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How to tell if wheelset is tubeless compatible?

Old 06-20-21, 09:38 AM
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MrWasabi
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How to tell if wheelset is tubeless compatible?

I'm going to buy a used (like new) Specialized DS wheelset. The seller doesn't know if they are tubeless compatible. Is there anyway to know from eyeballing them? The price is good and I'll probably be using tubes anyway but was wondering if I ever want to make the jump to tubeless.

Thanks for any input.
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Old 06-20-21, 10:04 AM
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Unless it has tubeless ready or tubeless printed on the rim, I'd think you pretty much have to look up the specs for that model rim.
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Old 06-20-21, 10:11 AM
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Originally Posted by Iride01
Unless it has tubeless ready or tubeless printed on the rim, I'd think you pretty much have to look up the specs for that model rim.
Thanks for the input. The seller bought them used and just knows they are from a mid level DS w/disc brakes. He's selling them because he can't fit the cassette on it he needs. I haven't seen them in person, just pics and am picking them up tomorrow. Maybe there is some sort of part # on them I can lookup/contact Specialized about?
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Old 06-20-21, 10:29 AM
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Originally Posted by MrWasabi
Thanks for the input. The seller bought them used and just knows they are from a mid level DS w/disc brakes. He's selling them because he can't fit the cassette on it he needs. I haven't seen them in person, just pics and am picking them up tomorrow. Maybe there is some sort of part # on them I can lookup/contact Specialized about?
All the new rims and wheels I've had in the last 10 or more years have always had the important info written on them. Sometimes it's a cheap label that I suppose might come off. But usually it's part of the painted or what ever other finish is on the rims. Many times around or near the valve stem hole.

Sometimes Specialized will answer an email question, many times they don't... at least not mine. But just go by a Specialized dealer and they'll have good enough idea. At one time, I thought most rims could be made to use a tubeless tire. But I'm the last one to be talking about tubeless, I've no experience with them.
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Old 06-20-21, 11:06 AM
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The tubeless ready rim has a ‘shelf’ under the bead. Look at the cross section of this tubeless rim:



vs a non-tubeless rim:


The tubeless rim has a stepped shelf under the bead to help form an airtight seal.
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Old 06-20-21, 11:09 AM
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The inside of a tubeless rim will have little shelves.

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Old 06-20-21, 11:14 AM
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Thanks guys. That's great info that I should be able to figure out.
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Old 06-20-21, 12:07 PM
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I'm assuming these rims are not tubeless-ready, but they seem to have a bit of a 'shelf'. Opinions?

Mavic:



Alex:

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Old 06-21-21, 12:14 PM
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Picked up the wheels and they look great, 9ish condition. I got them for $65 w/discs and skewers too. To me they look like they have the ridge? Are these tubeless compatible to those knowledgeable eyes out there? Sorry about the pic quality. Thanks for the great input.


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Old 06-21-21, 12:17 PM
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Originally Posted by MrWasabi
Picked up the wheels and they look great, 9ish condition. I got them for $65 w/discs and skewers too.
That's a great buy.
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Old 06-21-21, 12:58 PM
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Originally Posted by VicBC_Biker
That's a great buy.
Thanks! Yeah I figure mid level 'Specialized' rims w/discs and skewers in that condition for that price was a no brainer so now I can have two sets of wheels with different tires for different riding conditions.
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Old 06-24-21, 12:46 PM
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Anybody else have input from my pics? I already have some tubed GP5000s that I’ll be mounting on them but for next time, I may roll with tubeless.

Thanks again.
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Old 06-24-21, 02:06 PM
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Originally Posted by MrWasabi
Anybody else have input from my pics? I already have some tubed GP5000s that I’ll be mounting on them but for next time, I may roll with tubeless.

Thanks again.
Yes, go tubeless
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Old 06-24-21, 03:17 PM
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Originally Posted by MrWasabi
Anybody else have input from my pics? I already have some tubed GP5000s that I’ll be mounting on them but for next time, I may roll with tubeless.
They appear to be tubeless ready. Not sure if the tape is right, I'd take it off, clean the rim bed real well and then reapply new before attempting a tubeless setup.

Last edited by Badger6; 06-25-21 at 12:07 AM. Reason: typo
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