Switching to tubeless (that is, without tubes) brings many advantages and offers an interesting experience for those doing it for the first time. It can turn into a challenge if the rim doesn't align with the tire or if the condition of the rim doesn't match the condition of the tire, or the type of tire. I recommend not starting with a downhill tire with dh casing and thick sidewalls. Anyway, all these experiences strengthen you and increase your execution speed for the next ones.
Two necessary checks beforehand
Is the tire tubeless? Does it say tubeless on it?
Does the rim support tubeless? Is it airtight?
First experience
Regarding tubeless rims or not, I have gone through both experiences.
I also received some extra rims when I bought a used bike. The seller told me: they are tubeless ready, how could they not be? Of course, I never managed to mount a tire on them. No problem, at least the hubs were good and I ordered other rims (plus spokes, nipples...)
Second experience
I had a Merida ninetysix for about 6 years, the rim didn't say it was tubeless, so I rode with a tube, and it kept annoying me that as the tire aged, I was getting flats more and more often.
During a ride around bike shops, looking for a new tire, I told the mechanic to give me a tire, not necessarily tubeless, since the rim didn't support it, and he looked straight at me and said: nonsense! all rims support tubeless. Just put tape and liquid on it! Said and done: I went home, took off the protective plastic tape, quickly put on a tape, added liquid and - surprise! it's holding up very well today.
Conclusion
Try it, test the airtightness after you put the tape on. You might be surprised to find air leaks at the seams or in any other place due to repeated impacts. A wheel without a tire placed on a balancing stand will tell you everything about it, unless it’s too clear to see with the naked eye and with the tire on it.
As for straightening, I don't know what to say. Replacing it is still the best solution.
Why switch to tubeless?
We are tired of frequent flats;
We don't want to carry tubes and flat kits with us anymore;
We want to ride with lower pressure in the tires for better grip, sacrificing a bit of speed, of course.
Why tubeless with inserts?
We don't want to bend the rim so badly when passing through rock gardens;
We don't want to change rims so often;
We provide extra protection to the rim against impacts with stones and roots, the shock transmitted through the tire is dampened, and there’s additional cushioning until the rim;
Some inserts also protect against tire dismounting, so say Tannus users (which fit on the rim between the edges of the tire, Alex says he felt it was more stable on descents).
They also have a run-flat role, you can still ride on them after getting a flat.
They are easier to mount on the rim when installing;
They require fewer pumps for inflation (since the air volume is smaller in the tire).
Necessary components
Tubeless Valve Set FV - 45 mm - 2 pcs
or 35 mm or longer, depending on how tall the rim is, for MTB 45 mm works on the vast majority.
Choose the width of the tape based on the inner width of the rim, of course.
Tubeless Sealing Solution
These solutions are available in bottles of 125 ml, 250 ml, meaning for one wheel or two if you have a 29-inch MTB and a 2.5 balloon, let's say.
Or choose the economical version, to have at home, of 1 liter, especially if you have multiple bikes.
Don’t think you do it once and that’s it: the liquid evaporates over time, you lose some every time you change tires or get a flat.
Over time, it hardens inside the tire and on the edges, and it’s a hassle to clean it.
Tannus Pro Anti-flat Insert - Modular Tubeless Insert 29" 2.1 - 2.6, 23-35 mm
Assumed disadvantages
They lose pressure, you have to inflate the tires more often;
You need to refill the liquid periodically;
Requires cleaning the tire at least once a year;
Tools needed for tubeless
I prefer to apply the tape on the rim when it’s on the balancing stand, but it can also be done without it; I don’t recommend it because you need to apply some stretching pressure on the tape with one hand while with the other you stick it first in the center and then with a soft and fluffy glove (that’s how I do it) you push the bubbles outward or towards the access holes for the spoke nipples.
Super B Wheel Truing Tool TB-PF-35
Set of 3 TB-5566 Metal Insert Tire Levers
Syringe for Adding Tubeless Liquid
Or buy a syringe from the pharmacy and look for a flexible hose with the appropriate diameter.
Tip: It works without a hose too; I use 20 ml syringes and insert the tip directly into the valve.
Warning! Some tubeless liquids have relatively large suspended particles, which can clog the syringe; during and especially after use, rinse it in water.
Tubeless Floor Pump 160PSI
Any pump is good. If you have the budget, choose one with a reservoir and release; it helps a lot when dealing with stubborn tire and rim combinations that don't get along well and you have to pump hundreds of times to seat them on the rims. And that's a form of physical exercise.
The budget pump option for strong men who can handle hundreds of quick pumps:
Air Jet Floor Pump 160 psi / 11 bar
Don't be scared when I mention stubborn tires; you will have them, and I wish you only pleasant moments with easy seating, pop, pop, and pop on the first pumps, just as I was pleasantly surprised when I installed the Tannus inserts and used soapy water. Sometimes it helps to add the liquid before seating the tires on the rim; it can get messier...
Skill and Time Required for Installing a Tubeless Wheel
Regarding installation, you can find many videos on YouTube; we will post some too; it's not very complicated.
Removing the old tire from the rim: 2 minutes.
Removing the protective tape, cleaning the inside of the rim with isopropyl alcohol: 5 minutes or 20 minutes if it was previously tubeless; you need to remove any old tape and clean off any adhesive or hardened liquid left on the rim.
Applying tape to the rim: 5 minutes - a turn and a half is recommended; I ended up doing two turns.
Installing the new tire on the rim: 5 minutes; apply a soapy water solution to reduce your work by half, making it easier for everything to slide against each other, and you won't struggle against the friction forces that resist installation.
Removing the valve, pumping liquid with the syringe - amount depending on the diameter and volume of the tire - between 100 and 125 ml;
Reinstalling the valve.
Installing the insert: +10 minutes.
Inflating: 3 minutes; with the insert, just one minute!
And that's it! You've entered the exclusive world of tubeless wheel owners - you have stories to tell your friends about the installation adventures and you can tell those who have tubes and get flats: Switch to tubeless so you can ride more, like us!
