The Ultimate Guide to Tubeless Tyres: Everything Cyclists Need to Know
Tubeless tyres have rapidly become a top choice for cyclists of all disciplines, from road racers to off-road adventurers. Offering a blend of reliability, performance, and practicality, tubeless setups are reshaping the way riders think about tyre technology. If you're tired of punctures or looking for a smoother, more efficient ride, tubeless tyres might just be your next upgrade.
This guide explores the ins and outs of tubeless tyres, covering their benefits, the fitting process, and the tools you’ll need to get started.
Why Choose Tubeless Tyres?
Tubeless tyres stand out by eliminating inner tubes, providing significant advantages over traditional clincher tyres. They also differ from tubular tyres, which require specific wheelsets and are predominantly used by professional racers.
Here are the key reasons why tubeless tyres have become a game-changer:
1. Puncture Resistance
Tubeless tyres dramatically reduce the risk of punctures. Pinch flats are virtually eliminated, and the liquid sealant inside the tyre can instantly close small punctures caused by debris or thorns. This ensures more time riding and less time dealing with frustrating roadside repairs.
2. Lightweight Build
By removing the inner tube, tubeless tyres reduce overall weight, especially when paired with tubeless-specific wheels. For riders chasing performance gains, this weight reduction can be a noticeable advantage.
3. Lower Tyre Pressures
Tubeless setups can run at significantly lower pressures compared to clinchers. For road bikes, this can mean 50–60 psi, and for mountain or gravel bikes, as low as 10–20 psi. Lower pressures improve traction, comfort, and rolling resistance, especially on uneven terrain.
4. Enhanced Grip and Comfort
With wider tyres becoming the norm, particularly on gravel and adventure bikes, tubeless systems allow riders to fully exploit these designs. Lower pressures increase tyre volume, delivering exceptional grip and a supple ride feel, even in wet or challenging conditions.
5. Compatibility with Clincher Rims
Unlike tubular tyres that demand specific rims, tubeless tyres are compatible with a wide range of clincher rims. This makes them a practical choice for riders looking to upgrade without overhauling their wheelsets.
Setting Up Tubeless Tyres: A Step-by-Step Guide
Switching to a tubeless setup might seem daunting, but with the right tools and guidance, it’s a straightforward process. Follow these six steps to get your bike rolling on a tubeless system.
What You’ll Need
Tubeless rim tape (or rim strips for conversions)
Tubeless tyres (ensure they are tubeless-specific)
Tubeless valves
Sealant (e.g., Stan’s NoTubes or similar)
Tubeless-specific track pump (optional but recommended)
Old rags or cloths (for cleaning and managing sealant spills)
Step 1: Prepare Your Wheels
Start by removing your existing tyres, inner tubes, and rim tape. Clean the rim’s internal surface with soapy water or alcohol cleaner to remove any debris or residue. A clean surface ensures a secure seal.
Step 2: Make the Rim Airtight
For non-tubeless-ready rims, apply tubeless rim tape to seal the spoke holes. Start one spoke hole away from the valve hole, keeping the tape taut as you smooth it onto the rim. Ensure there are no air bubbles, and overlap the tape by about 2–3 cm at the start and finish. Pierce a small hole in the tape where the valve will go.
Alternatively, for tubeless-ready rims, use the manufacturer’s rim strips if provided. These fit snugly and are designed for airtight performance.
Step 3: Fit the Valve and Tyre
Insert the tubeless valve through the rim and secure it tightly with the valve nut. Fit one side of the tyre onto the rim, ensuring the bead sits snugly in the rim channel.
Step 4: Add Sealant
With three-quarters of the tyre fitted, pour the recommended amount of sealant (usually 35–50 ml for road tyres, more for wider MTB or gravel tyres) into the tyre. Rotate the wheel gently to distribute the sealant evenly. Complete the tyre fitting, ensuring the bead is properly seated.
Step 5: Inflate the Tyre
Using a tubeless-specific track pump or a CO2 inflator, inflate the tyre to its maximum recommended pressure. This helps the bead snap into place and creates a secure seal. If the tyre struggles to seat, you may need to use an inner tube temporarily to shape the tyre before refitting it tubeless.
Step 6: Check Pressure and Seal
Allow the tyre to sit for at least an hour (or overnight) to ensure the sealant fills any gaps. Check the pressure and re-inflate if necessary. Some initial pressure loss is normal as the sealant works its magic.
Pro Tips for Tubeless Tyres
Carry a Spare Tube: While tubeless tyres are highly resistant to punctures, it’s wise to carry a tube for emergencies, especially on longer rides.
Regular Maintenance: Check sealant levels every few months and refresh as needed. Sealant can dry out over time, reducing its effectiveness.
Use a Booster Pump: If you frequently change tyres or struggle with seating, a tubeless booster pump can make the process much easier.
Why Cyclists Are Switching to Tubeless
For the everyday rider, the competitive racer, or the gravel explorer, tubeless tyres deliver an unmatched combination of reliability, performance, and practicality. While the initial setup may take a bit of effort, the long-term benefits make it a worthwhile upgrade for anyone serious about their ride.
Whether it’s conquering rough trails, flying through wet descents, or simply avoiding mid-ride punctures, tubeless tyres are a modern solution for cyclists who demand more from their equipment.
Comments