How to Convert & Install Tubeless Tires on Fat Bikes

A clear and easy to follow fat bike-specific guide to tubeless tire conversion and installation.
Questions or comments? Leave them below!
See all our Tire & Tube videos in our Tire & Tube playlist ▶︎ • Repair Help: Tire, Tub...
Video contents:
00:41 Tools Needed
01:00 Seal the Rim
02:57 Install Tire & Sealant (Pour Method)
06:30 Alternate Installation Method (Syringe Method)
07:47 Final Tips
➤ Tools & materials used:
• SZR-1 Scissors - www.parktool.co...
• UP-SET Utility Pick Set - www.parktool.co...
• SD-0 - #0 Phillips Screwdriver - www.parktool.co...
• INF-2 Shop Inflator - www.parktool.co...
• Tubeless Valves
• Tubeless Rim Tape
• Rags
• Sealant
• Measuring Cup
• Syringe (Alternate Method)
• VC-1 Valve Core Tool - www.parktool.co... Method)
For a text-based walk-through of this process: www.parktool.co...
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Since our founding in 1963, Park Tool has been the leading name in bicycle tools. Our KZbin channel is an extension of our mission to be the ultimate resource for mechanics and riders of all skill levels. Here you will find comprehensive repair help tutorials for a wide range of components and processes, as well as troubleshooting guides, tips and tricks, and information on the latest Park Tool products.
➤ More Tire & Tube Repair Help:
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• How to Remove and Install a Wheel on a Bicycle ▶︎ • How to Remove and Inst...
• How to Remove and Install a Bicycle Tire & Tube ▶︎ • How to Remove and Inst...
• How to Patch a Bicycle Inner Tube ▶︎ • How to Patch a Bicycle...
• How to Convert Your Tires to Tubeless - Tubeless Conversion ▶︎ • How to Convert Your Bi...
• How to Setup Tubeless Tires ▶︎ • How to Setup Tubeless ...
• Tubeless Tire Troubleshooting ▶︎ • Tubeless Tire Troubles...

[@RLowVaughn1]

This is an excellent video. I would add a simple trick for those of us that order tires and get them shipped folded and contorted. Put your deflated tube inside the tire and inflate it until it balloons up. Leave it in there for a week or so and when you go to install the beads on the tire will be in the shape you want them.

[@halfcalf72]

This is by far the most thorough video on this process. The precautionary instructions are very valuable. Well done!

[@Cyberdactyl]

Another method to get the bead to intially set is to take a rachet-type cargo strap and wrap it around the tire and tighten it while applying air.

[@adolpherazey4459]

Man realized I put tire on backwards what a mess thing to reverse the tire had to start all over but worked again your the man buddy bikes shifting great as well your truly are a genius

[@fraserthomson5766]

Done this, just when you thought it was a 20 min job, add another 20 mins.. lol

[@adolpherazey4459]

Thanks for the video just did it to a mongoose dolomite and mongoose hitch with the stock tires and rims and it worked

[@HYBECTIVE]

Adolphe Razey forreal? That’s awesome how much weight did you save :D

[@rehpotsirhc123]

I find it much easier to install the tire with a tube first, then carefully break one side, sneak the tube out of that side, install the tubeless valve with core removed and then try to pop the one bead on with it facing down over a trash can so it lays flat and level using a rubber tipped nozzle. After the second bead is secure then install the sealant and add the valve core and inflate normally using a pump.

[@adolpherazey4459]

Rode right up a flight of steps and did a 180 and right back down them I'm starting to miss the bmx days that I had in the 90s this setup is immaculate

[@hiro111]

Great video. One note: Overlapped 2" Gorilla tape like this might not last very long and pressure and sealant work their way into the tape. For best possible results, use a tubeless specific rim and tire (like the video says) and get OEM yellow tubeless tape. Tape made specifically for the rim will be precisely cut to cover bead to bead (including the bead shelves) in one pass. Long term, bead to bead tape designed specifically as tubeless tape will cause fewer problems.

[@hellosunshine1090]

Hello great Comment. There is now 3" TOUGH & WIDE Gorilla Tape available. Should be wide enough for many Fat rim conversions.

[@BK42Cycles]

Great video! Thanks for teaching us. The technic is very good and proved, I have being considering that before seeing your video. It is cool, makes the bike lighter for the maintenance and waiting time doesn't encourages me. You've got a new subscriber ;)

[@RickyG225]

Thanks Calvin! Very informative, however, I think I just may go to my LBS and have the pros do it for me. This will ensure it is done to spec. Great video!

