Converting to tubeless, on the cheap.

[dave_s13]

I'm thinking about converting my XC 29er to tubeless given I seem to be getting a flat per week and in our small group of riders we often end up hanging around while one of us changes a tube.

The kits you can buy are pricey for what they are so I'm going to try the inner tube method I.e. stretch under sized tube into rim, split down middle with knife, seat tyre, add sealant. I've got a couple of 26in tubes knocking about so all I'll need is sealant.

I'm just wondering if anyone else has done this and also, how much sealant is needed per tyre and what type is recommended. A search on eBay throws up lots of options for tyre gunk, cheapest would do but which one and how much do I need?

Link to vid of what I'm on about....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByBAItDM3Ws&fea...

Edited by dave_s13 on Monday 3rd June 10:07

[P-Jay]

What sort of flats are you getting? Pinch or Thorn.

I'm no fan of tubeless, you could probably achieve the same goal with some thicker tubes and a lot less fecking about with that gooey crap.

[megaphone]

I use 3oz of Stans No-tubes fluid in my 26" wheels. I have proper rims and 2bliss tyres. Best upgrade I ever made on my bike, not had a 'flat' since going tubeless.

Edited by megaphone on Monday 3rd June 12:21

[BOR]

If you are going to use an innertube (and frankly, it seems like false economy), then you need to use one with a removable valve-core to allow you to add more sealant every 6-12months, as it does dry out.

I have used Joe's sealant without complaints, but I just bought a litre of Stan's to try. You need something like 100-150ml per tyre IIRC.

[dave_s13]

BOR said:

If you are going to use an innertube (and frankly, it seems like false economy)....

How come? I've got a couple of 26in tubes knocking about somewhere so all I'd need to buy is the sealant?

Usual cause is a thorn in the tube rather than pinch flats.

It just appeals in that, if you believe the hype, it's a case of fit, forget and only need to mess about with tyres again when it wears out.

With regard to adding the sealant, it seems you can just pop off a small portion of one bead and pour it in that way, no need to add it through the valve.

I'll get some sealant anyway and see how it goes.

[.Adam.]

I ran tubeless using the innertube method, and it worked fine for me, although if I was going to ghetto it again(which I won't as I now have Stans rims), then I would try the method where you run some electrical tape around the inside of the rim, like proper Stans tape, and just have the presta valve cut out of the tube so you can attach it using the lock ring.