Flat Tire Help!

[Mtl_Biker]

Just over 350 km on my new e-bike and already I have a flat (front) tire. I had made it home (35km commute home) without problem but this morning when I went to the bike, the front tire was flat. How lucky I am that this didn't happen halfway home.

Anyway, I'm stuck about how to get the tire off the rim. (And I have motorcycle tire experience with changing flats, and on bicycles I've fixed probably more than 50 flats in my lifetime and never had a problem.)

But these tires and rims are "tubeless ready". And I can't even break the bead on the tire! How do you do this without damaging anything? Is there a technique? Special tool? Even my composite tire irons were bending so much that they were about to break. I can't imagine having to do this while on the road somewhere. At night. In the rain. (Murphy's Law!)

Any tips/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Also, should I consider right now changing to true tubeless with some kind of slime in the tire?

 

[Mtl_Biker]

Okay, I'm back from a visit to Mountain Equipment Coop and a talk with one of their bike technicians. His recommendation first of all was for a different tool for removing the tire... he said they use it for tube and tubeless wheels without problem. And it's a lot more substantial than the tire irons I'd been using for years.

MEC Pro Tire Lever

The technician also convinced me to switch over to tubeless. Especially with the timing of the tire already having to be removed from the rim. Even though my rims (2019 Giant Explore E+1 GTS) and tires are "Tubeless Ready", he said that the rim tape Giant used is just not good enough for tubeless. So he sold me this rim tape. He also said that most people bring in their rims so that MEC could install rim tape (would cost a little less he said) but since I only had my front wheel with me, I elected to buy the tape.

Orange Seal VersaValves and Continental Revo Sealant completed the deal.

So, tonight after work and tomorrow I'll be converting my wheels/tires over. Wish me luck!

Edit: Just called the local Giant dealer who is really experienced. He said that the existing "tape" on these wheels (even though it's more like a rigid plastic) is perfect without it needing to be replaced when going fully tubeless. So I'm going to put the wheel together this way first and test it out. Worst case would be if I then have to redo it (and clean the slime out) and replace the tape. Maybe I'll hold off on putting the sealant in just to see if the tire holds air.

 

[Handlebars]

I can't help, but I'm glad I read this because I've looked at "tubeless ready" tires while shopping for tires. I've got enough new things right now that I don't have a solid grip on, so I don't want to tangle with more ATM.

 

[Mtl_Biker]

I can't help, but I'm glad I read this because I've looked at "tubeless ready" tires while shopping for tires. I've got enough new things right now that I don't have a solid grip on, so I don't want to tangle with more ATM.

Besides having tires that are "tubeless ready" you also need a rim that is.

You should check out my thread: Mounting Tubeless - Tricks where I explain the process I went through. After buying a better tool for removing the tire ($5) from the rim, and getting the *right* rim tape on the wheel, I must say the process is actually very easy. I wouldn't at all fear doing it again. And now hopefully I'll be reaping the benefits of riding tubeless... flat tires much less often, being able to ride on lower pressures, less friction in the tire and lighter weight. In truth the only benefit I really care about is getting flats less often.