How To Repair Tubeless Mtb Tire

Share This

Considering a tubeless tire setup for a long international trip? Or simply hoping to have flatless bikepacking outings in your own backyard? Here'due south our complete field guide to tubeless with a total tubeless tire repair kit, how-to videos for repair and setup, plugger options, and tips from the route…

Despite the fact that most of the mainstream mountain bike world has converted, many bikepackers and bike tourers remain cautiously hesitant to transition to a tubeless setup, peculiarly for big long-altitude trips. We become it. For folks who haven't performed their own tubeless conversion, it can seem like a daunting chore. To some, it remains a dark art… or at least, a complicated performance that requires special skills, a compressor, and general mechanical savvy to successfully consummate.

Simply we've put this guide together in hopes of convincing you otherwise. In our opinion, tubes have long been expressionless. Simply go for a long dirt road bout in S Africa. Or spend a few days out on the Arizona Trail. Or bomb downwards a rocky trail in backcountry Peru. Never having flats rules… period. Combined with the ability to run lower tire pressures for a more compliant ride—especially given the popularity of larger volume tires and wider rims these days—we think everyone should be running tubeless tires at this point. Not simply are most rims and tires now optimized for tubeless, many new bikes are fix to convert, or are already tubeless out of the box. In addition, there's a multitude of great tubeless repair tools and pluggers on the marketplace, making repairs like shooting fish in a barrel once you accept the basics down.

To help demystify the whole process, here's our full field guide with videos, tips, tricks, and a total tubeless repair kit to get you lot started and continue you rolling. We encourage you to requite it a try; experience is more valuable than anything. Further down the mail, you'll too find two full video guides that we put together. But showtime, some basics on tires and rims.

Tubeless Rims

Although well-nigh modern rims are "tubeless ready" these days, there are still new bikes that get specced rims that are not. The near prevalent feature on a tubeless ready rim is that the rim bed features bead-locks, or modest ridges in the flat section of the rim profile that help forbid burping (when the bead momentarily breaks and air is burped out). Meanwhile, a properly designed eye aqueduct makes a loosely mounted tire "catch" air and snap over the bead locks. The latter is the key to their ease of tubeless tire installation.

Tubeless Ready Tires

Although you can often use standard tires for a tubeless setup, a tubeless ready (TR) model will likely seal ameliorate due to its optimized bead blueprint. Yous'll appreciate this all the more when installation conditions aren't optimal. TR tires also tend to have reinforced sidewalls; given that a tubeless tire is run at lower pressures and can be more susceptible to sidewall cuts, this is especially welcome. If TR models aren't available to you lot, we prefer tires with lower TPI counts for long-distance travel.

Tubeless Tire Setup

Setting up your wheels and tires tubeless isn't as difficult as you might think. Watch our video setup guide below, forth with some tubeless setup tips. Also, scroll to the bottom of the page to observe our step-by-step guide to setting up tires tubeless before and subsequently flying with your bicycle.

Proper Tubeless Tape Job

Properly taping the rim is crucial to a successful tubeless setup. Start by cleaning the within of the rim. Apply rubbing alcohol or a degreaser to get any balance or factory finish off the rim. This ensures that the tape will stick. Employ the widest tape possible to fit in the face of the rim. Equally for brands, WTB TCS tape works well and comes in several widths. With the disc rotor facing yous, record the rim in a clockwise rotation, which allows the force of the tire sealant liquid to non agitate the tape seam (the clockwise rotation of the wheel will generally let the liquid to flow over the seal and not against it). Start the tape on the face contrary the valve stalk hole and permit a 1" to 2″ overlap. Subsequently taping, carefully cut a smooth hole for the valve stem using a sharp bract.

Use Tubes Get-go

For a tubeless tape task that lasts, nosotros highly recommend mounting the tire with a tube within before setting it up with tubeless sealant. Doing and then ensures that the record fully seals to the rim and keeps sealant from penetrating under the record and causing it to peel up over time. Inflate the tube to the typical maximum force per unit area recommended for your tires and permit it sit overnight. The next 24-hour interval, unseat one side of the tire and remove the tube. This helps the tire create the "retentiveness" of its shape, which aids in the initial setup. Here'south a squeamish and clear how-to video from WTB for reference.

