I have a pair of those same tires that you are seating in the video Neil. They are an awesome tire in every riding category. Trying to seat them without an air compressor, which took forever using ever trick imaginable caused me to use every four letter word I knew. I’m pretty sure I even made some up. If they ever flat on a trail and brake the seal I’ll just stick a tube in to get home.
You are awesome man. Your trick with placing a regular tube inside to have at least one side fully on the beads did the trick for me. With one side on the beads an average track pump which I had was able to inflate the tire to push the second side into place.
When I tried seating a Gravelking Slick, it wouldn't even work with a gas station compressor, so I ended up buying one of those tubeless boosters, definitely worth it, and way more sustainable than a co2 cartridge
This must be a thing with GK tires in general. I had the same issue with my compressor even with the valve core out. Also, I lined up the logo with the valve stem, and I've noticed that both my tires (yes, even the front) have taken a few "laps" around the rim. I like Gravelkings, but perhaps it's time to find another brand this year.
I was really struggling tying to seat a pair of Rene Herse Fleecer Ridges. Then I saw the tire you were trying to seat and I had to laugh. It broke the frustration and gave me some tips which helped me get the job done.
This guy knows what he is doing. Watch at 1:50. I had to come back to give him credit after I finally inflated my tire. I tried all the other crazy methods and his way is simple and worked in about 3 minutes even without getting the tire seated all the way around.
Thanks so much! My first time fitting new tyres as my bike shop did it the first time. I was about at my wits end but found your vid. I used working the bead onto top of rim method, couldn't get all the way round cos the tyres were so tight. Made it about 80% then managed to pop one side on using a co2 cartridge. Then did the same with the other side and the other wheel. Again, thanks so much for your helpful tips - top man! 🤩😎
I have a compressor, etc. However, I was having a real issue with some off-set rims where the rim tape had dimpled into the spoke holes just enough to prevent a seal to set a bead (the bead wanted to sit over the spoke depressions on one side). Your innertube idea saved my life. I used the tube to set the bed and removed the tube from the side without the spokes and presto. My other option would have been to re-tape the rim but now I don't have to. Thanks.
I had the same issue as you with tape and rim holes. Instead of re-taping I just cover those holes with one layer of electric tape. Works fine without tube or setting the bead with tire lever
Thanks so much for this guide! Even with a compressor it wasn't popping and the way you showed putting the bead on manually was the trick I needed for the rest of it to work. Still have sore hands though ;_;
What I have noticed is when you put sealent in before try forcing the bead to the edge of the rim it keeps slipping to the middle of the rim because of the slippy sealent. What worked for me is do it al dry and when the bead is seated then deflate and put in the sealant. Great channel btw!
Is this dude the incredible hulk? That tire level configuring of one side of the tire is so brutally difficult and this guy makes it look like a hot knife goin thru butter!
thx for this video lol the innertube did the trick :) and had to put the otherside on the beat..... was a used Rene Herse tire fleeser ridge same as you have in vid. new tire goes a bit better :)
A sort of middle road in between the lever lift and inserting a tube is to use your hand and manually press the bead into the hook (if it's a hooked rim) all the way around on one side. I will usually put some sealant on my finger and and "paint" the bead this way as well because it seems to stick in just a hair better (I think it's more about the vacuum than the sealant actually bonding in the short of time). It's a little tedious to get perfect but if you gotta do it, you gotta do it!
hello mate thanks for vid, tryed all the others ways and nothink worked,, but intube first then blow that up then deflate and take out ,then tubeless worked first go 👍👍👍👍
I added a 3rd layer of tape (Bontrager Aeolus Elite 35 Rim / Vittoria Rubino Pro 25c Tire). The tire finally sealed using a Bontrager Flash Charger pump pressurized at 116 Lbs on the second go. On another note.. Using this tire on a HED Jet RC6 Performance wheel - the tire beads will become stuck to rim. You'll need to use the wooden block / step method to break the bead from the rim wall. The other side will also be a challenge. I needed to use protective strips of wood and pliers to pry that bead away from the rim.
Added tip: If the tire has been folded, leave it unfolded and in the sun to help the bead straighten and the tire to be more flexible, prior to mounting.
My local bike shop insists that the key is to build up the inside with extra rim tape. Seems the narrow the tire and rim, the harder all this is. My mountain bike with 2.2 tires went on fine whereas my old gravel bike with 650b x 38 and my new gravel bike with 700x 40mm were both a huge pain.
Somewhat gently bounce/smush the tire on the ground vertically all the way around the rim so that both sides of the tire flair out towards the sides rim a bit.
It's easier to seat just one bead , if you're having trouble. Put in a tube blow it up , seats both beads no problem. Pull out inner tube add sealant and you only have to seat one side
No issues with assembly for me ruclips.net/user/postUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L but I could see where some might benefit from using an experienced bike assembler/mechanic. I'm an older rider starting back after a 10 year break. This bike exceeds my capabilities and has been easy to get comfortable riding. I'm mostly on easy trails with almost no street riding and have not been disappointed with the performance of the bike. My fitness level is far below what I previously rode with and because of that the mileage is going on the bike slowly. While I'm losing weight slowly, the bike seems to tolerate my 220 pounds just fine. The bike has been used by several family members ranging from 5'5" - 5'9".
