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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: the mole on October 13, 2008, 05:49:53 PM

Title: Changing tubeless tyres
Post by: the mole on October 13, 2008, 05:49:53 PM
Back in the days when bike tyres had tubes I used to change them myself. Now I'm back on a bike again and its got tubeless tyres, can someone offer advice on how to get them on and off the rim and reinflated? Or is it just easier to pay for it to be done? Thanks!
Title: Re: Changing tubeless tyres
Post by: bobthebiker on October 13, 2008, 05:55:12 PM
On the 110/130s and even a 160, I have a set of wooden clamps I use here to break the bead on each side, then dismount the tires. procedure is exactly the same as tube tires, just with the addition of breaking and seating new beads.

to seat the bead, you can use either high volumes of air through the valve stem, something such as WD40 to seal the gap a little between the bead and rim, then fill with air, etc.    I'm quite competent at installing my own tires after having learned how to do so myself.
Title: Re: Changing tubeless tyres
Post by: the mole on October 13, 2008, 06:04:16 PM
Thanks Bob.... what do the wooden clamps look like?
Title: Re: Changing tubeless tyres
Post by: trumpetguy on October 13, 2008, 07:47:37 PM
I use a C clamp to break the bead.  One jaw is on the rim, the other on the tire touching the rim.  Once you break the bead at that point, you can push the rest off with your palms.  Then do the other side.

I had never done this myself until this weekend.  There are pictorial guides out on the net.  Easy with a few tools (valve core tool, tire irons, C Clamp, air compressor with tire chuck).  Use soap on the rim to aid removal and installation.  I used Murphy's Oil Soap about 1:3 with water.  It took about 40 minutes for the first tire, then 30 minutes for the second.
Title: Re: Changing tubeless tyres
Post by: Roadstergal on October 13, 2008, 08:51:36 PM
We got a Harbor Freight tire changer that comes with a bead breaker.   :thumb:  Improvisation was fun and all before, but this makes it all a lot more straightforward.