What do I need to convert my wheels and tires to tubeless?
By Crankworthy · Published · Updated
Tubeless-ready rims (or rims sealed with tubeless tape), tubeless-ready tyres, a tubeless valve for each wheel, and sealant — plus enough air, fast, to seat the tyre beads. Most kits bundle the tape, valves and sealant.
Where on your bikeRims and tyres
What each part does
The rim has to hold air on its own. Tubeless-ready rims have a bead shape designed to lock the tyre in place; the spoke holes are covered with airtight tubeless tape, which is the part you replace when converting.
Tape width matters: tape that is too narrow will not seal, and tape so wide it runs up into the bead seat can spoil the seal [1].
The tyre has to be tubeless-ready too — ideally both tyre and rim are designated tubeless ready [1]. Its bead and casing are made to seal against the rim; a standard tyre is not, and will leak or burp air.
A tubeless valve replaces the tube's valve and seals against the rim bed. Sealant sits inside the tyre and plugs small punctures and any gaps at the bead as you ride. It dries out over time, so it needs topping up every few months.
Seating the bead usually needs a sudden rush of air. A track pump sometimes manages it; a tubeless inflator or compressor makes it much easier. Even then, a full seal can take time — sometimes days — so do not plan to ride straight away [1].
Check your wheels first
- Rims
- Look for "tubeless ready" or "TLR" printed on the rim or in the wheel's spec.
- Tyres
- Look for markings such as "TR", "TLR", "TLE" or "Tubeless Ready" on the sidewall.
Skip
- Don’t buy: a standard tyre for a tubeless setup
- Instead: one marked tubeless ready.
- Don’t buy: rim tape in a width that does not match your rim
- Instead: tape sized to your rim’s internal width.
Tubeless kits in our catalog
Tape, valves and sealant. Choose the tape width to suit your rim's internal width.
- Muc-Off Ultimate Tubeless KitValves + rim tape + sealant + injector, MTB/road versions$65.99Amazon
- Orange Seal Tubeless KitSealant + tape + valves kit, VersaValve
- Stan's NoTubes Tubeless Conversion KitRim tape + valves + sealant kit, per-wheel-size options
Prices were last checked when the catalog was built and can change at any time. Retailer links are affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.