Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Commuting
Reload this Page >

Tubeless?

Search
Notices
Commuting Bicycle commuting is easier than you think, before you know it, you'll be hooked. Learn the tips, hints, equipment, safety requirements for safely riding your bike to work.

Tubeless?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 07-30-19 | 11:16 AM
  #1  
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 197
Likes: 13
From: South Jersey

Bikes: Surly Midnight Special, Jamis Coda Elite

Tubeless?

I got my first flat today on my Midnight Special (which I bought last spring). I commute 5-10 miles each way daily on urban and inner-suburban roads. I have 650b x 47 tires and wheels which I understand are tubeless-ready. Would I benefit by converting to tubeless?

I should add that I am not mechanically experienced.

Many thanks.

Last edited by golftdi; 07-30-19 at 11:25 AM.
golftdi is offline  
Reply
Old 07-30-19 | 11:40 AM
  #2  
chas58's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,862
Likes: 415
From: Michigan

Bikes: too many of all kinds

I like it, for tires 32mm or larger. I use it on my commuter - saves a lot of potential road side hassle.

Set up can be a pain, depending on the tire/rim (sometimes it is easy).
Requires regular usage of the bike (or at least rotating the tires) and topping off sealant every 6 months or so.
you may never get a flat, but if you do it may be difficult/impossible to fix on the side of the road.

Since you already have matched tubless wheels/tires - that makes the difficulty aspect a mute point.
Have your LBS convert them (probably just need sealant and a valve stem) to ensure tires get seated. After that - just need to top off the sealant every once and a while. That is easy (requires valve stem tool) once the tires are seated.
chas58 is offline  
Reply
Old 07-30-19 | 11:43 AM
  #3  
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 197
Likes: 13
From: South Jersey

Bikes: Surly Midnight Special, Jamis Coda Elite

Thanks! I'll put this on my bike to-do list.
golftdi is offline  
Reply
Old 07-30-19 | 04:09 PM
  #4  
Darth Lefty's Avatar
Disco Infiltrator
Titanium Club Membership
10 Anniversary
Community Builder
Active Streak: 30 Days
 
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 15,324
Likes: 3,517
From: Folsom CA

Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem

Opinions vary. I'm pro-

So far I've had the best luck using parts intended for the purpose, all the half measures I've taken have half worked.

You wheels might already have tubeless tape. If it's wall to wall and adhesive, you are good to go.

Watch out that your tires are really tubeless. They will say so on the label. If not, start with Orange Seal, which supposedly will not seep through like Stan's
__________________
Genesis 49:16-17
"Well, well!" said Holmes, impatiently. "A good cyclist does not need a high road. The moor is intersected with paths and the moon is at the full."

Last edited by Darth Lefty; 07-30-19 at 04:18 PM.
Darth Lefty is offline  
Reply
Old 07-31-19 | 11:14 AM
  #5  
chas58's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,862
Likes: 415
From: Michigan

Bikes: too many of all kinds

Originally Posted by golftdi
Thanks! I'll put this on my bike to-do list.
You doing it yourself, or having the LBS do it? You'll need a valve stem remover tool if you change the tires yourself - it can be hard (or not) getting the tire to seat on the wheel without a tube, but you have to take the valve stem out to get the initial air in. Newer pumps give a "blast" of air to help seat the tires. Sticky rim tape (or latex) liners help too. I just use a floor pump (with core removed and a latex liner) myself).
chas58 is offline  
Reply
Old 07-31-19 | 12:25 PM
  #6  
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 197
Likes: 13
From: South Jersey

Bikes: Surly Midnight Special, Jamis Coda Elite

LBS for me for this.

I did watch a Park Tools video on how to do this so I would have a better understanding of the job
golftdi is offline  
Reply
Old 07-31-19 | 01:39 PM
  #7  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 200
Likes: 18
From: Boston, MA

Bikes: Trek Fuel EX, Trek Checkpoint

I converted last week. The setup was simple using DT Swiss RR481 rims and Schwalbe G-One Speed tires. I used soapy water to get them to seat, but i only used a regular floor pump. Took maybe 5min per tire. I've been riding tubeless on mountain bike for awhile so i guess i knew what to do.

These tires are awesome. Feel so soft and smooth. And they're fast.
TXBDan is offline  
Reply
Old 08-07-19 | 08:41 AM
  #8  
chas58's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,862
Likes: 415
From: Michigan

Bikes: too many of all kinds

Originally Posted by TXBDan
I converted last week. The setup was simple using DT Swiss RR481 rims and Schwalbe G-One Speed tires. I used soapy water to get them to seat, but i only used a regular floor pump. Took maybe 5min per tire. I've been riding tubeless on mountain bike for awhile so i guess i knew what to do.

These tires are awesome. Feel so soft and smooth. And they're fast.


Schwalbe G-One series, and the new Coni GP5000 are awesome and surprisingly smooth.

Tubeless easy! they seem to work well on my DT swiss - although they are too tight on some of my wheels.
chas58 is offline  
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
tsappenfield
Bicycle Mechanics
3
02-19-18 12:40 AM
cyclintom
General Cycling Discussion
6
11-16-17 05:06 PM
BigPoser
Road Cycling
61
08-22-16 02:25 PM
99m6z28
Road Cycling
4
02-06-12 07:37 AM
etane
Bicycle Mechanics
3
06-22-11 11:48 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.