To Stans or not to Stans

**Big Hit77** · 07-20-2007, 01:54 PM

Ok, my LBS has a kit of the Stans-No tubes that would fit my wheels(sun Singletracks) on Sale for half price right now. Is the conversion worth 50 bucks?
If I do go this route, does anyone have any advice or tips?

Thanks

**Particle** · 07-20-2007, 02:00 PM

Do a search on this forum for 'ghetto tubeless'.

**rideit** · 07-20-2007, 02:21 PM

20" presta tubes, some scissors, some strapping tape, some liquid latex, and some pulverized drywall.

Done.

For like $6.00 a wheel.

**spider** · 07-20-2007, 02:23 PM

I did the stan's route in the spring, since then I have riden about 500 miles without a pinch flat, that alone is worth $50 to me.
Better traction and saving a few grams also a +.
If you don't have a compressor, borrowing one or going to the gas station to set the bead (like I did) is kind of a pain in the ass.
Personally, I say go for it.

**jibco** · 07-20-2007, 02:37 PM

You could make your own kit, but I've had great success with stan's kit (same one) for years. I own a compressor, but I've gotten then to seat with a floor pump.

**InspectorGadget** · 07-20-2007, 06:14 PM

Originally Posted by Particle

Do a search on this forum for 'ghetto tubeless'.

Seconded.

**mntlion** · 07-20-2007, 06:58 PM

worth going tubeless: yes

stans: yes if you like a clean prebuilt, plug and play
no if you dont mind some fussing (and search ghetto)

**mountaingirl1961** · 07-21-2007, 12:06 AM

Originally Posted by rideit

20" presta tubes, some scissors, some strapping tape, some liquid latex, and some pulverized drywall.

Done.

For like $6.00 a wheel.

I think Walt used about half of that trick when we set me up to go tubeless (one drunken night at Gooseberry, where were you?)

Filleted tubes, some Stans, a good floor pump and some elbow grease. Voila - tubeless, and for a whole lot cheaper than using the whole conversion kit.

**Big Hit77** · 07-21-2007, 07:32 AM

Thanks for all the replies! I just have to decide now how lazy I am (and if that laziness is worth the extra money).

**yentna** · 07-21-2007, 10:06 AM

I've gone 3 ways now (insert joke here):

- Ghetto tubeless, works great, cheap and easy. (See the ghetto thread for details)

- Official Stans tubeless system and tubeless rims, also works great, just more expensive.

- Cheapest and easiest, though it depends on your rims if it'll work: Stans yellow rim tape only, no rubber rim liner / slashed tube

Throw the tire on with sealant in it, also works great and is super light, no flats yet.

No matter how you go about it though, tubeless is the way to go.

**Big Hit77** · 07-21-2007, 05:51 PM

ok, I took the lazy way out and bought the stans...I think i will install them tomorrow afternoon...Do i absolutely have to have an air compressor or can i get away with a floor pump?

**snoboy** · 07-22-2007, 04:11 PM

Get an air compressor if you can. Walk your wheels to the local gas station or whatever...

If the tires have been on rims with tubes for a while, then your life will be much easier, they start to take on the right shape.

I've done both, ghetto and Stan's full kit. Both work.