Tubeless Repair

Here'due south our full video guide to tubeless tire repair. Spotter it, then scroll down to find important tips, tools, and other information.

Know how to repair a sidewall

This is a useful skill to learn, given that some tubeless tires are more than decumbent to sidewall failures than regular ones. This is especially of import when planning a desert adventure, where jumbles of razor-sharp rocks oft abound. Tire plugs will repair most cuts; use them with the tool provided to blot a tire wound. To fix larger cuts without unseating the tire, carry a heavy, curved needle and a length of dental floss to sew the cut upward first. A dab of superglue over the dental floss is recommended. For longer, 2" to 3" gashes, add together a department of sidewall cut out from an old tire, using Shoe Goo (REI sells small containers) to gum in the boot afterwards sewing the cutting. Let the gum dry overnight with an inflated tube in place to concur pressure on it–information technology's rare to have a cut so bad that yous can't wait till dark to practice this. If your repair won't concord, make sure y'all have a couple of inner tubes on mitt. Just be sure to remove all the thorns from the casing before y'all fit it!

Babe your spare tube(s)

Although ane tube is often enough, we'd always recommend conveying at least 2 spare inner tubes when heading overseas, especially if yous're running an unconventional tire size. Generally speaking, your spare tubes can be ultralight models, as it's unlikely they'll exist needed. Just make certain you infant them! It'south easy to leave them languishing in the bottom of a frame bag, where they're prone to abrasion. Nosotros wrap one in tape and attach it to the bike, and store some other in a thin sock for protection. Some use a ziploc bag with baby powder, every bit legend has it a little talc allows the tube to motility inside the tire, and may help eliminate compression flats from twisted during installation. If and when they're needed, be sure to check your tire thoroughly first. Nearly likely, it will be riddled with thorns or other debris. In a pinch, you can always run conventional 26" tubes on a 29er, or even a fat wheel.

Tubeless Tire Repair Kit

Nosotros've posted a full-blown bikepacking repair kit in the past, merely here's the tire repair kit of the hereafter. Start by thinking less about tubes and more than nigh repairing your tires and keeping them sealed.

Tire Sealant

Although this may vary depending on tire volume, we recommend carrying 2oz of sealant for small day rides or overnighters, at least 4oz of sealant for trips up to a few weeks, or for extra long trips, make information technology 8oz. Orange Seal comes in handy 4oz injector bottles. Orange Seal Endurance is a favorite for several of u.s.a. here.

Tube(s)

E'er conduct at least one tube. To exist ultra rubber or for longer trips, behave two. And as mentioned above, be sure to take extra care of it by storing it in a Ziploc bag.

Gorilla Tape

Gyre a dozen or so winds around your pump. Gorilla tape tin be used to assistance with a tire tear or to re-record a rim, in addition to a ton of other miscellaneous uses around army camp.

Patch Kit

Carrying a patch kit is a must. In the event of having to use a tube, yous'll likely demand to patch information technology down the road, particularly if you are traveling through desert landscapes where thorns or goatherds are prevalent. Pro tip: make sure the cement isn't dried out and the sandpaper is in good shape. Also, aslope a tube, we've used patches to seal small sidewall cuts, much like a tire kick.

Super Glue or Shoe Glue

Super glue or shoe glue tin can help help in the repair of a tire tear in the tread area or sidewall. You tin can even put mucilage around a plug for additional support, or on the agglutinative side of tape and create an ultra strong bond.

Spare Valve

It's easy to damage a valve, accept one clog up, or even loose the core while working on a trailside repair. And then, carry an actress. They're small enough.

Tubeless Plugs

These work well for punctures that are too big for the sealant merely not so big you need a boot. Information technology should provide a permanent repair for most normal punctures. Detect a full list of plugger options below. Also note that if you are out of plugs, you can wedge in $.25 of material, rope, or other sealant absorbing materials to stop a leak. This tin can exist specially handy if the hole is larger.

Curved Needle and Thread

A heavy duty curved upholstery needle and nylon thread are useful for fixing larger cuts without unseating the tire. You tin can also utilise this to repair a bikepacking bag, if need exist. This looks like a suitable option.