I think you skipped over the importance of inspecting and applying rim tape, making sure you’re using either brand name tape like Stan’s or very least Gorilla Tape. It’s one of the key aspects for creating an overall seal airtight, especially the overlap and tight pull method and how to properly puncture a hole for the valve through the tape.
I have a pair of those same tires that you are seating in the video Neil. They are an awesome tire in every riding category. Trying to seat them without an air compressor, which took forever using ever trick imaginable caused me to use every four letter word I knew. I’m pretty sure I even made some up. If they ever flat on a trail and brake the seal I’ll just stick a tube in to get home.
You are awesome man. Your trick with placing a regular tube inside to have at least one side fully on the beads did the trick for me. With one side on the beads an average track pump which I had was able to inflate the tire to push the second side into place.
Lifting the bead up on the rim wall did the trick for me! Thanks for the tip🙌
Tire lever trick saved my ass! Excellent tip! Thank you!!
Mate you are a true life saver! Couldn't manage to do with footh pump, but co2 did the job after clciking one side... ❤
Glad it helped, woohoo!
When I tried seating a Gravelking Slick, it wouldn't even work with a gas station compressor, so I ended up buying one of those tubeless boosters, definitely worth it, and way more sustainable than a co2 cartridge
This must be a thing with GK tires in general. I had the same issue with my compressor even with the valve core out. Also, I lined up the logo with the valve stem, and I've noticed that both my tires (yes, even the front) have taken a few "laps" around the rim. I like Gravelkings, but perhaps it's time to find another brand this year.
I was comparison shopping Gravelking SS and Teravail Washburn. Went with Washburn and they mounted first attempt. Happy with how the ride so far.
Ha. I found this video because I'm trying to seat the same tires
Oddly I'm watching this video for exactly the same reason...
brand new gravelking SKs... its why i'm here
Thanks Neil, I was struggling even with compressor. I tried the tire lever trick and BINGO.
Worked for me as well, thanks. Only had to use the lever on one side.
This is the only place I've seen the technique of using a tyre lever to seat the bead. That did the trick for me.
I was really struggling tying to seat a pair of Rene Herse Fleecer Ridges. Then I saw the tire you were trying to seat and I had to laugh. It broke the frustration and gave me some tips which helped me get the job done.
Sometimes there is the “perfect” video.
This guy knows what he is doing. Watch at 1:50. I had to come back to give him credit after I finally inflated my tire. I tried all the other crazy methods and his way is simple and worked in about 3 minutes even without getting the tire seated all the way around.
Thanks so much! My first time fitting new tyres as my bike shop did it the first time. I was about at my wits end but found your vid. I used working the bead onto top of rim method, couldn't get all the way round cos the tyres were so tight. Made it about 80% then managed to pop one side on using a co2 cartridge. Then did the same with the other side and the other wheel.
Again, thanks so much for your helpful tips - top man! 🤩😎
Floor pump tubeless setup is my favorite upper body workout. Pump vigorously 👌
😝😝😝
I have a compressor, etc. However, I was having a real issue with some off-set rims where the rim tape had dimpled into the spoke holes just enough to prevent a seal to set a bead (the bead wanted to sit over the spoke depressions on one side). Your innertube idea saved my life. I used the tube to set the bed and removed the tube from the side without the spokes and presto. My other option would have been to re-tape the rim but now I don't have to. Thanks.
I had the same issue as you with tape and rim holes. Instead of re-taping I just cover those holes with one layer of electric tape. Works fine without tube or setting the bead with tire lever
Thanks so much for this guide! Even with a compressor it wasn't popping and the way you showed putting the bead on manually was the trick I needed for the rest of it to work. Still have sore hands though ;_;
The inner tube technique worked for me first time for WTB byway on 650b. Great hack thanks 👊🏼
What I have noticed is when you put sealent in before try forcing the bead to the edge of the rim it keeps slipping to the middle of the rim because of the slippy sealent. What worked for me is do it al dry and when the bead is seated then deflate and put in the sealant.
Great channel btw!
Yep, that’s why I start dry, thanks for checking us out!
Is this dude the incredible hulk? That tire level configuring of one side of the tire is so brutally difficult and this guy makes it look like a hot knife goin thru butter!
thx for this video lol the innertube did the trick :) and had to put the otherside on the beat..... was a used Rene Herse tire fleeser ridge same as you have in vid. new tire goes a bit better :)
Putting in a tube is an awesome hack for when you're out on the road with a smaller chamber pump.
worked so well thankyou
Thankyou! lifting up bead worked for me, I was cursing and swearing beforehand
Such valuable info.. especially since i have no idea what im doing!
when I learned the tire lever trick, life got waaaaay better
Very helpful, many thanks.
Got it with your tips - thanks!!
Imma try that tube trick! I got a car pump that worked before. But this new tire is a PITA!
