Allan Kelly : Page 2: Tubeless Bicycle Wheels Conversion Gallery

Page 2: Tubeless Bicycle Wheels Conversion 22/09/2007

Now we're going to make the rim-strip and mount the tyre.

Cut the tube. All the air will escape (obviously) and the tube will squeeze against the rim.

Now cut all around the tube, again using the seam as a guide. Keep it crisp and even. Use sharp scissors and you'll be able to just 'slide' around the seam.

Now run your finger under the rim to flatten it out. You're aiming for the cut tube to flap over the rim sides, evenly spaced both sides of the rim. This sounds tricky but is dead easy.

Once you've done that, wash it out with washing liquid & water - don't be shy, get it wet. I use a sponge. Rub all the chalk off with kitchen roll or similar. Then wet it again with the soapy water and mount the tyre. This might be a struggle depending on your rim & tyre - once it's on get the tube to flap out like this. Now, use the sponge to get soapy water all round the tyre/tube join, right into the rim. Again, don't be shy get it wet.
Now, blow it up. Try first with a track pump, pumping fast. Very often it goes right away. If not I've taken to using a CO₂ inflator, which always works. These are really cheap these days, I use a little Truflo one. Just a few short blasts will sort it out.
Now use the pump to get it up to 60 PSI. Wshing liquid will foam out in various places, that's fine.
Another beer break.