10 Common Mountain Bike Tyre Set-Up & Care Mistakes & How To Avoid Them

[@morbly]

Putting tire sealant in the tire while one bead is off, despite owning a syringe. This to me never makes sense! Seat the beads with a pump so that the tire is completely on the rim, let the air out, take the valve core out of the valve and inject the sealant, put the core back in and inflate the tire. Way less chance of a mess!

[@j.albertogratacos2076]

To check on ongoing sealant loss I find that the dipstick method is the most accurate. When you install the tire is the only time when you know it has the precise amount of sealant so take a baseline measurement. Write down your measurement (mm or inch fractions). Measure every month or two and inject sealant as needed. 1. To measure, place the valve at the 6 O'clock position for a few minutes to let the sealant settle - the bike has to be on a stand or upside down. 2. Remove all air. 3. Remove the valve stem. 4. Insert a thin but not flexible stick into the stem until it hits the tire. I use either a 3 or 4 mm allen or a small zip tie. 5. Look at it as if you're checking your car oil and measure how much you have in mm or inches. 6. Inject sealant until your measurement matches the baseline measurement. My target is about 3/4 inch for a 29er. This won't work if you have tire inserts.

[@Todd66]

Is there a better presenter/host than Doddy??? I think not. I freaken love his videos.

[@yordankrushkov8488]

Well, he seems more comfortable doing informercials than some of the other presenters...

[@Todd66]

@@yordankrushkov8488 he probably has faith in the products he’s pushing.

[@jameswilson2815]

Roger to that. If he was a woman, I'd ask him out for dinner 😂

[@trevorvicars3998]

Nope .over the last year and a half his video’s have taught me enough to take on any repair on my bike to the point that I am now a mechanic in a bike shop. Thank you Doddy if your ever in New Zealand IOU more than a few drinks.

[@Todd66]

@@jameswilson2815 whoa easy there. Lmao

[@SRunningK]

From my tubeless time I also took a few tips. I've gotten into the habit of mounting the tire first "dry" and completely inflate. Normally this works with a reasonable floor pump or in case of trouble just compressed air. Only then remove the valve core and deflate and pour milk. Yes, you have to pump up twice, but saves a lot of trouble. On the one hand, no mess and on the other hand, if the tire does not pop on the rim, it often does not even with milk and then you have the mess already in the tire.

[@njm3211]

To check on sealant condition, unscrew valve core and use a 2mm Allen wrench as a dipstick.

[@kiltymacbagpipe]

I needed this video a couple weeks ago when I converted my tires to tubeless and have been pumping them up ever since thanks to a slow leak.

[@ericgodfrey5751]

Finally, some recognition to Kenda. I've been running Pinner front and Hellkat rear for a year now. Most grip I have ever had and they last longer than Maxxis. Kenda is also the tire of choice on my old 24" dirt jump bike that I passed down to my nephew

[@TheSamwhyte]

Recognition? GMBN aren’t exactly being independent here. Kenda paid for this. It’s an advert. It even says at the start of the video 🤨

[@ericgodfrey5751]

@@TheSamwhyte yes, I know. But, they are finally accepting the payment and doing a video. Normally they stick to only Maxxis and Vittoria paid adverts.

[@rupedog]

You can patch inside of (tubeless set up) tyres if the hole is a touch to big for sealant to keep sealed as the tyre flexes in use.

[@Fra93TheGrande]

i ride a 26er xc bike and for my local trails are almost always good low profile semi slick tires (now Schwalbe Racing Ralph), front and rear :) unless it's wet enough, then i switch to a pair of tires with a little bit higher knobs (Schwalbe Rocket Ron). :) I almost never use mud tires.

[@davidfindley1588]

Yep there is definitely a love hate relationship with that goooo. Good info. I've been riding for many years but it's always good to refresh or update the info we already have. Keepemcoming

[@jordyczaplewski8693]

That last clip also happened to me but with mineral oil of shimano while bleeding my brakes. It flew on the ceiling and all over the wall. Crazy moments

[@billjohnson1564]

One hint with fitting tyres, pump them up to max PSI to help seat the bead. And store your bike with the valves angled down so as any sealant flows back into the tyre.

