4 tips for understanding tubeless tyre set up

Running your tyres tubeless can seem like a daunting prospect, but get it right and you’ll enjoy a puncture free life with more grip and better rolling resistance.

1. Alloy tape

For a tubeless set-up to work, air must be prevented from escaping through the spoke holes in the alloy.

Some wheels have sealed rims but most manufacturers use tape to make them airtight.

New wheels often come pre-taped. If not, you’ll need to do it yourself.

2. Tubeless valve

To get air into the tyre, you’ll need to fit a tubeless valve.

This is inserted into the valve hole in the alloy from the tyre side and then tightened with a threaded collar on the hub side to create an airtight seal.

Note that you may need to poke the valve through the alloy tape (carefully) when installing it.

3. Sealant

This magic liquid usually contains latex and small particles.

Its job is to seal up any small holes that your tyres may pick up from thorns, rocks or pinch punctures.

Fill sealant into the tyre before fitting the last section onto the alloy.

4. Inflation

This is the tricky bit. Pumping furiously with a track pump should be enough to pop most tyre beads into the alloy and make things airtight, especially if you massage the tyre onto the edge of the alloy first.

Failing that, try a tubeless inflator, such as this one from Airshot or the popular Bontrager Flash Charger.