New Tubeless Ready Rims for RCS Research

[IOUZIP]

I am starting to research new rims for my RCS. They have to be Tubeless ready rims. I would love to get rid of the 9mm qr front hubs and find something like 15mm setup. Has anyone a parts list for this?

 

[IOUZIP]

Since I cannot find documentation to guide me I will be posting as I go through this process.
First up I know I will have to build the wheels. No one sells exactly what I need which starts with rims.

26 rim 80mm wide 36 hole Tubeless Ready.
Sun Ringle Mulefüt 80SL 36 Hole Rim

For the hubs I found this set of 135mm hubs 36 hole and 14 gauge spokes. QR or 9mm are the options with the stock drop outs. I am going with the 9mm.
Novatec D101SB FRONT 135mm x 9mm Quick Release FAT BIKE Hub

 

[IOUZIP]

Front wheel hub and rims are in so I took them to LBS for lacing. This is a 36 hole setup front and back. Next week I will get the Maxxis tires and tubeless setup completed. Next up will be the rear wheel build.

 

[IOUZIP]

Rear Wheel is at the LBS and will have it all done by maybe next weekend. I have the spoke calculator done. The LBS is supplying the spokes, nipples and is lacing them.

 

[IOUZIP]

Just got the wheels back yesterday. No issues will go for a proper trail ride later this week. Total cost less the tires I already had was $580.00 for both wheels setup and tires mounted.

I am getting a new RCS Step Thru this week so I think my next project is to setup tubeless with the stock wheels. Sealant, Tape, Valves and Tires already here.

 

[IOUZIP]

Started to convert the RCS Step Thru wheels to tubeless. I taped the rims and got ready to inflate the Vee Tire Co. Mission Command Fat tire but could not seat the tire. Took the wheels and Vee Tire Co. Mission Command Fat tires to two Bike shops and neither could not get enough air in the tire (valve core removed) to push the sidewall out for the tire to seat. This week I ordered Huck Norris fat tire inserts which should resolve the sidewall issue and allow me to seat the tire on the rim. This will also provide pinch flat protection. If anyone else has tried the fat version of the Huck Norris inserts would like to hear your experience.

 

[Explorer-1]

What is the attraction of tubeless tires on the RCS?

 

[IOUZIP]

Tubeless is the best choice if you get a puncture. The sealant stops the air from leaking out. Bolton did a really good youtube video on which puncture protection choices worked the best. None of the solutions stopped the tire from going flat but some did better than others. They did another video on tubeless setup. Get any tire puncture and have to push a fat tire bike is no fun.

 

[Explorer-1]

Hmmm, tire sealant has worked for me in tubed tires. Seen those videos. I can see the sealant could work better in tubeless. I'ver found the cold weather can make sealant fail on holes its has already patched with my tubes. not sure if the same would be true for tubeless.

Thanks for explaining your reasons for tubeless.

 

[IOUZIP]

Just finished my tubeless setup on the front of the RCS Step Thru. Last week I had the hub replaced with a Novatec 135mm and today the wheel was converted to tubeless. The rim was taped and tubeless valve installed. 8 oz of Orange sealant and the tire is seated on the rim. Wheel is much lighter and the hub makes the wheel spin effortlessly.

 

[IOUZIP]

One tip from the conversion experience. The Stans 32mm schrader valve is good but the the locking nut that comes with it is not. I purchased another schrader valve set with O-Ring and nut to provide better sealing against the rim. The Stans rubber is volcanized to the valve stem and the rubber O-Ring and nut make a great combo. Very few choices when it comes to Schrader Valve tubeless sets. I found some of the other schrader valve rubber is very soft and deforms.

 

[IOUZIP]

So after working on the RCS I wanted to share a procedure that helps hold the rear wheel on with just 1 person.

I have used a velcro strip to hold the rear tire and wheel tight against the drop outs. This allows for the washers and nuts to be installed. This only works if you have a rear rack. Juiced also has a guide to installing the rear wheel. Rear Wheel Removal and Installation - CC - Service Guide

Also seating fat tires I found can be a difficult but if you get a Lashing Strap like the one I have from Home Depot Husky 1ftx8ft. Pull it tight to create a seal between the tire and rim works all the time. Just remember as soon as the tire starts to hold air loosen the strap. A hack I found online is if you remove the schrader valve and just insert the air chuck over the stem it forces 100% of the air into the tire much faster.