[@Activate172]

This may seem like a stupid question, but I live in the city and want to use my mtb as a commuter bike aswell.what kind of tires should I use to make it roll faster? Would gravel bike type tires be an idea?

[@andrewince8824]

I'd recommend Continental Double Fighters. I used to run a 26" Giant Talon as a commuter. Started on Maxxis Holy Rollers and could get to work in just under 20 minutes, it's about 3.5miles (5.5km). With the Double Fighters I was there in barely over 11 minutes and if not for some sections of the route being too dangerous to hammer round, probably could have beaten 10 minutes. Got bored and tested them on a bike computer, clocked approximately 40mph on a flat road (64km/h). So yeah. Really good for commuter riding and fairly cheap.

[@terptv710]

Always when fitting or taking a tyre off start and finish at the valve is my tip for you all. 🤘🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@bob-ny6kn]

In hot areas (that is to say, NOT the UK), sealant "dries" (slightly) on the inside, and makes a goo-ball that will begin to rattle around after collecting most of the sealant.

[@jameswilson2815]

I watched many 🎥 on bike everything, but Doddy I gotta tell you, YOU ARE THE MAN!! I got so much from this. Mahalo and Aloha my friend, many safe miles of riding. Later

[@matt_acton-varian]

One thing about tyre choice that was forgotten about, particularly with XC or older bikes, is tyre clearance limits. A lot of older bikes can only take 2.3-2.5" wide tyre depending on the category.

[@tomaburque]

Quality content. Thank you

[@stujm8376]

Another excellent tech vid, thanks Doddy

[@307.William]

#gmbntech Doddy I’ve always followed your setting up tubeless guides, and it’s always worked perfect so thanks for that. One thing I’ve wondered though, will soapy water effect/dilute the tire sealant and make less effective. Some soapy water is bound to get in there.

[@petit_ecureuil_malin]

hi there, since i dont have a close person that knows about bikes who could teach me some things, you guys are really usefull for me and i thank you for that! i love to put my hands on my bike to do as much as i can by myself (bike mechanix are so overpriced here too), and so i would love to get a spoke and overall complete wheel maintenance guide from you! sure i can find some on the internet, but you do it better tbh. good luck for the future and cya around (salutations from Paris France) :)

[@XavierBetoN]

My user advice: If you are at the limit of 2 inner tube settings, use the thinner. I use 700-35c for my XC, I was buying 32-45c inner tube until this year I tried 28-32c Maxxis inner tubes. It never puncured since start of the year as usually I was getting puncture-a-month before. And putting the inner tube is incomparably easier too.

[@jackjenkins7980]

Would love to see a video on different types off road tyres, we have a lot of flat areas in my location, tons of bike paths for long distances, me my misses and kids all use maxxis hookworms, treds we’re wearing down in the middle of the tyre and wasting money on tyres, so switched to hookworms and hey presto, last forever and make riding so smooth and lovely, would love to see a cheaper alternative to maxxis hookworm as they are quite expensive

[@BlackFlag94]

Doddy, you talk about tyre pressures and 2psi making a big difference. I love the feeling of 20psi front and 23psi rear (Front is a 29x2.6, Rear is a 29x2.4) but I left my tyres at 26 and 30 after commuting one time and set PRs on all the climbs and most descents. The tyres didn't grip as much as the lower pressure but the clock doesn't lie.

[@SnootchieBootchies27]

It also depends what kind of trails you're riding and what kind of casing you have. If you're railing berms hard, low pressure and anything but a dh casing will have your tire rolling over in the corners and feeling sketchy.

[@groovylu1]

Black Flag I did that recently but and I had a few PR'S but also felt sketchy as hell the whole trail on technical stuff and corners ( at 30 psi). Question for you, have you always run 2.6" tires? Looking to make the jump from 2.25 but just trying to get feedback on how much that affects climbing..

[@BlackFlag94]

@@groovylu1 I used 2.3s on a 26" hardtail and only the 2.6x29 front and 29x2.4 rear on my current bike. Not a lot of help for you sorry.