[@wutangclams3203]

tire sealant looks delicious

[@Metal-Possum]

Wutang Clams Give it a lick, tastes just like raisins.

[@arzthaus]

It does not smell delicious

[@jeffreymanion1509]

Very well demonstrated!

[@robertsmuggles6871]

Excellent.

[@josephshimandle9619]

Park Tool- Question: Looking to buy a Mokwheel Basalt ST fat tire ebike, but want to get rid of the 26 x 4 OEM wide spaced knobby off road tires, as I will be mostly street, groomed trials, or dirt roads riding. Found some 26 x 3 beach bike tires with more street treads that should perform better. Can any/all 26 x 4 wheels accept tubeless tires as it seems from you great video?

[@Wh571]

Park Tool uses Gorilla Tape for rim tape. Nice to know.

[@hellosunshine1090]

How possible is this using tires not Tubeless ready like Panaracer Nimble B Fat or Chao yang H5176 (same tire) on my 26 x 4.00 Mongoose Malus ?

[@LEXICOGRAFFER]

How about describing the process for rims with solid surface.....like how much tape is adequate?

[@harleyd500]

If you puncture out on the trail that doesn't seal itself are you basically hiking? Is it possible/practical to also carry a tube and a pump with the tubeless system?

[@parktool]

I carry a tube and pump just in case. Have had to use them as well. With a tubeless setup I will usually bring a valve core tool and extra valve as well.

[@danmitchell3758]

I am switching from summer fat tires to my studs. I used the studs last winter and there is some old glue on the bead from last instal. How to clean bead? Acetone? Abraid with fine sand paper?

[@melvinband36]

Learned duck tape my fatbike wheel from this good video. Fatbike parts are getting rare nw. Still love riding my fatties. Might going tubeless soon

[@pink43560]

Excellent video. This best I've seen :)

[@ellerybice3787]

Clearly the tried, true and properly prepared inner tube is the easy and trust worthy way to travel upon an air bladder.

[@andretaylor4529]

How does this method hold up with e-bikes? I have a Rad Runner 1 that I’m tired of gettin flats on, if I convert to a tubeless will it still hold up with the weight, speed and use of the bike? I ride about 20 miles every day! I have standard 20x4 fat tires!

[@fraserthomson5766]

I swapped the knobby tires on mine to Kenda Kraze and use Slime, been months without a flat..

[@feedfacedeadbeef]

Do not put sealant in before inflating. Inflate and set the bead of the tire. Then remove valve and the tire will deflate, but the bead will be set on both sides. Then fill with Stans; then put valve core back in, and inflate. This method is less messy.

[@rinky_dinky]

please correct me if i am wrong , i always thought that you apply the tape right against the side wall so it adds thickness so that the bead seals tighter into the rim, so why don't he put the tape right against the side wall , effectively covering the whole rim floor ?

[@STAROBOSSNIK]

You show how there can be a leak around the cutouts. How are those sealed? I have a Specialized Fatboy rim and that is the only place it is leaking from.

[@parktool]

The best method to stop leaks at the cutouts are good initial taping over them. However, these systems are not exactly "engineering at its finest". There are some cases where you wait (and hope) for the sealant to work and fill the small leaks.

[@STAROBOSSNIK]

About how long should I wait? I spin the tire every 10-15 minutes to agitate the sealant.

[@parktool]

It can take a couple of days to form a clot, not unlike a scab forming on a cut finger. If there is small bubbling at the rim, these are likely to "heal". It is seems to stream out, it may require removing the tire, cleaning things up, and re-taping the rim. Good luck to you and to all tubeless conversion users.

[@derekrogers5858]

Where do you get new rim liner at? I messed mine up. Not sure if “rim liner” is the correct term but the blue liner

[@parktool]

"Rim strip" is what bike shops call them. So, get to a bike shop for your rim strip.

[@Or5mr]

I find overlapping tape tends to fail, best use a wide (80mm) duckt/rim tape

[@mitchelllewis8673]

Excellent video as always. Thank you!

[@narschangvee8424]

Do i need tubeless rim or non tubeless rim? For converting

[@parktool]

A tubeless compatible rim will always be much easier to setup tubeless than one that is not. Many non tubeless rims can be converted as well though.

[@MrE1mil]

Thanks ! :)

[@cowtheif]

Anyone have any tips on wrestling on a new rim strip? This is a sonofabitch to get on my other brother daryl rims.

[@wodstalker2819]

So if i have a complitely no tubeless rim, i still can switch to tubeless ?

