ride!
Watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVI0dn4Wito
