Tube’s yellow tape or a layer of strapping tape. While doing this, you can add an extra layer or two of tape to build up the center channel diameter on a standard rim. Some folks use Velox tape as well, and although the cloth can do a good job of conforming to the bead of a tire, we prefer non- cotton material that does not absorb sealant. While tape may help create a tighter fit, there’s a reason No. Tube’s conversion kit includes a thick rubber rim strip.
The rubber material takes up some space, effectively reducing the sidewall height, but also conforms around the tire bead, creating a tighter seal. No. Tubes’ rims, with their unique Bead Socket Technology hook bead profile, whether the 2. Alpha 3. 40 road rims (reviewed in Issue 1. Choosing the Right Tire. One of the benefits of running a tubeless setup over tubulars is that you are not limited come race day by the number of wheels you have pre- glued.
You can select and setup a tire the night before a race based on the course conditions and weather. But to have a successful race, you can’t just choose any tire. You need to make sure the tire will seal well and not burp.
The two things you should look for are a tight fit, as we’ve already mentioned, and a supple sidewall. Stan from No. Tubes says, “The stiffer the sidewall, the easier it will burp air.” Why? A supple sidewall not only offers a better ride and will absorb smaller bumps (this is why a tubular’s ride is superior) but will avoid transferring a bump’s energy to the bead. The less a bead is impacted, the less chance it has to deform and burp.
Portland’s Erik Voldengen, a long- time tubeless evangelist, blogger, and Masters A racer, weighs 1. He races on pressures between 2. Erik has experimented with many tires, and warns, “The stiffer a tire casing is, the higher pressure you need to ride it at.” He explains, “Riding a stiff tire at too low a pressure makes it fold over on itself and really makes cornering unpredictable. I think it also makes the tire more prone to burping.
I believe stiffer tires are more prone to coming off the rim, too.”So what’s a good tire to try? Of course, tires that officially support tubeless use are a great choice. The newer carbon bead versions of the Piranha and Bulldog tires from Hutchinson have been very good and reliable, if not heavy options for low- pressure use.
We’ve been testing an early version of a sealant- compatible version of the Kenda Kommando that should be out soon and has been burp- free at low pressures, just like it’s non- sealant- compatible brother. Vittoria should have its Tubes- No Tubes versions of its cyclocross tires out as well.
But a reliable tubeless cyclocross system does not require officially tubeless- designated tires (if you don’t mind voiding your warranty), and many have had success with a number of normal clincher cyclocross tires. IRC has a new model coming out, and Hutchinson had the Bulldog and Piranha carbon bead Tubeless- Ready tires, and has pledged to return to the market in 2. Can’t find any of the above tires at your local bike shop?