Thread: How labor intensive is swapping tubeless tires?

Personally I wouldn't bother with stans rims - the beadlock isnt as strong as a dedicated UST rim. Call me fussy if you want, but I'd take the more robust system anyday personally.

Quote: Originally Posted by Scart Can I just say that you people rule? Thanks a ton for the tips and advice. I think I was prepared to buy UST tires with my new wheels, so it would be a UST/UST setup for sure. From what I've read (without any practical experience), sealing up a regular tire just doesn't sound like something I would have the patience for. I didn't know Stan's made rims, tho. I'll have to do some...

Quote: Originally Posted by mtnbiker72 Not at all...Slime for Tubeless Tires is used on Car, Motorcycle, Bike, Tractor, etc tires with zero reactivity. Keep in mind its not a "sealant" like latex products are. Its only good for tires designed to run tubeless w/o sealant (ie UST) and acts as a flat preventative in case of a puncture. That sounds perfect; I'm running true UST, but I've found that after 6 months or so, tires...

I'm looking at my first UST wheelset (still have WAY too many options, but looks like I may be narrowing in on Mavic Crossmax SL or XLs - but I digress) and I've never done a tubeless setup. I live in the southeast, so will ride in numerous conditions - muddy red clay, hardpack clay, and trails where there is no dirt - only rocks and roots. As such, I'll have a small quiver of tires. I currently am messing around learning the...

Quote: Originally Posted by horsey24 If you are using sealant though - you will spend a lot of money on sealant!! If your using UST tires and want so flat protection, go to an auto parts store and get Slime for Tubeless Tires. You can get a 16oz bottle for the same price as a 6 oz bottle of the same stuff at an LBS. It will not dry out and you can reuse some as you switch tires. It only takes 2-3 oz (depending on tire size). If your using...

Not difficult at all once you get the hang of it. UST isn't the only way to go, stans rims are VERY easy to setup tubeless and you can use most any tire. I've ridden/raced two sets of stans flow 29er rims over the past year+ and have had great luck with them. Like everyone else said, if you don't have an air compressor get one, it makes seating the beads a breeze.

for regular clincher tires, i changed mine this morning in about 15 minutes. Put the conti mtn king 2.4" in front, moved the fron kenda nevagal to the back and tossed the old rear kenda. some folks say the mtn king suk since the side is thin and they pinch flat easy. that's why tubless is the way to go 2nd tour of duty for mtn king

As said, it's not hard. Having access to a compressor is key. Personally, I don't use sealant. I just run UST tires, on a tubeless rim. I live in the North East, so thorns are not an issue for me. Pinch flats are, tubeless pretty much eliminates that, unless you run crazy low pressure and really smack rocks. If you do it that way, and keep a little spray bottle with soapy water nearby, a little spray will let the bead seat faster and...

Quote: Originally Posted by horsey24 If you have an air compressor then it won't take you any more time or effort than changing standard tyres. If you are using sealant though - you will spend a lot of money on sealant!! +1 I swap tires often. I like to try different treads. I also find that some tires are superior in some conditions, but I don't want to run them all the time. Stick-e rubber and wet weather for example. If you use...

UST rims, UST tires, no sealant and swapping tires is easier than with standard tires and tubes. There will be a bit of a learning curve at first and new tires can be a bit tougher to inflate the first time. After that, pretty fast and easy. Several years ago Hutchinson had a tires changing contest at interbike. Hutchinson Python UST tire on a Mavic UST wheel. Deflate from 40psi, remove tire, remount tire, inflate to 40psi. No tools, floor...