Tubeless Wheels : TubelessWheels FAQ

TubelessWheels FAQ

This technique gives you bicycle wheels which have no innertubes, using standard bicycle wheel rims and tyres. The advantages are huge - no punctures, improved traction, increased confidence and as a result more fun riding!
The gallery guide is here. Here's some common questions and their answers.
 

Does it work?

It's very reliable, Glentress every weekend and lots of events. The tyres literally wear out before you get any punctures. Then you fit a new tyre onto the existing cut tube with new sealant and off you go for another long time.

I can't get this tyre to inflate!?

The one thing people sometimes struggle with is the initial inflation. Use LOTS AND LOTS of soapy water. Use a sponge to really get the soapy water right in there and it will inflate with a track pump.

So once the BMX tube is fitted it can stay on the rim for tyre change after tyre change?

Yes, no problem. The first time you'll be cutting the rimstrip down to size, after that it's fitted so new tyres fit right on.

I change tyres when worn-out or for trail conditions and always re-use the innertube/rimstrip. You've made yourself a custom-fit rimstrip, almost by accident!

Also, do I have to use a Presta valve....I really prefer Shraeder generally?

Either is fine. To remove a Shraeder valve core you'll need a little tool, 50p ($1) from most bike shops. TubelessWheels recommend Schwalbe tubes because the Schraeders have lock-rings and because the Prestas have removable valves.

In some Googling I found a guy saying not all rims convert well as the rim is pinned and leaks out air on some rims.

Ignore this, by using a rim-strip you form a seal independent of the rim structure.

How messy is it to change tyres? I mean does the sealant go everywhere? And importantly, can all the sealant be cleaned out if ever I were to sell the wheels on or convert back to tubes?

No, it's not messy at all. You let the tyre down, hook it off the rim and any sealant left is pooled at the bottom of the tyre. You can pour or syringe/spoon it out. The tyre will have a thin layer of latex round the inside you can peel off if you feel the need to get punctures again.