Thru-Axle & Sealant First Timer

godtabh · 27-02-2026 10:02PM #1

got a new bike with thru axle and sealant. First time with this set up. What should I be taking out on the bike with me? What tools? Plugs etc.

any recommendations?

CramCycle · 27-02-2026 11:22PM

Allen key for the thru axle and a tube for the wheel, levers and a mini pump/CO2/electric pump. Make sure to put the Allen key fully in (I rounded my first one). If you feel a flat coming, hop off and spin the wheel and tilt the wheel so the puncture is facing to the ground if on the side wall.

Seth Brundle · 01-03-2026 08:52PM

You still need the ability to remove the tyre and out in a tube if needs be so as Cram says above, levers, tube and pump.

If you get a puncture and sealant is leaking over your rims &/or frame, wash it off with cold water ASAP before it hardens and ruins your rims &/or frame (e.g. a few squirts from your bidon).

youtheman · 01-03-2026 09:02PM

You need to practice taking off a tubeless tyre. It was a massive learning curve for me. My tyres were extremely tight on the wheels I have. Broke several tyre levers taking off the tyre the first time. Now I have a 'knack' so I know how to do it.

When you go to pump your tyres you'll inevitably get some sealant making it's way into the core of the valve. So you need to be careful when you pump your tyres, go gently and try not have sealant hissing out the valve. Learn how to remove the valve core to remove sealant from the o-ring. Better still, just buy a load a valve cores (very cheap) and replace them when you get any problems.

Sealant will eventually go hard, so you need to remove your tyre every so often, clean off any sealant that has gone hard, and replenish.

I don't bring anything with me, no spares, and I have been lucky for some years now. Worst case on a club spin I have to call a taxi to get me home.

lissard · 02-03-2026 09:56AM

Most of the time the tubeless setup works flawlessly. I had more than a year with zero punctures until one day I ran over some glass which sliced right through my sidewall - no sealant will fix that. Only solution was a tube followed by a very careful cycle home and immediately afterwards a new tyre. As for the repairable flats I think plugs do the trick. When pumping be gentle - if you use too much pressure you might expel all the sealant.

Macy0161 · 02-03-2026 03:36PM

I've had more success with Dynaplugs rather than the traditional bacon strips. But can be harder to get these days.

godtabh · 05-03-2026 07:33PM

will have to buy a few bits!

Thru-Axle & Sealant First Timer

Comments