Tubless conversion
 

I have a set of Alex double wall rims and have a set of tubeless compatable tires. I was wondering if this is easily done. Do I just need sealant and valve or do I have to buy the tape also. Or is a kit the way to go? Please advise.

Even though you have double walled rims, the inner wall is drilled to allow the spoke nipples to be installed. You need to seal the holes. Stan's No Tubes kit provides a rim strip with valve stem.

You're looking at it the wrong way. Use Stan's sealant, it will convert a standard mtb tire to tubeless. But even Stan's sealant can't seal all those spoke holes in the rim!:eek: For that, you need the special rim strip that comes with a Stan's tubeless kit. On some rims, you need to also remove the existing rim strip and use the tape that comes with the kit before installing the special rim strip (it's explained in the instructions with the kit). The valve stem is part of the special rim strip, and you'll need access to an air compressor to initially inflate the tires. Once inflated, you can use a hand pump to top off as needed. Use plenty of sealant, and make sure to get the correct kit for the rims you have (go to Stan's website).

If you ride off road and would like to run lower pressures without worrying about pinch flats, or punctures for that matter, the Stan's kit is the best $60 you'll spend on your bike-

Is this an effective conversion for someone like me that is trying to get into biking more? Is the performance worth the conversion. I am looking at this for shedding some weight do to some long steep verticals and better control on the down slope.

I've ridden several thousand off road miles using the Stan's kit over the last few years. I've never had a flat with it! That's the main reason I like it. I typically run around 35-40 psi, it's very nice to be able to do that without worrying about flats. So basically, if you like to run lower pressures, that's where the main advantage is, in my opinion. You can do it, and you won't get flats.

It's not for everyone, though; you've got to be willing and able to do the rather tricky initial inflation of the tires. Soapy water on the tire's bead, an air compressor, follow Stan's directions carefully, etc. etc. I'm to the point where I enjoy setting up new tires with the stuff, I've got some friends who come over and let me do it for them because I've got a compressor and I've done it a bunch of times. So, I'll just say to each their own. UST is a little less trouble (I've inflated quite a few of those, too), but you've got to have UST wheels and UST tires, and if you want to protect from punctures, you need to add Stan's sealant anyway. I like Stan's system because you can use standard rims and standard tires. I've used quite a few different rims and tires with the system, I've yet to find a combo that won't work with it. I'm sure there are, though, and I think there's mention of this on Stan's website-

Switching to tubeless to save weight is not very cost effective. You are saving less than the weight of a tube on each wheel. Remember that you have to add the rim strip and sealant, both of which offset some of the removed tube weight.

If you want to reduce weight, look into carrying less water or gear with you on the trail.

Tubeless tires are most beneficial to reduce flats and allow you to run very low pressures for increased traction without pinch flatting.