Tubeless set up - how often do you have to change sealant?

CharlieH
CharlieH Posts: 410
edited February 2012 in MTB general
I'm running Stans flow wheels with maxxis high rollers (non lust) and wondered if it was time to go tubeless.

One thing I wasn't sure of though is how often you need to change/top up the sealant? I don't mind doing it once a year but if it's every 3 months or so then frankly I don't think I would keep on top of it

Comments

  • u05harrisb
    u05harrisb Posts: 531
    im using the stans liquid set myself up tubless this time last year, no P**********S and no topping up or changing of anything yet. i believe stans to be the most highly regarded sealant too.
  • tofu21
    tofu21 Posts: 359
    When I can't hear it sloshing about after the wheel has been left a while.
  • Northwind
    Northwind Posts: 14,675
    I don't, it lasts as long as a tyre generally (or as long as a tyre lasts before the weather changes and I want to change tyres)
    Uncompromising extremist
  • rhialto
    rhialto Posts: 277
    I tried several sealants. I found that the Hutchinson and Geax sealants dried up after about 6-9 months. I currently use Caffe Latex sealant, which is more runny than most and it stays liquid for at least a year. I tend to change my tyres at least that often so it is effective as long as I need it to be.
  • twonks
    twonks Posts: 352
    I have Stans in my tyres. Maxxis Advantage on 355 rims.

    Seems to last around 6 months before turning into a rubber ball inside the tyre, but I did go 12 months last time before a tyre change meant a refill anyway.
    Not been on the bike since August 2011 and I can still here liquid sloshing around, although the tyres are virtually flat.
    tbh I am not 100% sold on the tubeless idea. It seems like a good thing at the time, but I still have a constant nagging about punctures and not having enough liquid in etc.
    Also had a rear tyre blow off the rim after slipping over the edge of a rock, and cover me and the bike in a lovely white gunk. Rather annoying but half worth if for the immensly loud 'shotgun' bang it made :mrgreen:
  • CharlieH
    CharlieH Posts: 410
    Thanks for the replies so far. My only concern was I don't get out as much as I like (once or twice a month) so wasn't sure if the sealant would go off quicker just sat in the garage. I don't tend to change tyres either as I run 2.35 high rollers and they seem to be fine in most conditions except really muddy rides but then I tend to take the HT if it's that bad

    I think I might give it a go and see how I get on (while carrying spare tubes etc just in case)
  • davewalsh
    davewalsh Posts: 587
    I've been running a Minion tubeless for 14 months and it's just got to the point where I can hear a ball rolling around rather than liquid sloshing about. I ran an Ardent for 6 months and when I dismounted it, there was a ball of sealant gathered around a thorn but it still sloshed and didn't rattle.

    Based on the above, I'd recommend removing the tyre when the sloshing stops or rattling starts, patching any holes on the inside and topping up the sealant.
    Blue Pig
    Inbred

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