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Sierra_bravo
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Going to tubeless on 26ers
03/27/17 at 2:28am
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So, after precise consideration, I've decided that the first real upgrade I want to make to the old('97) specialized is to go over to tubeless. I've done my reading and have a decent idea of what to expect but a little personal experience always goes a long way. 

My biggest question is, what are the main things I should watch out for in your opinion, and are there any tools or just general things that make the job go better/smoother?

also, any recommendations to some local shops that actually have good parts to go over to tubeless are also very appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
-Sam
  
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IntheBush
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Re: Going to tubeless on 26ers
Reply #1 - 03/27/17 at 11:39am
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Sierra_bravo wrote on 03/27/17 at 2:28am:
So, after precise consideration, I've decided that the first real upgrade I want to make to the old('97) specialized is to go over to tubeless. I've done my reading and have a decent idea of what to expect but a little personal experience always goes a long way. 

My biggest question is, what are the main things I should watch out for in your opinion, and are there any tools or just general things that make the job go better/smoother?

also, any recommendations to some local shops that actually have good parts to go over to tubeless are also very appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
-Sam


1. Make sure you use tubeless rims and ust tires. My rule of thumb is, if it wont hold air without sealant I don't want it.

2. Valve leakage is always a potential problem. Make sure you're using the right rim tape and there are no wrinkles, especially in the valve area. A small piece of duct tape (1"x1" square or so) placed on top of the valve hole seems to solve any leakage problem. Press the valve stem from the rear when tightening up the lock ring, to ensure good valve gasket compression and bedding into the tape.

3. Make sure you like your tires. Switching tires after going tubeless is a pain.

The Cycle Path does great work and has tons of experience. He's in Cornelius up by Lake Norman. 
« Last Edit: 03/27/17 at 11:49am by IntheBush »  
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Re: Going to tubeless on 26ers
Reply #2 - 03/27/17 at 12:27pm
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If the wheels are the original wheels on the bike they could have issue holding air tubeless because wheels were not being built tubeless ready at that time.  You will most likely need a few layers of rim tape as these older wheels can be notorious for having issue holding air around the bead.  I have had to go "ghetto tubeless" on older wheels before and it worked great.  Google/Youtube it and there are pretty straight forward instructions.  It essentially uses a partial inner tube as the sealing layer between the tire and the wheel. Good luck!
  
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Re: Going to tubeless on 26ers
Reply #3 - 03/27/17 at 12:31pm
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I would agree with most of what IntheBush said. Although I think you will find that most people do not use UST tires and instead use some sort of "tubeless ready" type tires that do require a liquid sealant. I personally have never used a UST tire and have been successfully riding tubeless for over 3 years now.

Whatever route you go, I would recommend using a liquid sealant as it is very useful for sealing punctures when on the trail. It has saved me from having to walk out of the trail on a few occasions that I know of, and probably dozens more times that I am blissfully unaware of. Either that, or always carry a spare tube with you. 

Depending on the depth of your rims, you may require the rubber rim strips to help seat the bead of the tire. I would only recommend using them if you absolutely have to since they do add some weight. 
« Last Edit: 03/27/17 at 12:32pm by BudLeach »  
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Re: Going to tubeless on 26ers
Reply #4 - 03/27/17 at 1:44pm
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May be available locally also.  FWIW, I haven't used rimstrips since my first conversion several years ago.  I use the Stans tape with sealant on any tire that I choose.  You will need access to a compressor.
« Last Edit: 03/27/17 at 1:44pm by traildog »  
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Re: Going to tubeless on 26ers
Reply #5 - 03/27/17 at 6:05pm
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Did it several times back in the day using the Stans conversion kit with the rubber rim strips. You need to enlarge the hole for the valve stem on the inner channel of the rim and use some electrical tape there to avoid chafing the rim strip. Add some UST tires and some sealant and you're good to go. It's the best way to do it on old technology.
  
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Yeah, to the best of my knowledge:)
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Sierra_bravo
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Re: Going to tubeless on 26ers
Reply #6 - 03/27/17 at 7:51pm
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Thanks for the advice everyone, haven't thought of picking rim strips or using a inner tube to help seal.

As for a compressor, got my own but haven't yet used it to inflate a bike tire, don't exactly have the best regulator on it and am kinda afraid of blowing the tire off. Nothing a little Google research can't solve though.

Well, time to see who sells universal presta valves
-Sam
« Last Edit: 03/27/17 at 7:57pm by Sierra_bravo »  
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Re: Going to tubeless on 26ers
Reply #7 - 04/19/17 at 12:17pm
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Done this for a while along with some friends. Never had a problem with it.
  
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