[@richwaight]

Super useful video! So many good tips :) thanks

[@mulullama]

Good to see people talking about hellkat pros. Hands down the best tire I've ridden. I've ridden it back to back with the assegai and the hellkat feels like cheating

[@carlmons]

I'm surprised you didn't mention many treads are meant to be installed one way on the front, and the opposite way on the rear- pretty much every tire with a chevron pattern. If you're sliding out turning while climbing, your rear tire might be on backward. If it's on the right way, slipping will push the rear toward the inside of the turn, helping maintain grip to finish the climb. I was reminded of this when I took my new fat bike in the snow this winter, and just couldn't ride up hills at all, until I noticed the manufacturer put the rear on the wrong way! Flipping it made a world of difference.

[@atole8949]

How often do you recommend to replace the rim tape?, thanks a lot!

[@khoujams]

fantastic information

[@Brendan95902]

Hi Doddy. Thanks for all of the great advice! What is a good way to clean valve cores in a tubeless setup where the sealant seems to gum them up making pumping difficult?

[@mikes4163]

#gmbntech Tip: When buying tyres check if they are tubed or tubeless. Many websites give no indication of this distinction ... as I found out this year. It can take some detective work.

[@luisrivas8413]

Hi Doddy! Thank you for this video. I have 2 sets of rims. 1 set is used in the dry season and the other set for the wet. If I store the unused set, would it be sensible to top off the sealant once they’re back in use?

[@ghostdog1581]

Thanks Doddy, you're awesome!

[@skarabyll1458]

great vid, all of these definitly happened to me before

[@erictaylor5641]

Fun fact, if you don’t line up the label on the tire exactly with the valve, it will explode.

[@karl_okohan]

It's hard to find, but my tyre of choice is a fast rolling dual ply tyre. It's heavy for XC, but less the chance of pinch flat

[@tonyb9735]

Pinch flats are not a thing once you go tubeless 😃

[@majoromg449]

Love Kenda tires!

[@benconnelly5246]

Another great vid cheers doddy love your content you are the tech know how god

[@01tmaxxrunner]

What pump was he using? Looked cool

[@ashjackaman6230]

Fantastic advice!!

[@pchittum]

I had some tyres I was mounting on new rims. They weren’t making the “pop” sound so I thought I needed to just add more air. Blew out the tyre. Destroyed the rim bead hook in two places. Fortunately I was wearing good gloves and eye protection. But even the neighbours were wondering what the hell I was blowing up in my garage.

[@rodrigormotta]

#askgmbn hey Doddy, i noticed that my shimano brake fluid gets super dark after some time. And because i store it in a glass jar instead of dumping in the sink i noticed that a lot of the dirt precipitate after some time and it gets a lot clearer. Where is this dirt coming from? Brakes are good so I assume it is not seal wear...

[@ИгорьНиколаев-ф6х]

Hi Doddy, hi everyone. I have a question about frame sizing. I am about 186cm and for the majority of bikes, my height is between L and XL sizes. What will be the better choice and what's the difference how the bike rides? Thank you!

[@paulbigbee]

Wisdom begins with listening to Doddy.

[@j.albertogratacos2076]

Listening to the experts has saved me a lot of $$.

[@evamarek5205]

Yes.

[@cb6866]

Thanks Mr Dodd.....Peace

[@_TheDeanMachine]

Literally setting tubeless tires on my new bike in the living room as the end of the video warning came up. Going out on the balcony now.

[@fentuz]

@GMBNTech Why some tyres (schwalbe G One for example) have a front wheel rotation direction (clockwise) and another rear wheel rotation direction (anti clockwise)? is it due to a knob angle?

[@evamarek5205]

I think Doddy should write a manual on how to care for your mountain bike. That along with these terrific videos would make the learning process a little less daunting. Especially for beginners!