[@lmandrums3118]

(I know this response is 3 years later but I hope it still helps) Id recommend using a little more rim tape then you would usually use for a "non tubeless rim" But it can still work if done correctly.

[@wodstalker2819]

@@lmandrums3118 haha a bit late indeed but i appreciate it ! I made the jump since, its still holding perfectly ! Thanks mate

[@lmandrums3118]

WoD STALKER no problem! Glad I could help! But yea, I didn’t expect you to respond because I don’t know what could happen in 3 years, you could have even went from having a crap bike to now having a bike shop but who knows haha! The wonders of the world

[@mayagustin9857]

Can it work with non tubeless ready rims??

[@parktool]

Results may vary with different combinations but there are some non tubeless rims that can be converted.

[@davidide1525]

Calvin, it o Looks like you are using Gorilla tape as tubeless tape. Is this special tape, or standard hardware store Gorilla tape ? Thanks Dave

[@slow_330i]

Can you show how to use the PZT-2?

[@thegee-tahguy4877]

What are the benefits of going tubeless?

[@fredmethot6116]

avoiding weight of the tube + pinch flats

[@H457ur]

I had been taught that you should always use a tube in the tire after putting on the rim strip, leaving it inflated at least overnight to press the tape firmly to the rim. I always do this, although I have one wheel that was set up by a mechanic at my LBS and he didn't do this, with no ill effects. It seems like a good thing to do though, and Calvin has said often that patience is key in many bike-related things (like when glueing sew-ups to rims, for example.)

[@gvv1mhh]

Joe Bond great idea! I will try that when I do mine

[@zanderharris8775]

I love the gorilla tape

[@woestijngeel]

I have some serious doubts about the durability of this tubeless conversion. If air escapes a bit from the bead, that's eventually sealed. If air escapes from the cutouts or the valve, there's sealer under the tape and this will loosen the tape. The tape job is also not flawless: at 2:47 you can clearly see a gap between two pieces of tape. I also ask myself why not using wider tape like the Gorilla T&W to reduce edges...

[@hellosunshine1090]

When this was filmed they may not have had the 3" TOUGH & WIDE Gorilla Tape

[@jason87ist]

hi is a simple american tape?

[@nicksahl391]

how close to the edge of the rim do i want the gorilla tape i can see you got close but is there anything your using as a visual guide?

[@parktool]

Gorilla tape all the way up to the wall of the rim is suggested. The tape can help add a small amout of diameter which will make the bead seat tighter helping promote a good seal.

[@nicksahl391]

@@parktool awesome and thanks for the reply. obviously results vary but is it really viable to try on a tire and a rim that both say not compatible?if it holds air its ok? worst case is that it just doesnt hold but its not unsafe if it in fact does stay inflated? i also totally understand this is at my own risk lol

[@jackbrookes21]

is it pretty much the same for regular mtb tires?

[@parktool]

yes

[@adolpherazey4459]

I drilled out the rims and put car tire valves in way cheaper

[@mattcanale7315]

Thanks Calvin and Co... but why soap and water instead of sunscreen to set that stubborn bead?! Thanks again guys

[@wordreet]

Matt Canale Because soapy water eventually evaporates. Sunscreen???????? I was a pro tyre fitter back in the day and will tell you NEVER use something like that to seat a tyre except in an emergency. I suggest that it will always remain slippery and may encourage the tyre to un-seat itself, especially in the "burp" situation mentioned in this video. Use it if you have to, but strip down the wheel/tyre later and clean it off. Don't use washing up liquid either, it remains slippery and chemicals in it can even attack the rubber. Use hand soap dissolved in water, it will eventually dry out completely even if some gets inside the tyre.

[@nicholash.9910]

How if possible is it to go tubeless with a shrader valve rim

[@nicholash.9910]

Just looked it up that tubeless shrader valves exist

[@parktool]

Sure does. Stans has one for sure. I am not aware of anyone else though.

[@stefannewels1823]

With all that tape and sealant fluid you could go with a tube in just a fraction of time....but anyway, Calvin is the best! Have you ever tried milk rice?

[@mikagami69]

Yeah, and then pull it out and patch it every time you get a puncture flat, and run it at a higher pressure for less traction while you are at it. Sounds awesome!

[@keeplearning1494]

Hi, can the single wall rim go tubeless? Anyone trying that?

[@parktool]

The fatbike wheels in this video are single wall rims. It will depend on the single wall rim and its design.

[@keeplearning1494]

@@parktool my kid's bike (24") comes with Alex C-1000 rim.

