Can I go tubeless with these tyres?

DLSilsbury

Hi all, my mountain bike currently has these tires:
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/compo ... ort/105772

There's no mention of them being tubeless compatible but I've heard that they don't necessarily have to be. Do I need new tires? Or will these be OK? I'd prefer to use the ones I've got already.

cooldad

Most will work with the right rim tape, sealant and valves, but wire bead are harder to seat properly than folding bead.

DLSilsbury

Thanks for the reply, I'll give it a go to save myself £80 or so quid then.

JBA

You may struggle to get the wired bead to seal, as Cool Dad says.
Try using the Specialized 2Bliss Rim Tapes. They only cost a couple of quid each and I have converted 2 sets of wheels using them without any problems at all.
There are always plenty of Specialized tyres on sale so you may be better off buying a pair in Control or Grid flavour and avoid the hassle of your current tyres not sealing.

DLSilsbury

Thanks JBA, I'm a little reluctant to buy new tyres because these are brand new (came with bike). Are you saying the tape you recommend would help with my tires or is that just general advice?

The Rookie

I would guess at general advice.

I don't know about Spesh tyres, but a lot of OE fit tyres are nowhere near as good as the proper option aftermarket ones.

DLSilsbury

Thanks Rookie, yes I have heard that elsewhere.. I'll probably end up getting new tyres then.