well your "average" MTB rim is not really designed to be run tubeless. Stans, with their rubber rim strips make the conversion possible by doing the following: 1.) Creating an air-tight seal between the tire/ rim strip 2.) Increasing the overall inside diameter of the rim due to the thickness of the rubber strip 3.) Increasing the friction between the tire-bead and rim lip by means of the rubber rim strip All three of the points listed above are significant in allowing a rider to convert his/ her said rim to a tubeless compatible system. Points 2 and 3 however are more than significant, they are absolutely critical in rider safety! Many riders, shops, mechanics and e-engineers seem to think it completely safe and logical to do without the rubber strip which Stans sell [for a ridiculous amount of money] and simply follow point 1 in my list above, forgetting 2 and 3. The method by which they do this varies, but the result is always the same: a wheel which may hold pressure, however a tire/ rim interface which in my opinion is by no means safe to ride. Without points 2 and 3 there is very little beside air pressure holding the tire on the rim, whats more is it seems to be commonplace to "convert" a non-UST tire in addition to the converted non-UST rim at the same time. This combination is recipe for disaster: blowing a tire [front or rear, your choice] of the rim at speed while loading the bike into a corner. Not a fun experience! If you are wanting to convert your wheels to tubeless I suggest: 1.) Forking out the cash for a Stans/ Joes kit 2.) Running a dinkim UST Tire morewoodkid2010-05-04 04:30:27