[@lennygermany1507]

So , I ride max. 2 km on Asphalt to nearest , gravel , fire road , Hikers Track , Ascents from 280 to 450m ,ish , including aforesaid conditions and of course under the tree´s even in Summer some lovely Muddy Patches , but also commute through town to work an back , almost impossible to find the " Eierlegende Wollmilchsau " so finding a decent compromise , without two sets of wheels and tyres is the only way through :( So Nobby Nic,s for really wet and muddy , and the Mezcals in the summer works fine so far

[@TwistedAnimator666]

I was putting the tyres on my new wheels when I heard Doddy say “fitting your tyres backwards” 🤦 at least I only had to sort out one of them 😅

[@EstebanMedina-by3vp]

Thanks Folks!!! Keep going up an up!

[@mgoo1713]

Kenda need to get their QC better. I use Kenda and like them, but everyone has snake tread, I've yet to have a Maxxis or WTB have that issue. BUT I run them on my XC bike.

[@retroonhisbikes]

I ride on a mixture of road/gravel track and a bit of mud, looking for the right tyre. I’m on 26in wheels - yeah i know

[@Bianchiboy]

26” for the win !!

[@wonderwatch2239]

Try some Schwalbe nobby nic, had them on my 26”, good traction and surprisingly low rolling resistance 👌

[@bob4q]

A few years ago I wasn’t paying attention and I blew up my thumb when I over inflated and exploded my tire with an air compressor. Ouch!! 🤕👎🏽 Won’t do that again.

[@tomdabossy6160]

tyre question- I have a trek marlin and need a new front tyre. I am looking at maxis ardent or similar. any recommendations?

[@williamgrissom9022]

Better to not pry the bead over the rim. As for automotive tires, the trick is to keep the bead that is already on down in the valley of the rim, and "pull" the rubber around, with a hand each way, to the final area you are trying to slide over the rim. That should give just enough slack to roll the last part of the bead over the tire by hand. I have the tube slightly inflated ~5 psig initially to hold shape, then vent it for the final install. Then inflate back to 5 psig and push the tire in everywhere to insure the bead grabs. Push in the stem a bit to insure the beads come up to grab the rim, especially on thin tires. Inflate to 15 psig and repeat seating, then fully inflate.

[@iancantrill5961]

Tape width has to be slightly wider than the internal width of the rim to allow for the well.

[@jp93309]

Cleaning out a removable valve core seems tricky. I’d say best approach is to have a clean new valve core handy, remove the old core from the tire and keep the open valve covered with your finger then quickly insert the new core in its place. Then you can clean the old core at your leisure.

[@philmean5603]

#AskGMBNTech In that last clip you played from a prior show, how did that happen? I never figured it out. How did the air stay in the tire after you took the valve core out, only to explode the syringe when you tried to inject the sealant? A meniscus of congealed sealant at the base of the valve stem?

[@troyrogers1236]

winters coming- going to try out some metal studded tires this winter- what brands off them?

[@islandaerial3414]

Make your own

[@bikehadziabdulahovic3837]

Question: How often should tubeless setup tire be removed and cleaned of old (dry) sealant and topped with new one?

[@jeffreydzialo]

Dry sealant won't stop air leaking through a puncture, so its a risk if you don't have fluid sealant. I just add sealant and leave the dried stuff in there. Just scrape it if you have to dismount the tire, otherwise the bead and or sidewalls can stick and wont allow inflation.

[@j.albertogratacos2076]

Add new one as needed if you're using a syringe, no need to clean. Whenever I have to open/remove and reinstall an existing tire, I only clean around the beads to make sure the existing hard sealant does not interfere with the seating. But it just a precaution, you can get away without doing it.

[@jeffreydzialo]

@@j.albertogratacos2076 or squirt the stans mini refill bottle with tapered tip, into the valve stem.

[@brookegravitt4117]

Love doddy’s videos! Thanks!!

[@ryansara3398]

Can't wait for the winter slop for an exuse to buy some 29er wetscreams 🤣

[@Theschfab]

Recently i tried to mount a Schwalbe Hans Dampf on a Mavic wheel, before that there was a Maxxis DHF on there. Rim was 30mm. I tried so hard, but in the end, after 5 broken Innertubes i gave up. it was just like i was a little bit to small. The Maxxis had a "WT" (means, it is build for wider rims) written on it, did go on just as supposed to. Is there something like the "WT" mark for other Brands? Are there Combinations of wide rims which tend to not work with some Tires?

