How to Install Tubeless Tires? Easy to Follow Guide!

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In this guide, I will walk you through installing tubeless tires on your bike. I demonstrated it on road tires, but it also applies to gravel and mountain bike tires.

Don’t worry if you struggle in the beginning. It also took me some time to learn how to do it. And I made a lot of mistakes! 

That’s why I highlighted the most common mistakes in this guide so you can avoid them. So, let’s dive in so you can finally enjoy the benefits of tubeless tires!

Things Needed

Preparation

If you have old rims:
Remove the tire from the wheel and double-check the rim tape. If it’s in good condition, just clean the rim bed from the previous sealant. You can use specialized glue and sealant remover or soapy water. 

If the rim tape is too wrinkled or damaged, apply a new one. You learn how below. 

If you have new rims: 
Apply the rim tape (if it’s not applied yet). 

If you have old tires:
Remove the dried tubeless sealant using a sealant remover or sandpaper cleaner (trust me, it works).

If you have new tires:
You save yourself tons of time cleaning a dirty tire.

How to Install Tubeless Tires? Step-by-Step Guide

Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step guide for installing tubeless tires:

Step 1: Install Rim Tape

I recommend using rim tape ~4mm wider than the internal rim width. For example, if your rim’s internal width is 21mm, use 25mm rim tape.

Then, begin by applying the tape to cleaned rims. Start at the valve hole, overlapping it by at least 15cm (more if necessary). 

Apply the tape to the entire rim, keeping the tape stretched as you apply it so that no air bubbles form.

The wider tape will also partially overlap the edges, making installing tubeless tires easier. Cut the end of the tape again about 15cm behind the valve hole. 

Step 2: Install Tubeless Valve

Use a pointed knife or scissors to make a small hole for the tubeless valve. Be careful not to make it too large. Otherwise, air may leak through.

Push the airless valve through and hand-tighten the lock nut so that you can loosen it if necessary.

Step 3: Mount the Tubeless Tire

Mount one side of the tubeless tire onto the rim, ensuring the rotation direction is correct. I recommend starting opposite the valve and working towards it. 

One side of the tire is always easier to mount than the other. Before putting the other side on, ensure the first side is centered in the rim’s center.

NOTE: New tires usually require more effort to mount than already used ones. Consider a Bead Jack or tire lever to assist with hard tires.

Then, work your way around the rim, using your hands or tire levers to mount the other side of the tire if necessary. Take care not to pinch the tire bead or damage the rim tape.

If you are fitting wider tires (e.g., MTB), you can use tire levers to attach one side to the rim bead to make subsequent inflation easier.

Ensure that one of the tire beads is not resting on the tubeless valve. The valve should not be visible when the tire is properly fitted.

Step 4: Add the Tire Sealant

NOTE: I always try to seat the tubeless tires without the sealant first. If I locate any air leaks, depending on their size, I decide whether to repair the tape or pour tire sealant. This way, I avoid the mess when the new rim tape installation is needed. I recommend continuing with Step 4 to beginners or those without an air compressor because tire sealant usually eases tire seating.

Remove the valve core using a valve core remover tool. Rotate the valve to the 3 or 9 o’clock position for easier and less messy sealant pouring. 

Pour the recommended amount of tubeless sealant into the tire through the valve stem. I use ~50ml for 28mm road tires. However, the volume may vary depending on the sealant manufacturer.

Don’t reinstall the valve core yet.

Step 5: Inflate the Tires and Check for Air Leaks

This is the most tricky part of installing tubeless tires. Depending on how well you did the previous steps and the individual tire-rim combinations, it may be easy or difficult.

I have the best results with air compressor pressurized to at least 4 bar. When the valve core is removed, it can pump a large amount of air into the tire at speed and secure the seat.

SAFETY TIP: Use safety glasses in case the tire/rim blows. 

Unfortunately, only some have access to an air compressor. However, the process is similar to that of a tubeless pump or CO2 inflator. Pressurize the air reservoir and press the button to release the air into the tire. 

Check for air leaks and locate them if necessary. If air is escaping through the nipple spokes, it is probably escaping from the second chamber of the rim, where it has entered through the nipple holes or valve. Make sure you have applied the tape correctly.

Tubeless Tire Won’t Seat? Try These Troubleshooting Techniques

• Check Bead Alignment: Ensure the tire’s bead aligns with the rim’s bead seat.
• Use Soapy Water: Apply soapy water to lubricate the rim and tire beads and aid bead seating.
• Consider an Air Compressor: If you have space for it, the investment is worth it. It’s a lifesaver.
• Increase Air Pressure: Even an air compressor won’t help me when the pressure is low. I find that it needs to be at least 4 bars.
• Inspect Rim Tape: Verify proper rim tape installation. Eventually, wrap the tape around the wheel twice.

Common Mistakes When Installing Tubeless Tires

Installing Tubeless Tires FAQ

FAQ

Conclusion

Let’s recap. The basics are a well-installed tubeless tape of the correct width and a properly fitted tire. 

A compressor will also make the seating of tubeless tires much easier. If you don’t have one, I recommend investing in a floor pump for tubeless tires. 

Remember, quality sealant will make the job easier and work better if you get a puncture. 

After seating, locate any air leaks. Eventually, follow the troubleshooting instructions.

I hope this guide has been helpful to you. I would be glad if you shared your tips in the comments so I can make this guide even more helpful.