How to Add Sealant to a Tubeless Bicycle Tire

How to Add Sealant to a Tubeless Bicycle Tire

Are you interested in learning how to add tire sealant to your tubeless bicycle tires?  Whether you are adding sealant to a newly installed tire or refreshing a tire during the season, this guide will show you a clean and simple method.  If you have a bicycle wheel with Presta valves, then this guide is for you.

What you'll need:

Tools:

Materials:

  • Tire Sealant

Time needed:

  • 5 to 10 minutes

Step by Step:

In step 1, remove the cap, open the valve, and release the air pressure

Step 2 involves removing the valve core and checking the valve stem is clearStep 3 it is now time to thread the sealant funnel onto the valve stemStep 4 add sealant to the funnelIn step 5, reinstall the core, add air, close the valve, and cap itstep 6 is to go ride


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FAQ

How much sealant should I add?

The amount of sealant will vary depending on the tire size.  It would be a good idea to check the sealant manufacturer’s recommendations, but you can use this as a guide when adding fresh sealant: road ≈ 60ml, gravel ≈ 90ml, mountain ≈ 120ml.

How often should I add sealant?

It’s good practice to add 30ml of sealant every three months.

Why won’t the sealant flow into the tire?

  • Check the valve stem for a clog.  This can be done by squeezing the tire after
    removing the valve core and before adding sealant.  You will hear air flowing through the valve stem if it is clear.  If there is no air flow, use a toothpick or other sharp tool to pierce the dried sealant in the valve stem, or unseat the tire to thoroughly clean.
  • If air flows through the valve stem and you are still not seeing flow, squeeze and hold the tire before adding sealant.  As you start adding sealant, slowly release your hold on the tire, which will help draw the sealant through the valve stem.

I have Clik valves, what should I do?

Clik valves are like Presta valve cores and need to be removed before adding sealant. 

My valve core is not removable, what should I do?

Valve stems, such as Reserve Fillmore valves, with non-removable cores can be filled with this Sealant Funnel. Make sure the valves can open when you squeeze the tire before adding sealant