[@johnamiellorzano677]

Most schwalbe tire are pain in the b*tt to install, but once you've installed it. They'll give you tons of grip. Speaking from my own experience

[@hgodfrey]

Why are you putting in sealant when there’s pressure in the tyre?

[@jjdusty9]

some valves are made to keep the pressure when the valve core is removed so you don’t have to pump up the tire again, in that clip it just happened malfunction when he inserted the syringe while showing how it works.

[@peniakfoto]

Use the inserts! :)

[@reshanks]

If I put a minion DHR2 on the front wheel. Would it be beneficial to run it backwards in that case or still the right way?

[@mgoo1713]

No....I use the DHR2 on the front and run it the correct way. Greg Minnaar use to run the DHR2 in the front and he ran it the right way. Luca Shaw also run it normal on the front.

[@chrisridesbicycles]

#askGmbnTech Should you use a narrower rim tape if there is a bead lock because it would be covered up otherwise?

[@HUSKY7-1]

Anyone running Slime Smart tubes? Any opinions or feedback?

[@rafernjayquijanoiyog789]

#AskGMBNTech can i use baby oils on my stanchion for lubricating?

[@geraldmaybebaby1585]

Check your tyres after a crash. I crashed through a pile of logs. After the pain subsided. Quick look over bike. Rode on. Later. The one inch tear (not discovered earlier) in the side wall failed. Tyre De rimmed and innertube jammed wheel. Luckily on a straight. Got away with just one crash...;-)

[@PaoloMTB]

dude I love this fkn videos I learn so fkn much thank you.

[@Themilkmanskid.]

To use an o-ring under a presta valve stem nut, or not? That is the question.

[@uessaloniki]

#askgmbntech Hey Doddy I got a troubleshooting question. I decided to convert to a tubeless setup with my new bike. The thing is I can’t for the life of me put the tyre on the rim. I tried using tyre levers but although I got the tyre to go in the rim, I tore the tubeless tape. Please help me!

[@tonyb9735]

You seat as much of it as you can and then use a compressed air line to inflate the tyre and "pop" it onto the rim. Some people can do it with a track pump but I've never been successful with it. If it's really tight you can lubricate it with a bit of soapy water. Also I find it help if you don't have the valve core in when you use the compressed air, it allows the air to flow faster. Pretty sure there will be bids on YT on how to do this. You can but compressed air things to do this job at home search for "airshot tubeless tyre inflator", but you can make one out of an old coke bottle.

[@jasemaxable]

How much sealant

[@jeffreydzialo]

Anyone else had sealant bleed through tire sidewalls, and then cause mold to develop?

[@prusak26]

Advice number one: don't expect to pay 15 quid for TR, DH casing and triple compound (or other proper casing adequate to what you ride, and anything else, than super hard plasticky rubber). Advice number 2: don't expect a tyre costing 5 times more, to perform 5 times better for average Joe - a lot of people couldn't tell the difference if their life depended on it. Expensive tyres are still worth it in my opinion, but make sure you know what you're buying, and what to expect for the price.

[@peglor]

It still amazes me that anyone recommends using tyre levers at all for fitting and removing MTB tyres. I've had one rim I can think of in the last 25 years that was genuinely too tight to allow the tyre to be fitted and removed without tyre levers, and this rim was a combination of being out of tolerance on diameter with having a relatively shallow dip along the spoke hole line (Pushing the tyre bead into the centreline dip on the rim is how you create the slack to allow the tyre to be fitted and removed without tools). It also predated tubeless by quite a few years, so the tolerance requirements for bike wheel manufacturing were a lot more generous (Or more likely didn't exist in an official sense at all).

[@toranaandy2245]

Cushcore, that’s why…..

[@fixedwing1]

@@toranaandy2245 Agreed. I've actually broken a Park tire lever installing a new Cushcore with a new tire. Second time it was loosened up but good luck without levers. I also swear not all wheels are exact on circumference; this can make difference on install effort.

