Going tubeless using 20" BMX inner tubes

D4V1D

I was just wondering how many people have gone tubeless using a 20" BMX tube. I had enough of snake biting my rear so gave the conversion a go. It has worked well for more than a year, so I've finally got round to doing the front after getting two big thorns in less than 1/2 mile which kill to tube out on the trail.

I haven't used special tires, just the standard ones which came on the Cube.

How long will the stans fluid last in the tube before it stops working?

I carry a set of tubes on long rides just in case I burp both off the rim.

meeksy66

I am also a "ghetto" tubeless man. Works for me.
About 9 months on current set up. I was told about 18 months on the stans then it needs replacing.

With you on the spare tube though.

Terrytibbs

I'm not too sure what you mean. Going tubeless with a tube? Do you mean using a 20" tube instead of a tubeless rim tape to seal around the spoke holes?

But anyway, just stick a rim strip in and some sealant, let it seal the gaps and it should be ok.

jimothy78

Terrytibbs wrote:

I'm not too sure what you mean. Going tubeless with a tube? Do you mean using a 20" tube instead of a tubeless rim tape to seal around the spoke holes?

yes - the 20" tube is mounted on the rim and then split and wrapped over the bead hook on the rim. The tyre is then fitted and the excess tube material trimmed off where it sticks out from under the tyre. Google "ghetto tubeless" for more details.

Terrytibbs

jimothy78 wrote:

Terrytibbs wrote:

I'm not too sure what you mean. Going tubeless with a tube? Do you mean using a 20" tube instead of a tubeless rim tape to seal around the spoke holes?

yes - the 20" tube is mounted on the rim and then split and wrapped over the bead hook on the rim. The tyre is then fitted and the excess tube material trimmed off where it sticks out from under the tyre. Google "ghetto tubeless" for more details.

Fair enough then, if it works I suppose it's fine. Doesn't it look messy around the outside of the tyre where you've cut it?

jimothy78

Terrytibbs wrote:

Fair enough then, if it works I suppose it's fine.

I've never tried it myself (I'm happy enough running tubes), but from what I hear, it's pretty good.
It would work out slightly heavier than using the official tubeless conversion kits, but a lot cheaper, and because the tube material overhangs the bead hook, you can use any tyre and it seals easier - no need to build up layers of tape to precisely the right depth, etc, etc.

Doesn't it look messy around the outside of the tyre where you've cut it?

not that you'd notice:

kja

I've been using this method for over two years now, on several different sets of wheels. Once you've done it a couple of times it's reallyvery straightforward. I use a CO2 canister to pop the beads into the rim, then deflate almost completely and pump up with a track pump. Originally I used Effeto Caffe Latex sealant, but now finding the Stans much better.

iwilldoit

I take it when you use the bmx tube you have to use a new one every time you change a tyre ?

Jgb1

Just use gorilla tape instead of tube. Less weight and less mess I would of thought. Works great for me.