Edit: This post is quite old at this point. For an updated post with a MUCH better video, click here.

I originally posted this on an old blog of mine almost exactly three years ago. It also happened to be on a Tuesday. Turns out it is just as applicable now as it was then and since it’s a really useful tip, I thought I’d re-share it (with some edits)!

Tubeless rocks! Especially tubeless with sealant. Not only does it get rid of annoying flats like goat heads, glass, and small rocks, but it allows you to run lower tire pressures without risking pinch flats. Personally, I run WTB TCS (Tubeless Compatible System) tires (26 PSI front, 28 PSI rear), but as long as you’re using sealant, you can run most tube tires tubeless if you have tubeless-compatible wheels.

My one issue with tubeless used to be installing the tires. I always had to find a gas station or bike shop with a high-pressure air compressor. But at the Sea Otter Classic in 2009, Joe, the Giant team mechanic, taught me a trick to install tube tires on tubeless rims with sealant and a floor pump. Since then, I’ve almost always installed my tires with a pump instead of an air compressor and it works like a charm!

Things you’ll need:

Tubeless wheel – In the video I used Crank Brothers Cobalt wheels. I now use Stan’s Notubes wheels and they are even easier to install with a floor pump!

Tire – In the video I used a WTB Nano Raptor. I still use (and love) these tires.

Stan’s Notubes tire sealant – It’s the best.

Floor pump – Genuine Innovations Top Dog Legend floor pump. Still use it. Still love it!

Tire levers

Here is a video of how to install the tire (and as it has had almost 40,000 views, I like to think it’s rather informative…). If you don’t like videos or prefer step-by-step instructions, keep scrolling.