Piece of old tire sidewall

For 2-three″ gashes, this can exist glued into place.

Valve Cadre Tool and/or Leatherman

Although a defended valve core removal tool is best, the pliers on a Leatherman piece of work. However, you might take a chance messing up the threads if you employ a pump with a threaded head. The spoke wrench on your multitool may work to remove valve cores, too. If you lot lose your valve core tool… whittle ane from wood! (see photo)

High Volume Pump

Last but not to the lowest degree, a skillful pump is a must. One of our favorites is the 100cc OneUp EDC pump ($59). Also, the Lezyne Micro Floor Drive HV ($65 with guess) has proven useful and durable. The latter is a bit more powerful, only the spiral-on head can be a little abrasive, causing the unexpected removal of the core when unscrewing it from the valve. And if you'd rather not have a larger pump, you can also make your ain tubeless tire inflator.

Tire Pluggers

With a proper tubeless setup, and generally tough tires, information technology's non frequently that you accept to resort to tire plugs. However, they're an indispensable part of a proper bikepacking repair kit. And since tubeless tires have become ubiquitous with modern mount bikes, there's a wealth of tire pluggers on the marketplace. Nigh are based around the classic tiny screwdriver-esque mini-plugger that's used to insert small glutinous plugs, aka salary strips. These integrate a similar tonged metal fork into another tool, case, or handle. For well-nigh of these types of pluggers y'all tin can buy the plugs separately. Others, such every bit the Dynaplug, or Stan'south Sprint, use proprietary plugs. Find a list of some of the more than pop options below. Note that at that place are a few affiliate links here. Nosotros prefer that you lot buy from and support your local bike shop, simply if you must buy online, we get a very small kickback if you purchase via these links.

Genuine Innovations Tubeless Repair Tool

The 18-carat Innovations Tubeless Tire Repair Kit is the most basic and inexpensive plugger on the market. For but over $vi, you lot get the miniature screwdriver-similar plugger tool and "Side of Bacon" (5 rope repair plugs). It works, it'southward cheap, and it's fairly easy to utilise. $6.38 on Amazon.

Dynaplug

The Dynaplug Micro Pro tubeless repair kit is designed to be a quick and easy puncture tool. The crux of the patented system is a two-piece aluminum body with a hollow stainless steel insertion tube that's threaded into the handle. The tube is preloaded with a repair plug where information technology sits in place, prepare for activity. The repair plugs are each fabricated of a proprietary safe-impregnated cord mounted to a pointed, non-annoying contumely tip. The other side of the "pill" features a honeycomb of tools, including an awl for immigration the hole and a small knife for cutting off excess plug material. Nosotros've used 1 quite a bit and they are certainly the most user-friendly plugger we've ever used. Read our review here or option one upwards at Dynaplug'south Amazon shop for $59. Dynaplug also makes the Racer, shown above, with the larger blunt-end plug for bigger tears on one side and the smaller plug on the other. $49 on Amazon.

Wolf Tooth EnCase Bar Kit I

The Wolf Tooth Encase Bar Kit One is a handy toolkit that stashes in your bar ends. One side has a multi-tool and the other has a chain breaker and a threaded cap that reveals a tubeless tire plugger, as well equally a hollow bedroom containing a five-pack of small-scale tubeless plugs. It works similarly to a standard miniature plugger tool and uses the same plugs. Read our review here. You can find the Bar Kit 1 at some bike shops or buy i online for $120.

OneUp EDC Pump

Similar to the Wolf Molar Encase, OneUp's EDC Pump and Tool has a small cylinder with a threaded cap. On the within of the cap is a tubeless repair tool and the cylinder has enough room to store a dozen plugs. The EDC Pump is one of the best we've used and having the tool and tubeless repair kit all inside makes it a no-brainer for mean solar day rides or wheel trips. Read our review here. The full EDC arrangement isn't cheap. Y'all have to buy three different components: the pump for $59, the Tool for $59, and the Plug and Pliers Kit for $39. Simply, we've been using one regularly for several years and have zero complaints.