[@elliottaft607]

what syringe did you use

[@parktool]

Stan No Tube and Mariposa both offer big syringes. You can also use a syringe for a horse with a piece of plastic tubing.

[@KOL0WASO]

why is better to do a "tubeless system" !?,what are the proposites !?

[@parktool]

Tubeless systems can be ridden at lower pressure offering better traction, and be resistant to rim pinches of the inner tube. Run with sealant, they can stop slow leaks from small punctures. For high pressure road systems, it is claimed that without an inner tube, there is less rolling resistance.

[@imbranjamil5924]

👍

[@Metal-Possum]

Why does nobody do an off the shelf kit?

[@parktool]

There are a few brands that offer a kit. There is not one kit fits all though as the width of the rims change as well as profile which can effect what you need.

[@Metal-Possum]

Park Tool The only kit I found was very similar to the your method with gorilla tape. I didn't look all that hard though. I think I'll just stick with tubes for now. Love the videos though, you guys are always very informative.

[@TheGrassyou]

why do you need to clean the rim

[@parktool]

Basic adhesion protocol. The inner rim surface can be dirty, or oily from lubricated spoke nipples. The tape needs a clean surface for a long term secure bond.

[@jfalmera]

can you use non tubeless rim on tubeless tire

[@berticusmaximus00]

Late, but yes, you can do that with no problems, a you need is a rim strip, tube and tire.

[@toddslothower6265]

....anyone else distracted by that gorgeous wheel?

[@AndyKyselov]

Does anybody know if 3 inches tire can set on this weel?

[@parktool]

A 3" will not fit. A 4" will fit but will not ride well. These are 100mm rims.

[@AndyKyselov]

@@parktool a lot of thanks for reply! 4 is very good! But depends on tire. Delitire Big Buddy is the best one in my case. I know even about 3,7 tires. It is useful. But I am in Ukraine. There is empty. Everything I have to look for on international shops. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIbQpqScmLKUaqs

[@rtardbox]

yeah, i see no reason to go tubeless now ... and LOTS of reasons to stay with my tubes! thanks

[@motobob80s]

B

[@adolpherazey4459]

On a mongoose lol bikes great

[@Wesley296]

I tried and failed on my 3 inch wide (1.5 inch wide rims) tires. the bead connection was too loose. and I don't own a compressor so I am fucked. Going to try and sell the bike I guess.

[@zamzam-br3fi]

Did you sell it? Ride with inner tubes for the time being!

[@Wesley296]

@@zamzam-br3fi I'm going to buy tubeless-ready tires and see if they work out. If not, I'll try returning them and then sell the bike. They are not cheap for the size.

[@hillclimber4406]

Seals the deal! ha ha I get it!

[@jairusfojas8788]

Why everyone use stans it sucks. Use slime stop leak instantly

[@ReinhardSchuster]

Why Gorillatape?

[@parktool]

Gorilla Tape is used and recommended by some tubeless wheel companies. It is readily available. There are other good choices however, such as the No Flats tape, or Orange. -Calvin

[@legniak1]

Looks like way too much work. I get the advantages but damn,I don't want to be a tire tech just to go ride my bike

[@datingfighter314]

Well, do this once and save yourself the hastle of flat tires.

[@mikagami69]

Really not that hard.

[@richardturner6481]

Looks like a pain in the McNuggets

[@RLowVaughn1]

It's actually a simple and straightforward process. The benefits are monumental, no flats. The pain in the nuggets is fixing flats on the road/trail, especially on an ebike. The first 100 miles I had my bike I had half a dozen flats. the 3,000 miles since I have had zero flats....you do the math on which is the pain.

[@m.2383]

⚠️ Do not do this! ⚠️ Seriously, save yourself the trouble and money, it will not work. You won't be able to inflate the tire once done, the air will just escape to the side. It can be inflated, but you'll need to go to a motor garage and have them use some sort of compressor. You won't be able to inflate it yourself anymore.

[@hiro111]

Alternate method #2: throw a tube in there and ride.

[@tonynelligan1930]

i ride an e-bike,simlar to a scooter in apperance,and my first one in 2006 had no shitting you 68 flats in just a year and a half.on a single friday i had 3 flats fixed the first due to overpressure, the second underpressure,the last one who the hell knows it was too dark to change again,and on ave. it takes 2 hours to change that tire type.since tubeless i had a bike with no air pressure issues for 10 months so that's why.now normal bikes have less flats i agree maybe once a month in a dirty city streets like here with glass,nails,and what have you thrown around.still for e-bikes well worth it,normal ones not so much.

[@JackSon-cs5vk]

Where can I buy that Syringe?