What Are Tubeless Bike Tires?
What’s the Buzz About Tubeless Tires? Let’s Roll Into It! 🚴♂️You’ve probably heard your riding buddies or online forums drop the word “tubeless” like it’s the best thing since clipless pedals. But what exactly does it mean? For over a century, bike tires relied on trusty butyl rubber tubes to stay pumped and snug on the rim — and plenty of bikes still do. But now, thanks to modern innovation, you can kiss those tubes goodbye!
Here’s the kicker: tubeless tires aren’t new. Cars have rocked them for decades. The bike world first embraced tubeless tech on mountain bikes, where it worked wonders reducing flats and boosting traction. Now, this game-changer is making waves in gravel and road cycling, too.
Curious about going tubeless? We’ve got you covered. Keep reading to learn what tubeless tires are, why they’re awesome (and where they fall short), and how to get your bike set up to ride tube-free! 🌟
WHAT IS TUBELESS, ANYWAY?
A tubeless setup relies on specially designed tires and rims that form an airtight seal. Here’s the magic: tubeless-ready rims have a deep center channel that makes tire installation and removal a breeze. Once in place, the tire’s uniquely shaped bead locks securely onto a high bead seat shelf at the rim’s edge.
To complete the system, tubeless tape and valves are used to seal the spoke holes and valve opening. The secret weapon? Tubeless sealant! This liquid is added inside the tire, filling tiny gaps and sealing small punctures on the go, so you can say goodbye to flats and keep riding strong.
A Closeup Look at Tubeless Tires
Most tires and rims that meet these criteria are labeled “tubeless ready” or “tubeless compatible." Check with the manufacturer if you’re not sure. Tire and rim bead shapes may vary slightly by manufacturer, but they all adhere to the standards of the ETRTO (European Tire and Rim Technical Organization). This means that tubeless-ready rims and tires from different makers are generally cross-compatible.
WHY SHOULD I GO TUBELESS?
Tubeless setups come with many benefits:
Fewer flats – Tubeless tires virtually eliminate the “snakebite” flats that occur when a tube is pinched between the tire and rim. Tubeless sealant also fills many of the punctures caused by road debris such as glass, wire, tacks, etc.
More traction – Tubeless setups let you run lower tire pressure without fear of flats. Lower pressure means a larger contact patch (more of your tread touching the ground), which boosts traction.
Better ride quality – Lower tire pressure also means your tire can absorb many of the bumps on the road and trail. This cushion creates a comfortable ride quality that feels like floating.
Lower weight – If you’re currently using wire-bead tires and standard tubes, a tubeless setup will likely shave some weight. Keep in mind that tubeless tape, valves, and sealant all add weight, so if you’re already using lightweight tires and tubes, you may not see a big difference.
Like anything, there are a few tradeoffs in switching to tubeless:
More expensive – Even if you already have tubeless-ready rims and tires, the cost of sealant, valves, tubeless tape, and professional installation adds up.
Messier – While tire sealant is the lifeblood of a tubeless system and has saved countless rides, it inevitably gets everywhere when changing tires or installing an emergency tube. A sizeable puncture on a ride can also spray sealant on you and your bike, leading to extra cleanup.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT TUBELESS?
Tubeless setups are fantastic for minimizing flat tires, but they’re not invincible. Flats can still happen, so it’s smart to carry a tubeless tire plug kit and a spare tubeless valve for quick mid-ride fixes. And just in case of a major issue, having a spare tube in your kit is always a good backup plan.
Don’t forget about maintenance! Tubeless sealant doesn’t last forever—it can dry out over time. Make it a habit to check and top off your sealant every 2–3 months. The frequency depends on how often you ride, your local climate, and how much sealant you initially added. (Pro tip: follow the sealant manufacturer’s guidelines for the best results!)
HOW DO I GO TUBELESS?
Ready to Go Tubeless? Let’s Get Rolling!
If you’re convinced by the perks of tubeless tires and ready to dive in, we’ve got you covered with a step-by-step guide to get you started.
First things first: ensure your rims are tubeless-ready and already equipped with tape and a valve. Most tubeless-ready wheels come prepped, but if not, your local bike shop can help you out. Next, grab a set of tubeless-ready tires. Need some? Check out our selection of gravel, all-road, off-road, and road bike tires to find your perfect match.
Here’s what you’ll need to complete your tubeless setup:
- Tire lever(s)
- Tubeless Tire Sealant
- Sealant injection tool (optional)
STEP 1
With the wheels removed from your bike, place the wheel completely inside the tire, ensuring that the tire rotation matches the direction of wheel travel.
STEP 2
Start by gently pushing one side of the tire bead into the rim’s center channel. Work your way around the wheel, gradually edging the tire on. This part can be a bit tricky, so take your time! Ensuring the tire bead sits snugly in the center channel all the way around makes it much easier to install the tire — no tire lever needed (though one can't hurt).
STEP 3
Flip the wheel over and start working the other side of the tire onto the rim. Pro tip: begin on the side opposite the valve stem for an easier fit. Once about ¾ of the tire is mounted, stop there—this unmounted section will be your opening to add sealant. If you’re using a sealant injector, you can go ahead and fully mount the tire at this step
STEP 4
Follow the sealant manufacturer’s instructions for the correct amount to use. If you’re using a sealant injector, simply inject the sealant through the valve stem. Otherwise, carefully pour the sealant directly into the tire, then push the remaining section of the tire onto the rim to seal it up. Be cautious to avoid spills—every drop counts!
STEP 5
With both sides of the tire securely on the rim, gently spin the wheel a few times. This allows the sealant to evenly coat and lubricate the inside of the rim wall, making the upcoming inflation step much smoother.
STEP 6
Time to bring your tire to life! Before inflating, put on ear and eye protection as a precaution—compressed air can be dangerous, and blow-offs can happen.
While a floor pump often works, an air compressor makes this step much easier. Gradually add air until the tire seats onto the rim. You’ll likely hear popping sounds as the bead locks into the bead shelf—don’t worry, that’s a good sign! Keep inflating until the bead indicator (a line on the sidewall just above the tire bead) is evenly positioned above the rim edge on both sides of the tire.
Important: Avoid overinflating or adding air too quickly. Exceeding the recommended PSI range (printed on the tire sidewall) can cause the tire to blow off the rim, which may damage the tire and risk injury. Inflate with care and precision!
STEP 7
With the tire fully seated, give the wheel a few spins and shakes to evenly distribute the sealant around the tire and rim. Next, carefully release some air until the tire pressure is comfortably within the recommended PSI range printed on the sidewall. This ensures a perfect seal and a smooth ride!
And that's a wrap!
In just a few steps, you’re on your way to a smoother, more reliable ride with your new tubeless setup. If you hit a snag or feel unsure about any part of the process, don’t sweat it—your local bike shop is always ready and happy to lend a hand.