Which compressor for tubeless?

[Bearbonesnorm]

Any particular washing up liquid?

I've had good results with Morning Fresh but always found Fairy a little lacking.

[PeteG]

Undiluted washing up liquid isn't a good thing on rubber, well diluted should be fine though.
Are you aware that topeak now has its own flash charger? No doubt it'll be available for 40% off online before long. I've got one on order with the distributor.

[ScotRoutes]

Undiluted is also terrible for giving you dry skin.



* what moisturiser for serial tyre changers?

[ericrobo]

I have a Michelin Hi-power Tyre Inflator, which I use for my car tyres.

It's probably a Schrader type valve, so if I put a Schrader valve in the bike wheel I guess that would pump it up ?

(Then let it down to take the Schrader valve out and put a Presta in..)

Would it work ?

[Adventurer]

I must be Lucky as I thought I would try tubeless with my magic xc717 rims.

Put some yellow tape on and the tubeless kit. 1.5 red cup of latex. Spray tyre with asda own green liquid.

Track pump like mad, tap tyre on floor as I rotate wheel. Goes up.

It's a continental race King tyre.

Still on my ride at the moment and I've had to pull a few thorns out my tyre and its stayed up to my surprise. Normally would have stopped to fix the puncture so I'm happy so far,

[Wotsits]

I have a Michelin Hi-power Tyre Inflator, which I use for my car tyres.

It's probably a Schrader type valve, so if I put a Schrader valve in the bike wheel I guess that would pump it up ?

(Then let it down to take the Schrader valve out and put a Presta in..)

Would it work ?

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mobi ... -prod38828

Or

http://antranik.org/how-to-make-a-prest ... w-seconds/

[ericrobo]

Further research shows I can buy a couple of 'No flats tubeless Schrader valves' from CRC £10.99

So why shouldn't I run my tubeless tyres with Schrader ?

They do a good job on cars, so why do so many us choose Presta, which can be a bit awkward, and sometimes get bent.

Any comments ?

[ericrobo]

Thanks Wotsits, that will be useful

As for whether Schrader or Presta, apparently:
Since the stem on the presta is a lot narrower, it allows for manufacturers to make narrower wheels and tires. They tend to hold air better than Schrader valves. If you don’t have a bicycle pump that accommodates Presta valves (most allow both nowadays), you could just screw on an adapter and inflate it using the pumps at the gas stations. All you have to do is unscrew the nut to make the presta ready to permit airflow.

Can anybody confirm that Presta retains air better than Schrader ?

[Bearbonesnorm]

Can anybody confirm that Presta retains air better than Schrader ?

Given that they have a mechanical seal rather than relying on a spring, in theory I suppose they should do. I have a wheel set-up tubeless using Schrader and it's never given me cause for concern.

[fatbikephil]

Schraeders all round for me, as well as being easier to pump up tyres using the compressor (or a garage airline if my pumps fails) they are much more robust. I've broken the weedy rod on a presta a few times over the years and it once left me stranded. Got them on the 21mm rims on my fargo and they are cheap as chips on ebay - just look up tubeless motorcycle valves and buy the ones that are threaded all the way down. The ends may need filing to fit into the well of a narrow rim.

[Wotsits]

dp

[Wotsits]

I'd be really careful using washing up liquid around alloy bike parts, it's really corrosive even when diluted..
When it's stored it'll even eat through stainless steel, it's also not good for brass fittings- like spoke nipples!

I think it's something to do with the salts that are left behind when it dries, if any of these are trapped between the tyre & the rim it could cause corrosion..

I think the eu were even trying to label it as corrosive..

[ScotRoutes]

The EU wanted it listed as an irritant because it's not nice to have it in your eyes.

[Wotsits]

From a H&S perspective-
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science ... he-EU.html
http://www.theecologist.org/green_green ... iquid.html

But from an engineering perspective it's a big no-no for using a washing up liquid soap solution for leak testing gas pipework because it's so corrosive..

[Adventurer]

I'd be really careful using washing up liquid around alloy bike parts, it's really corrosive even when diluted..
When it's stored it'll even eat through stainless steel, it's also not good for brass fittings- like spoke nipples!

I think it's something to do with the salts that are left behind when it dries, if any of these are trapped between the tyre & the rim it could cause corrosion..

I think the eu were even trying to label it as corrosive..

They recommend a 'soapy' solution to help get the tyres on.
If washing up liquid is not a good idea what would be a good alternative?

I find bike spray cleaning stuff not very soapy. Could use car cleaning stuff but not good if you get onto your disc breaks or pads as it makes them squeal.

[ScotRoutes]

Washing up liquid is fine. You're not applying it neat.

[benp1]

Car tyre fitters tend to have a soapy solution at the ready, but that might literally be plain soap and water

[johnnystorm]

Hand soap from a small pump dispenser, it's probably what you'll use after you're done!

[Justchris]

Can anybody confirm that Presta retains air better than Schrader ?

I was under the impression that Presta valves can be used under a higher pressure compared to schrader, and there was not much difference between retaining air. So for using on a mtb it probably won't make much difference. But if you where audex riding on 23mm it might.

[Wotsits]

Without this turning into a chemistry lesson as i'm far from qualified! Just spoke to a mate of mine who's a tyre fitter, he said washing up liquid is a no-no & that they use a special tyre fitting stuff. He said just plain water would be worth a try, or maybe just add a little hand soap..

[Zippy]

Car tyre fitters tend to have a soapy solution at the ready, but that might literally be plain soap and water

Yeah, that's just called "tyre paste", e.g. http://www.tyre-equipment.co.uk/acatalo ... pound.html so not really soap. Next time you get your car tyres changed, you could probably blag a small little jar if you smile at them and give them a jar to fill.

Fairy liquid really is not good corrosion wise, salts and stuff etc. but obviously not a problem if you've definitely washed it ALL off. Pure soap is the way to go as an alternative - it's not expensive either and you can wash your lycra / gore tex and stuff with it (although I have no idea how slippery it is).

[Blackhound]

Thanks for the comments, I have been away and out of wi-fi signal since Saturday leading to a lack of response.

- The brand new Racing Ralph's were initially inflated with tubes for 24 hours.
- The front is down after an hour or so but the rear I cannot get to inflate at all.
- I always thought the soapy water was to help get the tyres on the rim in the first place and not to help pop onto the rim during inflation. I can try that again.
- I had forgotten the tip of taking the core out for inflation so can try that.
- I used the Wickens and Soderstrom sealant as I heard it was very good. It looks more like yogurt rather than the milky texture of Stan's. I have some Stan's so will try that as well.
- Might try another loop of rim tape as well.
- I have this week to sort it so a few more afternoons.

Previously I have used Conti RK's with eventual success after half filling the swear box to get them inflated. I saw a post by Stu some time ago who had little success and looking for alternatives. That is partly why I switched to the Schwalbe RR's - and they were in a sale.

[Ian]

At risk of going wildly off topic, where do Stan's "bunnies" come from?
I've noticed they tend to grow faster in tyres inflated with a CO2 canister than those you can inflate with up with a track pump.
Or is there a correlation with the use of soap?

[ScotRoutes]

I don't know if they still do but they used to recommend you don't use CO2 as it would solidify the sealant.

I hope you're collecting your Stanimals?

[Blackhound]

As ScotRoutes says CO2 not recommended. I did try 5 on my tyres nonetheless and they still wouldn't take.