Tubeless?
#1
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Tubeless?
I got my first flat today on my Midnight Special (which I bought last spring). I commute 5-10 miles each way daily on urban and inner-suburban roads. I have 650b x 47 tires and wheels which I understand are tubeless-ready. Would I benefit by converting to tubeless?
I should add that I am not mechanically experienced.
Many thanks.
I should add that I am not mechanically experienced.
Many thanks.
Last edited by golftdi; 07-30-19 at 11:25 AM.
#2
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I like it, for tires 32mm or larger. I use it on my commuter - saves a lot of potential road side hassle.
Set up can be a pain, depending on the tire/rim (sometimes it is easy).
Requires regular usage of the bike (or at least rotating the tires) and topping off sealant every 6 months or so.
you may never get a flat, but if you do it may be difficult/impossible to fix on the side of the road.
Since you already have matched tubless wheels/tires - that makes the difficulty aspect a mute point.
Have your LBS convert them (probably just need sealant and a valve stem) to ensure tires get seated. After that - just need to top off the sealant every once and a while. That is easy (requires valve stem tool) once the tires are seated.
Set up can be a pain, depending on the tire/rim (sometimes it is easy).
Requires regular usage of the bike (or at least rotating the tires) and topping off sealant every 6 months or so.
you may never get a flat, but if you do it may be difficult/impossible to fix on the side of the road.
Since you already have matched tubless wheels/tires - that makes the difficulty aspect a mute point.
Have your LBS convert them (probably just need sealant and a valve stem) to ensure tires get seated. After that - just need to top off the sealant every once and a while. That is easy (requires valve stem tool) once the tires are seated.
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Opinions vary. I'm pro-
So far I've had the best luck using parts intended for the purpose, all the half measures I've taken have half worked.
You wheels might already have tubeless tape. If it's wall to wall and adhesive, you are good to go.
Watch out that your tires are really tubeless. They will say so on the label. If not, start with Orange Seal, which supposedly will not seep through like Stan's
So far I've had the best luck using parts intended for the purpose, all the half measures I've taken have half worked.
You wheels might already have tubeless tape. If it's wall to wall and adhesive, you are good to go.
Watch out that your tires are really tubeless. They will say so on the label. If not, start with Orange Seal, which supposedly will not seep through like Stan's
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Last edited by Darth Lefty; 07-30-19 at 04:18 PM.
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You doing it yourself, or having the LBS do it? You'll need a valve stem remover tool if you change the tires yourself - it can be hard (or not) getting the tire to seat on the wheel without a tube, but you have to take the valve stem out to get the initial air in. Newer pumps give a "blast" of air to help seat the tires. Sticky rim tape (or latex) liners help too. I just use a floor pump (with core removed and a latex liner) myself).
#6
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LBS for me for this.
I did watch a Park Tools video on how to do this so I would have a better understanding of the job
I did watch a Park Tools video on how to do this so I would have a better understanding of the job
#7
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I converted last week. The setup was simple using DT Swiss RR481 rims and Schwalbe G-One Speed tires. I used soapy water to get them to seat, but i only used a regular floor pump. Took maybe 5min per tire. I've been riding tubeless on mountain bike for awhile so i guess i knew what to do.
These tires are awesome. Feel so soft and smooth. And they're fast.
These tires are awesome. Feel so soft and smooth. And they're fast.
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I converted last week. The setup was simple using DT Swiss RR481 rims and Schwalbe G-One Speed tires. I used soapy water to get them to seat, but i only used a regular floor pump. Took maybe 5min per tire. I've been riding tubeless on mountain bike for awhile so i guess i knew what to do.
These tires are awesome. Feel so soft and smooth. And they're fast.
These tires are awesome. Feel so soft and smooth. And they're fast.
Schwalbe G-One series, and the new Coni GP5000 are awesome and surprisingly smooth.
Tubeless easy! they seem to work well on my DT swiss - although they are too tight on some of my wheels.