Sealing tubeless rims

[Ron]

Could anyone advise what one can do to seal the nipples on a rear rim with a tubeless tyre. I have fitted a new rim band but am still experiencing air loss through the nipples, don't even get through a lap while at an event before the tyre is flat. Ron

[AndrewT]

1) Thoroughly clean rim & degrease using a good quality contact cleaner.
2) Use a good quality silastic (Sikaflex) & seal entire rim.
3) Leave for good 24 hours before use.

Refer to the SSDT prep on BetaUK website. www.betauk.co.uk

Good Luck

[TRIALTECH]

Ron

Really no need for sealants at all. The right assembly lubricant, technique, attention to detail & patience is all thats required.

Check out my article on this topic

http://www.trialtech.com.au/sitebuilder ... cement.pdf

Call me if you need any help

Trialtech

[The Hell Team]

I would totally support Trialtech's opinion on this. Using Sikaflex will only make huge problems further down the track. If you need to change a broken spoke you will have created yourself all sorts of issues.
It may seem like a simple solution now but you will regret it later.
With the new style rim bands - with the valve stem integrated into the band, there should be no problems if a few simple steps are followed.
Clean the rim sealing channels thoroughly. This is very important,
Use a lubricant on the band when fitting (red rubber grease works well)
Be patient and LOOK, it's just needs to be sitting in the channel flat all round.
All the best

[AndrewT]

Should have asked Ron - what type of bike / rim do you have - modern type eg Morad or an older Akront ? - Is rim is good condition ? / any internal corrosion etc etc ?

Here is the link for SSDT prep - read down to rear wheel seal - it's easy to do if you're still having problems - & easy to still remove seal & change spokes in need - just a line of sikaflex on the edge of the rim band & smear onto the rim to make the seal.

http://www.trialscentral.co.uk/cms/file ... 0Guide.pdf

[Neo]

Any kind of sealer is hard to remove later. And chances are you'll scratch the ally in the channel while removing it (in your frustration).

For problem rims (with corrosion or scratches) I smear marine grease inside the channel and on the back of the nipples. It helps to seal the band, makes the band easier to slide into position (and even out the band tension) and also stops any corrosion on the rim or the back of the nipples. It also cleans off with and bit of petrol too but make sure it's only under that rim band. And wipe it off of any other part of the rim.

Having said all this the rim band that Paul mentioned (with the valve stem integrated into the band) has gotta be the way to go too

Best of balance.
Neo

[Ron]

To all who have responded to my query, many thanks for the assistance.
Ron