How to Set Up Tubeless Tires: A Step-by-Step Guide for Folding Tires

Quick Answer

To set up tubeless tires, first confirm your rim and tire are tubeless-compatible, then mount the tire, add sealant, and inflate to seat the bead. For folding tires, use a compressor or high-volume pump to get a quick burst of air. Keep the recommended pressure range in mind for your riding style.

If you're tired of pinch flats on the trail or want to run lower pressure for better grip, going tubeless is a smart upgrade. Folding tires, like the Billy Bonkers, are a popular choice for this setup because they're lighter and easier to pack than wire-bead versions. But the process can feel intimidating if you've never done it before.

This guide walks you through tubeless tire installation step by step, from checking rim compatibility to adding sealant and seating the bead. You'll also learn common mistakes to avoid and how to troubleshoot when things don't go perfectly the first time.

Check Tubeless Rim Compatibility

Before you start, confirm that both your rim and tire are tubeless-ready. Look for a 'TCS' (Tubeless Compatible System) or 'UST' label on the rim or tire sidewall. If your rim isn't tubeless-specific, you may need a conversion kit with a special rim strip and valve. For folding tires, the bead is more flexible, so it's especially important to have a rim that holds the bead securely.

If you're unsure, check the manufacturer's website or ask your local bike shop. Using a non-tubeless rim with tubeless tires can lead to air loss and poor sealing. This step saves you from frustration later.

• Look for 'TCS' or 'UST' labels on the rim and tire sidewall.
• If your rim is not tubeless-ready, consider a conversion kit with a compatible rim strip.

Gather Your Tools and Materials

You'll need a tubeless valve, tubeless rim tape (if not already installed), tire levers, a sealant injector or a syringe, and a pump or compressor. For folding tires, a high-volume pump or air compressor is recommended because the flexible bead can be harder to seat with a standard floor pump.

Choose a sealant that matches your climate and riding conditions. Latex-based sealants are common and work well for most riders. Check the sealant's recommended amount for your tire width—usually about 2 to 4 ounces for mountain bike tires.

• Have a sealant injector or syringe ready to add sealant through the valve after mounting.
• If you don't have a compressor, a high-volume pump with a rapid air burst can also work.

Mount the Tire and Add Sealant

Start by installing the tubeless valve into the rim hole, then mount one side of the tire bead onto the rim. Add the sealant either before fully seating the second bead or through the valve after mounting. The second method is cleaner and lets you adjust the amount easily.

When mounting a folding tire, work the bead into the rim channel carefully. Avoid using metal tire levers that can damage the rim or tire bead. Once the tire is on, inflate it quickly to seat the bead. You should hear a popping sound as the bead locks into place.

• Use your hands to seat as much of the bead as possible before using levers.
• If the bead won't seat, apply soapy water to the rim edge to help it slide.

Inflate and Check for Leaks

After the bead seats, inflate the tire to the recommended pressure range. For most mountain bike tubeless setups, that's around 25–35 psi, but check the tire sidewall for the exact range. Spin the wheel and listen for hissing sounds. If you hear air escaping, apply more sealant or rotate the wheel to distribute sealant to the leak.

Let the tire sit for a few minutes, then re-check the pressure. It's normal for a new tubeless setup to lose a little air initially as the sealant coats the inside. After a short ride, the sealant will spread and seal any tiny pores.

• Always check the tire sidewall for the recommended pressure range.
• If leaks persist, add a small amount of sealant and spin the wheel again.

Step-by-Step Tubeless Setup Checklist

1. Check compatibility: Confirm that your rim and tire are tubeless-ready. Look for TCS or UST labels. If not compatible, get a conversion kit or choose a different rim/tire combo.
2. Prepare the rim: Install tubeless rim tape and a tubeless valve. Ensure the tape covers the spoke holes evenly. A poorly taped rim is the most common cause of slow leaks.
3. Mount the tire: Seat one bead, then add sealant through the valve or before seating the second bead. Use your hands and plastic levers to avoid damaging the bead.
4. Inflate to seat the bead: Use a compressor or high-volume pump to quickly inflate until you hear the bead pop into place. If the bead won't seat, try soapy water on the rim edge.
5. Check for leaks: Spin the wheel, listen for hissing, and apply sealant as needed. Inflate to the recommended pressure. A small initial pressure drop is normal; re-check after a short ride.

Products That Make Tubeless Setup Easier

• Billy Bonkers Tire - 26 x 2.1, Clincher, Folding, Black, Performance, Addix: The Billy Bonkers tire is designed for pumptrack, dirtjump and slopestyle riding. This lightweight tire not only rolls extremely easily, it also ensures fun loving and agile riding. If tricks and jumps get messed up, Billy Bonkers remains good natured, forgiving even egregious mistakes. Its forgiving nature makes it a great choice for riders who want to experiment with tubeless setups on a pumptrack or dirt jump bike, where low pressure and grip are key.
• WTB Dual Duty i19 TCS Front Wheel: In spirit of constantly improving, we've taken one of our most popular wheels and updated the rim to tubeless and slightly increased the inner rim width. Now amazing value and performance includes modern tire options. A TCS rim is specifically designed for tubeless use, so pairing it with a tubeless tire ensures a secure bead seat and reliable sealing.

Setting up tubeless tires is a skill that pays off with fewer flats and better traction. Once you've done it a couple of times, it becomes a quick routine. If you hit a snag, the most common fixes are adding more sealant, re-taping the rim, or using a stronger air source. With the right components and a little patience, you'll be riding tubeless in no time.