A sort of middle road in between the lever lift and inserting a tube is to use your hand and manually press the bead into the hook (if it's a hooked rim) all the way around on one side. I will usually put some sealant on my finger and and "paint" the bead this way as well because it seems to stick in just a hair better (I think it's more about the vacuum than the sealant actually bonding in the short of time).
It's a little tedious to get perfect but if you gotta do it, you gotta do it!
hello mate thanks for vid, tryed all the others ways and nothink worked,, but intube first then blow that up then deflate and take out ,then tubeless worked first go 👍👍👍👍
Flash charger didn't work. Compressor didn't work. This did!! Thank you!
A compression strap, or even a tube in a pinch, wrapped around the outer circumference of the tire can help minimize air loss.
team-tubes checking in on how yall running goo are getting along...
We're despondent.
@@craigcollins4302 hahaa
I added a 3rd layer of tape (Bontrager Aeolus Elite 35 Rim / Vittoria Rubino Pro 25c Tire). The tire finally sealed using a Bontrager Flash Charger pump pressurized at 116 Lbs on the second go. On another note.. Using this tire on a HED Jet RC6 Performance wheel - the tire beads will become stuck to rim. You'll need to use the wooden block / step method to break the bead from the rim wall. The other side will also be a challenge. I needed to use protective strips of wood and pliers to pry that bead away from the rim.
A spritz of soapy water all around the inside of the rim and on the bead of the tire can really help in some circumstances.
Rene Herse tires (even endurance plus) have been the ones that usually give me trouble during setup.
Added tip: If the tire has been folded, leave it unfolded and in the sun to help the bead straighten and the tire to be more flexible, prior to mounting.
Foldable tire?
We do this at my shop. I call it letting the tire breath.
My local bike shop insists that the key is to build up the inside with extra rim tape. Seems the narrow the tire and rim, the harder all this is. My mountain bike with 2.2 tires went on fine whereas my old gravel bike with 650b x 38 and my new gravel bike with 700x 40mm were both a huge pain.
Or... Build your own air compressor. A Coke bottle, a couple of old inner-tubes presta valves and a bit of 5mm inner diameter hose.
Works greats!
The easiest method I've found without air compressor is to simply use a CO2 cartridge. It's basically instantaneous, and I've never seen it fail.
Yep, good point. It's somewhat wasteful, but that has worked for me in the past with success.
I cam promise you, the CO2 success rate is not 100% :) Ask me how I know this.
About to convert my new Jeffsy to tubeless, with only a floor pump.
Let you know how I make out. Thanks for the really informative tips.
Just finished. Went smooth as butter. Both tires done on under a half hour no leaks.
what size air compressor would you recommend for these tires with not break the bank?
My gravel kings on a carbon hunt rim is a real pia even with a compressor. Easier on aluminum rim but still a pia.
Jan Heine recommends building up the rim with additional layers of tape if the tire goes on too easily.
Thanks for the upload. Would a CO2 canister be able to mount the tire?
Somewhat gently bounce/smush the tire on the ground vertically all the way around the rim so that both sides of the tire flair out towards the sides rim a bit.
Dude you are absolutely clutch as f*ck. definitely saved me and all my friend hella $$$ not having to buy a fancy pump
How long do tubeless tires hold air?
What tyre lever is that? Much bigger than typical clincher tyre levers I've used for tubed tyres over the years, looks a lot easier to use!
0:15 it just gets really old and lol.🤣
👍🏾🙏🏾
Doesn’t work on my 28mm road bike tyre unfortunately
Neil, do you think it is ever appropriate to use tire lubricant (like in auto tires) for mounting bicycle tires?
It's easier to seat just one bead , if you're having trouble. Put in a tube blow it up , seats both beads no problem. Pull out inner tube add sealant and you only have to seat one side
there is a battery powered air pump with good volume of air. cost 20$ (aliexpress) and it helps alot pumping tubeless tires
No issues with assembly for me ruclips.net/user/postUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L but I could see where some might benefit from using an experienced bike assembler/mechanic. I'm an older rider starting back after a 10 year break. This bike exceeds my capabilities and has been easy to get comfortable riding. I'm mostly on easy trails with almost no street riding and have not been disappointed with the performance of the bike. My fitness level is far below what I previously rode with and because of that the mileage is going on the bike slowly. While I'm losing weight slowly, the bike seems to tolerate my 220 pounds just fine. The bike has been used by several family members ranging from 5'5" - 5'9".
I think you skipped over the importance of inspecting and applying rim tape, making sure you’re using either brand name tape like Stan’s or very least Gorilla Tape. It’s one of the key aspects for creating an overall seal airtight, especially the overlap and tight pull method and how to properly puncture a hole for the valve through the tape.
cool tricks, but what if you tried them all and not a single one helped?
compressed air!
@@BIKEPACKINGcom I have tried two different air compressors
Dang, try to “pre-seat” the tire them use the compressor….
@@BIKEPACKINGcom turns out im just dumb i didnt give the compressor enough time to build pressure, once I did it inflated first try
Use inner tubes? I know . . .
Or just buy a tubeless floor pump which has internal chamber 😂 it is easy peasy lemon squeezy.
For sure, but tell that to the folks that hate when I talk about paying for more money to accomplish something easier.
This doesn’t work lol