Lezyne (Oversized Tire Plugger)

The Lezyne tubeless repair kit features an oversized repair fork and oversized plugs. These are double the size of typical tubeless plugs, so certainly better for larger holes and tears. Lezyne plugger retails for $19.99.

Granite Designs Stash Tool

As part of Granite Designs' Stash Tool line, the Stash Tire Plug uses an expandable safety plug and aluminum cap to tuck away in the end of your handlebar. An aluminum sleeve houses a fork-fashion applicator, reamer, and 4 tire plugs, providing a sleek and easily attainable home for all of your tire plugging needs. Read our review hither.

Stan's Sprint Tubeless Repair Tool

While other pluggers, such equally the Dynaplug or typical "bacon strips," are designed to wedge pasty rubber strips into a puncture, the DART'south plugs feature a hackle of specially designed fabric that'southward engineered to create a chemical reaction with Stan's sealant to speedily grade a permanent airtight bail. Nosotros've yet to try the Dart, but volition update this if nosotros do. The Dart retails for $25.

Sahmurai Sword

The Sahmurai Sword (named after the creator Stefan 'Sahmurai' Sahm) uses a unique twist-to-lock design, replacing your bar end plugs with two affect-resistant rubber tools: i reamer and one fork-style applicator. The plug itself is held by the applicator within the bar, which means actress plugs must be carried elsewhere. Learn more over at Sahmurai.com.

Tips for Traveling Tubeless

One roadblock to tubeless for a lot of people is traveling with your bike—particularly travel that involves flying. For the most part, you can fix your bike up tubeless beforehand, and merely add a little extra sealant and inflate your tires upon landing. Away from the comforts of your workshop or local bike store, this might seem challenging, but with the correct rims and tires, and a little preparation, information technology's really pretty easy. Here are a few tips we've learned over the years.

Put Several Rides on Your Tires

It's never a skillful idea to start a big bikepacking trip on fresh tires, regardless. Tires tin sometimes have defects, so giving them a proper test beforehand is always a adept idea. This also ensures a proper tubeless seal. Iv or v skillful rides can help become the sealant in all the right places.

Use minimal sealant and pack actress

For trips that require travel, one method nosotros've used in the past is to be bourgeois with the amount of sealant you use initially. This isn't necessary, simply information technology saves a mess if your tire seals break in transit. If you choose to become this route, bring extra sealant to add to it once yous arrive at your destination. Every bit an instance, for two 29+ bikes, nosotros establish that one 16oz canteen of Orange Seal, one 4oz injector kit, and a spare empty 4oz canteen did the trick for adding sealant upon arrival and ensuring plenty backup sealant for a 2-month trip.

Pack it properly

If you're flying with your cycle, let most of the air out of the tires, as required by most airlines. Be certain not to completely deflate the tire though, to protect your rims, and minimise the chance of the dewdrop unseating. When y'all box your bike, rotate the wheels to make certain the wheels are rotated and then that the valves are at the tiptop—this volition prevent sealant from settling in the valve and bottleneck the core.

If the seals get cleaved

If your bead seals go broken in transit, you'll have to echo the prepare up procedure from the comfort of your hostel or hotel. Inflate with a mini pump (as mentioned higher up, we highly recommend a loftier volume pump like the 100cc OneUp EDC, or Lezyne's Micro-Floor Bulldoze HV). If you're having a hard time getting the dewdrop to push into place while pumping vigorously, try working the dewdrop confronting the dewdrop-lock lip. Sometimes it helps to have a friend agree the bicycle off the ground, while an extra pair of easily can too help move the dewdrop toward the rim while you're pumping. If such hands aren't available, we've also found that two Bearish Junk Straps to cinch the tire into place can really help. Failing this, a trip downward a local mechanic with a compressor should exercise the trick. When the tire is inflated, cheque that it'due south seated evenly. Extra pressure will generally encourage it to snap into place. If not, deflate, moisten the bead with soapy water, and try again.

Take any tubeless repair tips or tricks to share? Or stories from the road? Leave u.s.a. a annotate below…

Please continue the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your annotate will be removed.

Source: https://bikepacking.com/plan/tubeless-tire-repair-guide/

Share this post