I've decided to make the switch to tubeless after having a few flats whilst pushing on a bit over the last few weeks.
The bike it would appear already has tubeless rims and the tyres are high roller 2's which I also believe are tubeless compatible. So what next, valves, slime etc. What's best and where from?
What rims? If Stans etc minimum 'proper' kit needed would be:
Rim tape (Gorilla tape etc works)
Tubeless valves
Sealant
Next day tyres are pretty good for price:
Valves/tape: http://nextdaytyres.co.uk/details.aspx/STANS-NO-TUBES-ACCESSORIES/134
Sealant: http://nextdaytyres.co.uk/details.aspx/STANS-NO-TUBES-SEALANT/131
They are nukeproof rims which are apparently tubeless ready?
You'll probably need the rim tape then. Normal fabric tape doesn't work well.
Useful video's on Stans:
Fitting tape:
Fitting tyre:
I've just gone tubeless pretty pain free. I've not seen this in the videos but when I did it I stuck the tape on and then re-installed the tyres with tubes and pumped them up hard. I reckon this helped really push the tape in place. It does take a ride or so before the gunk really gets all over the place and you don't have to re-pump.
Good tip that Gunz. Did that with mine too..pumped up to about 50 psi and left overnight.
Gorilla tape cut to size, Stans sealant and you can buy tubeless valves or just cut some valves out of an old inner tube. The only tricky bit is the initial seating of the tyre. You might be lucky and get it up with a track pump, co2 can works but the ghetto inflator is the most cost effective method I've used.
Being a geek, I liked the Continental "how to" clips, they cover all the practical sections in a methodical way applicable to most tubeless set ups. Eg: sealant: http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=4EMtMG5z1yg
Just replacing tyres on existing tubeless setups I've noticed a difference in ease/reliability, some combinations seem to be really hard work.
Having a high volume track pump or a ghetto inflator makes things a lot easier. Applying soapy water to the tyre bead can help it seat in the rim easier as well.
I'm of the gorilla tape method.(homebase stock the 1" roll, £3) I do 3 rounds of electricians tape, this helps to cover the spoke holes and one round of gorilla tape. I've found that I was really glad that I had used electricians tape when I retaped recently because taking the gorilla tape leaves a sticky mess. So without the electricians tape the sticky mess would have been all over my rim and would have been a darn site harder than just ripping off some electricians tape.
Also I used old an old valve last time but used a proper stans valve this time and it sealed much better and quicker around the valve, which is the weakest part of the job.
Took the plunge and set up my 729 rims ghetto tubeless yesterday using gorilla tape method, cut out presta valves and a diy bottle inflator.
XR4 tyres took a while to seat and seal properly but after a good shakedown and a few top ups, they seemed to hold air fine.
Will find out if they've held overnight shortly
All done for under £20
Just a couple of comments that I'd add:
Normal fabric tape doesn't work well
It doesn't work at all. You do need to remove any existing rim tape and clean off any gunk/debris to allow your tape to seal the centre of the rim over the spoke-holes.
and
The Stans valves have removable cores. This is a major advantage when dealing with a stubborn tyre/rim combination. Pop out the valve core before inflating and you'll get more volume through more quickly and stand a better chance of getting an initial seal. Better still with a garden sprayer or coke bottle compressor.