Going Tubeless
 

So I just got a new gravel bike that has tubeless ready rims (Stan's Radlers) and tires (Clement X'Plor ). It comes from the factory with tubes.
What would I need to get to go tubeless? Strips/valve and Sealant? Or just valve and Sealant?


So I guess the real question is, do the rims come with the correct taping (I haven't removed tires yet) needed for going tubeless?

You can use the tires with tubes. However, you can run lower air pressure without the risk of pinch flatting if you remove the tubes. It's a great advantage on rough and soft gravel.

It should have tubeless tape but the only way to know for sure is open it up.

The wheels should have come with valves. Where did they go? Did the retailer not supply them or was it a private sale?

You will need a valve core removal tool and sealant. Might as well get some tape while you are at it. If you have the bike for any length of time then it won't go to waste.


-Tim-

Rims are likely taped already, but just pull the tires off and check. Otherwise yah, valves and sealant (and possibly an air compressor.)

Edit: Deacon beat me to it and with a better answer too.

Also a pump able to blow the tires onto the bead seat.

A compressor will work too.

Think twice before you run "non" tubeless ready tires without tubes. Often can be done, and often is done without issue. The problem is when there's a problem -- like a bead pops off. Odds are you'll make a quick acquaintance with the ground. Shortly after you'll probably make a quick acquaintance with your dentist or an ER doc. Not worth it to me, I'd rather buy some tubeless ready tires, but YMMV.

Good point. The 700x36 Clement is tubeless ready, but other models are not. The OP should use a tubeless ready tire if going tubeless.

Sorry, I thought I stated that both my rims and tires are tubeless ready. But thanks all for the information. I will more than likely go ahead and purchase some tape, will need at some point.

As @Barrettscv correctly pointed out, *only* the MSO 36s are tubeless ready. Not clear for bike in question whether it's stock, new/modified or new-to-you/used so it wasn't clear to me that you have the 36s -- Also, I'm not aware they are OEM spec on any bike but I may be talking out my a$$. Sorry for the confusion and for making assumptions.

The 50c MSO is tubeless ready too.

:thumb:

I've already answered my own question by checking the rims and confirming that they are taped and ready to go tubeless. I can also verify that my 36s are tubeless ready, unless the "Tubeless Ready" stamped on them has a different meaning.

You have tubeless-ready tires. Getting conservative and cautious advice is better than getting mindless advice.

My bike came with the same wheels (Stan's Radlers). No valves supplied except the ones in the tubes. Suspect the same situation for the OP.

good point.

Here is some "free" internet advice, so take it for what it is worth.

I've used 'skinny strippers' to add a little (?) safety to getto tubeless. These inexpensive latex strips bond with the latex sealant and in essence convert a tubeless tire to a tubular tire that completely seals the air chamber - even off the wheel. It will not (should not) burp or come off the rim.
FattyStripper Tubeless Fat Bike Solution and SkinnyStripper Tubeless CX & DH Solution <link rel="image_src" href="http://fattystripper.com/media/FattyStripper_Logo_320.jpg" / ><link rel="image_src" href="http://fattystripper.com/media/FattyStripper_L

Does it just have a plastic strip in there, or is it really taped? The true tubeless rims I have, have no tape because the wheel itself is sealed. With Bontrager, I bought a factory conversion kit that came with full width rim strips and valves.

Like you noted, you have to look, as every wheel can be a bit different...