Mountain Bike Reviews Forum banner
Cancel
Create thread New Forums

Maxxis Ikon setup as tubeless, leaking air from LITERALLY everywhere?

Jump to Latest
1 - 9 of 9 Posts
J

jonesy_

· Registered
Joined
·
7 Posts
Discussion starter · #1 ·
Hello,
I just set up as tubeless my Maxxis Ikon wheels, that say "Tubeless ready" on the sidewalls, and Dt Swiss Spline 1700 x wheels, which also say tubeless ready.

I did the exactly same procedure for both.

The front wheel is fine, but after the first night, the rear wheel had lost a lot of air and was almost flat.

I just put it into the bath tub to find the leak, and it seems to me as LITERALLY the entire surface of the tire's sidewalls is leaking. Any part I submerge, around the tire's circumference, is visibly leaking air with the tiniest stream of bubbles from multiple points.

Note that while these are not new tires, at 3000 km, I have not abused them at all, since I only ride easy trails.

It looks like the very thread of the tire is not able to hold air.

Is this normal? Is there anything I can do?

I can post a video if it helps.

Thanks!
 
#3 ·
I have a 29x2.1 Ikon that is constantly moist on the sidewalls from sealant (stans) leaking through the sidewalls. It's not too bad, maybe add air once a week. The thing is it just won't wear out so I can replace it with something else.
 
Discussion starter · #5 ·
glader60 said:
I have a 29x2.1 Ikon that is constantly moist on the sidewalls from sealant (stans) leaking through the sidewalls. It's not too bad, maybe add air once a week. The thing is it just won't wear out so I can replace it with something else.
Click to expand...
Mine goes almost empty overnight. I haven't found any leaks other than the sidewalls, from submerging it in the bath tub.
 
#6 ·
How chronologically old are they? People don't pay a lot of attention to it, but rubber deteriorates from exposure to ozone and sunlight. So even if they haven't been "abused," any tendency to porous sidewalls is going to be increased by age/exposure.
 
#7 ·
Go to Stan's website (notubes.com) and check out 'Tubeless Conversion Install' video of how to ensure sealant is worked into all surfaces after pumping up tire. I've had a few tires with tiny sidewall leaks and this worked for me. With wheel off bike, bounce it while slowly rotating 360 degrees a few times to get sealant into most areas. Then lay it on it's side so the sealant gets to sidewalls and penetrates these small holes (I use a bucket). It may take some time letting it get to the smallest leaks...I let it sit for hours then flipped it over. Eventually, only extremely small areas were left which were inconsequential and tire held air for days.

You did the right thing by submerging to understand where leaks are...so many people skip this step. Now you know SPECIFICALLY where the leaks are so you can fix them. Using a spray bottle of soapy water also works.
 
#8 ·
sturge said:
Go to Stan's website (notubes.com) and check out 'Tubeless Conversion Install' video of how to ensure sealant is worked into all surfaces after pumping up tire. I've had a few tires with tiny sidewall leaks and this worked for me. With wheel off bike, bounce it while slowly rotating 360 degrees a few times to get sealant into most areas. Then lay it on it's side so the sealant gets to sidewalls and penetrates these small holes (I use a bucket). It may take some time letting it get to the smallest leaks...I let it sit for hours then flipped it over. Eventually, only extremely small areas were left which were inconsequential and tire held air for days.

You did the right thing by submerging to understand where leaks are...so many people skip this step. Now you know SPECIFICALLY where the leaks are so you can fix them. Using a spray bottle of soapy water also works.
Click to expand...
This, alternatively if you can set them up hard at like 25-30psi, then immediately mount them and ride for 5-7 miles that is typically plenty of sloshing to get sealant everywhere inside the tire. Take a mini pump though so you can refill if needed (which is why I recommend the high psi above).

Also, don't be a weenie with the sealant. An extra ounce is not going to lose you the world cup podium or require a second mortgage.

Lastly, even a light 3000km is a lot of wear. Unless you're wanting them worn for low resistance road/gravel riding out might be time to get new ones anyway

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk
 
1 - 9 of 9 Posts
About this Discussion
8 Replies
7 Participants
Last post:
dcr1
Mountain Bike Reviews Forum
posts
16M
members
534K
Since
1990
A forum community dedicated to Mountain Bike owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about bike parts, components, deals, performance, modifications, classifieds, trails, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
General Discussion Downhill - Freeride California - Norcal Shocks and Suspension Passion