I’ve been running tubeless on two of my mtbs for a while with no problems so I decided to convert my CX bike too. I’ve done it with Stans CX rim strips, joe’s sealant (since that was what I was already using) and Small Block 8s.
Got it all together fine, inflated no problem , the usual leaks as holes sealed and then it was fine. Rode on it last night on a more mtb-orientated route (eg rocky and rootier than I’d normally cx on) just to really give them a working over so see if there were any problems and there weren’t – it was basically faultless – no leaks and no pinches on sections that I’m pretty sure I’d have pinched on if I’d been running tubes.
Got home, left the bike for 30 mins then came out to wash it and the back wheel was leaking air through a pinhole. I did the usual shake to get sealant there and the wheel sealed. Washed the bike, including the wheels/tyres, stuck the bike on the workstand to oil it then left it for another hour or so. Came back to hear the rear wheel leaking air seemingly all round the rim – nothing extreme but I’m sure it’ll all be flat now (didn’t check this morning).
Anyone experienced similar? I’m now wondering if washing it has somehow diluted the sealant at the tyre/rim contact, stopping it sealing.
The only thing I can think that is different on this compared to my mtb that has a joes rim strip is that on the CX, the rim strip tucks under the rim hook – eg from outside you can’t see it at all – whereas on the mtb, the rim strip is just visible from outside.