[@mtbmates6100]

#askgmbntech hi doddy I know this isn’t an ask gmbn tech vid but I really wanted to know this, what is the purpose of carpet on a dirt jump???

[@abuckcat]

Usually because the jumps are made from a sandy soil protects from erosion and hard landings

[@jonienglish3231]

My KENDA TIRES LEAK THROUGH SIDE WALLS DOODY !!!!!!!!!!! using GREEN SLIME on Ritchey VANTAGE WCS Rims 29er

[@andrewince8824]

Tubeless or not, tape those rims. Gorilla tape is, in my experience, the best stuff. Easy to shape, nice & thick and sticks down firmly. The edge of spoke holes can cut into tubes over time, tape stops this. It also helps trap nipples if a spoke snaps. In this way tape acts like a third hand while you fit the new spoke.

[@islandaerial3414]

Nothing about 'cush cores'???

[@alewis2511]

I always end up having problem with rim tap, it's infuriating. I end up getting it redone by someone else

[@gmbntech]

An important thing to get right! Good cleaning beforehand and going a bit past the join are the tips we can't stress enough.

[@Mesa3077Boogie]

I was able to repair several tires that the shops (those douchebags!) said were not reparable due to the size of the rips. Use needle noise pliars to push a thick leather needle feeding bass fishing line through the tire. After you sew it up, cut a piece of inner tube as a patch, spread some shoegoo over it and clamp it overnight and good is new.

[@merijn639]

I didn't even know there was 10 mistakes to make

[@Dr4g0nW00d]

Hey doddy I have a cut in my tire its a new one is there a way to repare it like rubber cement ?

[@radominchev920]

You can stich the side wall and then put rubber cement on both sides of the tire.

[@fatbikemontage2931]

Use a tyre boot on the inside. Or a small cut can be repaired with Gorilla tape or similar. Needs to resist the sealant if you are running tubeless.

[@Dr4g0nW00d]

@@fatbikemontage2931 its a little stone cut on top of tire going to look for rubber cement and a old inner tire or a car patch

[@fatbikemontage2931]

@@Dr4g0nW00d Yeah, probably cut a small square of old inner tube and use the old fashioned rubber glue to stick it. Again, it’s probably ok if your are running tubes, but if its tubeless it may just be enough to seal. Good luck on the repair. Tyres are way too expensive to lose on a little bit of damage.

[@wangelite5279]

Why do I feel doddy will make a great used car salesman.

[@teresanietoaraujo2770]

The bike is solid and my Ebike conversion went great. kzbin.infoUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L Very smooth ride at 30mph with no problems (135 miles ridden so far). The picture is a bit deceiving - there is WAY less space in the center of the frame than it shows. The suspension connection takes up the entire thing. So I needed to attach my battery on the bottom of the frame and my controller on the top. Instructions for assembly were lacking but honestly it wasn't too hard to figure out even though I have very little bike knowledge. Watched some youtube videos on adjusting the disk brakes but that was it. Still, I am loving it and very happy with the purchase.

[@Offroader74]

New tire partner? 🤔

[@rupedog]

Oh...bye bye.Vittoria, hello Kenda?

[@BGraves]

I refuse to line up my graphics. In skateboarding it is common practice to flip your wheels around so the graphics face inwards. Too much fashion in mountain biking as it is. The first thing my tires get is permanent marker over the logo. I already bought your stuff, I'm not going to be your billboard. This comment brought to you by Red Bull which keeps me awake on the toilet and Dunlop tires that keeps me tight in the corners I want to thank God and everyone who has supported me through my commenting career and most importantly Mom and Dad for buying me a computer

[@bobothericefarmer1878]

E

[@rodrigormotta]

The "loose valve core bit" is only a problem for the fools running presta valves! No one runs road handlebars on their MTBs! I don't understand why does the industry insist on using prestas o mtb wheels...those were made for thin road rims! Do yourself a favor get a stan no tubes tubeless sherader valve and never worry about your tire valve again!

[@kukuhwanengkirtyo861]

It is just a simple tyre…but the devil is in the detail.

[@kona0197]

Rest of the world needs to learn how to properly spell the word "Tire".