Last Updated on October 7, 2022
Most mountain bikes today already have tubeless tires. Not only do they decrease the chances of punctures. But they also let you run on low PSI and give you better grip and traction. This provides better control and maneuverability during your ride.
But this doesn’t mean that tubeless bike tires are invulnerable. In fact, they also need to be regularly maintained. A good example of this is when you change the sealant. This is needed every 4 to 6 months depending on the brand and usage.
There are also times when you need to change tires because it’s ripped off.
So, how to change a tubeless mountain bike tire if any of these situations happen?
This article answers that question.
Things You Need to Prepare
- Tire lever
- Air compressor
- Tire sealant and measuring cup
- Rag
- Soapy water
- Valve core remover
- Syringe
Step-by-step Guide on Removing a Tubeless Mountain Bike Tire
Step 1
The first thing to do is to fully deflate the tire by squeezing it and getting out all the pressure from the bead.
Step 2
Then push both sides of the tire towards the rim’s center. This loosens the bead from the sidewall rim. Use tire levers when removing the tire from the rim.
Step 3
Dispose of the fluid that drips from the tires. This is the sealant that makes your tires tubeless. Then wipe the rim’s bead seat area and make sure it’s clean. Also, clean the beads if you’ll re-use the tire.
How to Install Tubeless Mountain Bike Tires
Step 1
Make sure that the valve is secured tightly on the rims. Look for the wheel rotation direction of the tires. You don’t want to install the tires in the opposite direction because this will speed up the tire’s lifespan. Then align the tire to the rims.
Step 2
Install the first bead on the rim and the second one starting at the valve. Then leave a small section of the bead aligned. You’ll use this as the entry point of the sealant you’ll pour in.
Pouring Method
Step 1
Know the recommended amount of sealant you’ll pour in. Pour the sealant into the small opening. Then gently rotate the wheel so the sealant stays at the bottom. The unmounted bead then comes to the top section. This is then the time when you’ll fully close the bead.
Step 2
You can use soapy water to lubricate the bead if you find it hard to close. You can also use a tire lever if the first two methods fail.
Step 3
Inflate the tire to the tire’s maximum PSI. This is imprinted in the tire’s sidewall. The maximum tire pressure is around 50 to 60 PSI. But it’s best if you double-check this.
Injection Method
Step 1
The injection method is the cleaner choice between the two because there’s less risk of spillage. But you need to have a valve with a removable valve core, air compressor, and syringe.
Fill the syringe with the needed amount of sealant. Then mount the tire bead to the rim before you add sealant.
Step 2
Ensure that you secure the valve to the rim. Then remove its core using your valve core remover. Align and seal the beads by inflating the tire to its maximum PSI. You can use an air compressor to inflate the tire. But you can also use a regular floor pump if you don’t have one.
Step 3
Gently pull the airhead. The bead will then stay seated on the rims. Inject the sealant into the valve core using the syringe. You can deflate the tire back if the tire bead isn’t aligned and seated with the rim. Inflate again until the beads set.
Step 4
Slowly spin the wheel so the sealant moves inside the tire and duct tape. Then horizontally hold the wheel so the sealant will evenly spread throughout the bead. Repeat the process.
Step 5
You then have to wait until the sealant seals all punctures on the tires and leaks on the rims. There are times when this happens instantly. But it might also take days sometimes.
And there you have it! You just did and learned how to change a tubeless mountain bike tire.
Conclusion
Tubeless tires are one of the biggest innovations in the mountain bike industry. These have literally changed the face of the game because they allowed longer rides and more capable setups.
Tubeless tires made mountain bikes more capable of conquering trails, which seemed impossible before.
Although they’re still not impervious to punctures. The chance of you getting one is very minimal. You also have to regularly maintain your tubeless tyre by replacing the sealant.
Because of these, it’s then important to know how to change a tubeless mountain bike tire. This doesn’t just save you a costly trip to the mechanic. But this also prepares you for anything whether you be on the trail or in your home preparing your mountain bike.
Related:
The Best Road Tires for Mountain Bike
