How to Mount Tubeless Tires

Tubeless tires reduce the potential for pinch flats

Tubeless tires (or UST) are predominately found on mountain bikes. As the name implies, tubeless tires eliminate the need for an inner tube in favor of an internal molded butyl rubber liner. The tire relies on a specially designed rim that allows the tire, when properly inflated, to form an airtight seal with the rim. Ultimately the design decreases the potential for pinch flats, whereby an inner tube becomes "pinched" between the outside of the tire and the rim, resulting in a puncture.

Things You'll Need

• Dish soap and water
• Spray bottle (or clean rag)

Instructions

1. Add a small amount of dish soap to a spray bottle full of water, and spray the inside of the rim. You can also apply this solution using a clean rag or towel. The soap and water will make mounting the tire onto the rim easier.

2. Insert the valve stem through the hole in the rim so that the tip of the stem is pointed toward the center of the wheel.

3. Align the tire label on the side of the tire with the valve stem, and begin mounting the first bead of the tire onto the rim. A "bead"---one on each side---is the lower inner portion of the tire.

4. Work opposite the valve stem, and using your thumbs as leverage, mount the second bead into the center of the rim.

5. Hold the wheel against your waist as you come to the last (and toughest) section of tire bead. Again, using your thumbs, roll the bead onto the rim.

6. Rotate the surface of the tire to ensure that both beads are fully mounted. Both sides should be seated against the rim. For stubborn sections, use the palms of your hands to rotate the section toward the rim.

7. Inflate the tire to about 20 psi (pounds per square inch). The burst of air will create the initial seal between the tire and rim. Continue to inflate the tire steadily, checking every few strokes that the bead is seated evenly around the tire on both sides, until you've achieved ideal psi (the recommended psi will be stamped on the side of the tire, but some riders prefer a slightly lower psi, which adds more cushion to the ride).

References

• "Bicycle Maintenance & Repair for Road and Mountain Bikes"; Todd Downs; 2005
• Park Tool: Tubeless Tire Mounting and Repair

Resources

• "Mountain Bike Action": 15 Ways to Improve the Tubeless Experience