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cheapest way to convert to tubeless
NB: Originally posted elsewhere on the Global Riders Network and appears via syndication.
Hi everyone, looking for the cheapest way to convert to tubeless tyres. Any suggestions appreciated.
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What tyres do you have, what rims do you have, are the tires tubeless ready, are the rims tubeless ready, what valves do you have etc etc...
Give us a bit more info but chances are it can be done for less then $100.00
Jono.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/au/en/no-flat...
Velocity velotape
http://www.velocityusa.com/product/accessories/v...
From any bike shop
and a tube of slime
http://www.velocityusa.com/product/accessories/v...
from repco or auto cheap or similar
~$40 for 2 wheels and enough spare tape and sealant to do a few extra wheels or top up later one
Sorry about lack of info. Wheels just Basic 26in. Not ready for tubeless setup. Bike nothing special basic tyres, basic tube , basic rider. Want to do a race but the home club recommended tubeless tyres or carry a lot of spare tube. Hope this helps.
Then there is getto tubless. A 20 or 24" tube cut around the outside and some sealant. A bit fiddlies to set up up but at around $10 for the tube and $15 for a bottle of slime is the cheapest way to go.
Dan Blowes ran that set up for ages when he was riding with us.
http://www.ridemonkey.com/threads/ghetto-tubeles...
For the race you want to do a tube full of slime will work just as well. Just remnove the valve core and fill the tube with sealant of choice
I know what its like to have to do it on a budget. You may also just want to do it because you can. The bike you ride may not be worth the cost of doing it properly either. I totally get it.
If you are not taking the racing not too seriously, that's totally fine too. In which case I wouldn't worry. Just get your pressures up. How far depends on the terrain & your weight. I'm 85Kg & I used to put it up to 40 psi. Never had a problem, even at Mt Stromlo, which is known for its awesomeness & sharp rocks.
For racing....I'd be inclined to do it properly If you want to afford it. You'll be able to run much lower pressures for a lot of extra grip. & reduce your chances of punctures.
Ive run all sorts of tires tubeless. But doing it the cheap way is perhaps not the best way as some of the benefits really don't make a lot of difference.
Tires that aren't made for tubeless will perhaps need to have extra pressure to stop from burping.Your benefit for grip then diminishes.
Tubeless tires have much stronger sidewalls. This in itself, will prevent punctures.
Tubeless does not guarantee complete insurance against punctures. It still happens but if done correctly will happen a whole lot less.
Id be inclined to invest in a cheap set of rimms that are made for tubless. 2nd hand. Then get at a minimum, snake skin Tubless ready tyres. I personally dont bother with 2nd hand tyres unless they are made for tubless, are fresh & have plenty of grip. Personally my lack of skill requires me to have good grip to make up.But that's my problem. LOL
just my thoughts.
If you like messing about with stuff it can be fun doing tubeless, but not everyone shares my passion for using coke bottles to inflate bike tyres. To quote a dodgy comedy show I saw recently "you can literally learn anything on youtube" so search for ghetto tubeless, ghetto tubeless inflator and you will be good to go. remember you generally need presta valves on the tube you split to go ghetto tubeless, so don't be like me and buy those tempting cheap 20 inch tubes from Kmart as they are usually car valves.
Even with tubeless you will still need to carry at least one maybe two tubes, depending on how remote you are going. I ride with a friend who has the same bike as me, does not share my coke bottle exploding interests and just runs higher pressures (35-40PSI) he has never had a flat while I have had several with my tubeless setup.
May not be tbe cheapest, but is definitely cost effective.
Google gorilla tape and tubeless. Masters sell the tape and it's around $12. Get some proper sealant like Stan's either local or online.
Depending on your rims you may get away with using a valve from an old tube.
Well worth doing for the extra grip and feel.