Want to get the most performance out of your tires?
Ditch the tubes and go tubeless.
Without an inner tube to pinch you can run lower tire pressure
for better traction, more control, and a smoother, faster ride.
Plus, tubeless sealant can plug a puncture before it becomes a ride ending flat tire.
Going tubeless is one of the easiest upgrades that you can make.
And we're going to show you how it's done.
First, make sure that your wheels and tires are "Tubeless Ready".
Just look for "Tubeless Ready" or the acronym TLR
on both the wheels and your tires.
To complete the installation, you'll need rim strips,
and valve stems that are compatible with your wheels.
TLR sealant,
a valve core removal tool
and a sealant injector.
You may also want plastic tire levers to help remove the tire and the rim strip.
Not sure exactly what you need?
Just check out the Rim Strip compatibility chart on trekbikes.com.
Start by deflating your tire.
Work your way around the wheel, squeezing the sides of the tire
to break the connection between the tires bead
and the hook on the inside of the rim.
This will make the next step much easier.
Now use your tire lever to pry the tire's bead over the outside of the rim.
Attach the hook end of the tire lever to the nearest spoke to keep it in place.
Then use a second tire lever to work more of the tire
over the edge of the rim.
When you're using a tire lever, keep it flat against the side of the rim
and don't twist it.
You don't want to cause any damage to the rim.
Once you have a few inches of the tire off the rim, removing the rest is easy.
Bontrager TLR Rim Strips
are designed specifically to work with Bontrager TLR wheels,
together, they give a secure, airtight seal that adds performance
and also makes the set up process quicker and easier.
Most rim strips are symmetric, but not all.
So make sure that the shape and size of the strip and rim match.
Start by installing the valve stem through the rim strip
and the wheel to keep them aligned.
Work the rest of the TLR Rim Strip onto the wheel with your hands.
To make sure the fit is tight, run a plastic tire lever
around the edge of the rim strips to tuck them into the rims bead
to ensure you get a nice airtight seal.
Tubeless tape can also be used with some Bontrager wheels.
Tape can give a lighter system overall, but usually takes a little more effort
to set up and doesn't lock the bead of the tire quite as well.
If installing tape instead of strips, make sure that the rim is clean.
Wrap the entire rim diameter with tape overlapping slightly at the end.
Make a small puncture in the tape over the valve hole and install a valve.
Not all Bontrager wheels are approved for use with tape,
so be sure to check for compatibility.
With your rim strip or rim tape in place,
it's time to install your Tubeless Ready Tire.
Rotate the wheels so that the valve stem is closest to the floor.
and check that the tires facing the right direction.
Just look for a directional arrow on the tire sidewalls.
Start at the top of the wheel and work one bead over the rims edge
and into the Centre Rim channel.
Evenly, work your way around the rim
and finish with the plastic tire level if needed.
Repeat those same steps for the second tire bead.
Just like when we were removing the tire
move the tire bead to the center of the rim channel.
That'll give you a little more slack in the tire
and make it easier to get the second bead onto the rim.
Make sure that the valve stem is inside of the beads once installed,
and the valve nut is tightened to spec.
You're now ready to inflate your tire and seat the tire beads.
Check your tire sidewalls for pressure recommendations
and never inflate beyond max pressure.
It's important to fully seat those tire beads too.
When using TLR strips, this can often be done with a floor .
If you're using tape or having any difficulty getting the system to hold air,
we recommend using a Bontrager Flash Charger TLR pump
or an air compressor
for that initial blast of air needed to seat the tires bead on to the rim.
Continue to add air until the tire bead
is fully seated on both sides of the wheel.
You'll see and hear this happen.
Be careful not to inflate beyond the max pressure of the rim
or the max pressure listed on the side of the tire.
Check for a smooth line along the tire and wheel
to ensure that the bead is fully seated and ready for the next steps.
With the tire beads fully seated, were ready to add sealant.
First, slowly deflate the tire and then remove the valve core
with the valve core removal tool.
Next, add sealant to the tire through the valve stem
using a sealant injector.
You can also use the nozzle of a three ounce sealant container in a pinch.
Fill the injector with the recommended sealant amount.
You can find that amount on trekbikes.com.
Thread the injector onto the valve stem and place the valve stem
at the three or nine o'clock position.
Slowly push the injector to add sealant to the tire.
Once filled, unthread the injector,
and reinstall the valve core with the valve core tool.
making sure that the valve pop it is still open.
"Single use only"?
You're not a doctor, give the injector a good rinse
with warm water when you're done, and it will be ready
for the next time when you need it.
You're getting close now.
You just need to inflate the tire to the preferred pressure
and then get the sealant evenly around the inside of the tire.
The goal is to make sure that the inside of the tire is evenly coated with sealant.
So be creative.
Reinstall your wheel to the bike, clean up, and you're ready to ride.
We recommend adding sealant as needed every three to six months
to keep a nice liquid system inside of your tire.
that will help hold air and protect you from punctures.
Not sure if you do for a recharge?
Give the tire a shake.
If you don't hear any liquids sloshing around on the inside,
it's probably time for some more sealant.
Nice work. Now get out there and have some fun.