How to Make a Tubeless Bicycle Tire

How to Make a Tubeless Bicycle Tire
Tubed bicycle tires are prone to flats because of the thin tube walls. Tubeless tires operate at a much lower pressure (equaling more traction) without fear of pinch flats -- there's no tube to pinch. Tubeless setups are expensive, but there's a way to convert your tubed tires to tubeless.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:
  • Razor blade Tire sealant 20-inch bicycle tube Tire levers
  • Razor blade
  • Tire sealant
  • 20-inch bicycle tube
  • Tire levers
Step 1
Deflate the existing tube tire and use the tire irons to pry the tire off the rim. Stretch the deflated 20-inch tube over the rim and center it over the spoke nipples.
Step 2
Split the tube down the middle with the razor blade so that the rubber can overlap the side of the rim. Use the tire levers to pry the tire back onto the rim and make sure to allow the sides of the tube to protrude under the edge of the tires.
Step 3
Cut off the excess tubing surrounding the tire and then fill the tire with tire sealant. Spin the tire for about five minutes to spread the sealant, and then pump the tire up to pressure. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 for the other tire.

Tips & Warnings

 
Be sure to always carry a tube with you when riding, in case of failure.
 
Be sure to always carry a tube with you when riding, in case of failure.

Article Written By Nathaniel Miller

Nathaniel Miller is a technical writer for an environmental division of Microbac Laboratories, Inc. He has a Master of Science from Ohio University. With over eight years of technical writing experience, Miller has a diverse skill-set and enjoys a wide-ranging client base. He is widely published on numerous writing websites and runs a small writing business out of his home in Marietta, Ohio.

Write for Trails.com
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