Sealing Non-UST Kenda Blue Groove

[bananaseat]

I'm a stans advocate, and recently got a new Kenda Blue Groove (non-UST), using it as a front tire, and love it. But heard there's problems getting it to seal when used as "tubeless".

So, been riding it with a tube, and flatted on my last ride. Therefore attempted to convert it to tubeless last night for this weekend's rides. Spent 30-45 minutes shaking, spinning, etc, and couldn't get the damn thing to seal. Woke up this morning and it lost approx. 50% of it air.

Seeking advice, secrets, recommendations... thanks

p.s. forgot to mention, used 2-scoops of stan, and air compressor to seal the tire bead. trying to get it ready for a ride today and the sucker won't seal... FRUSTRATED!!!!

 

[ArrrKelly]

Go out and ride. It will seal up eventually. It is always a process getting kendas air tight.

 

[TURNERob]

Yep, like Stu said you just gotta ride it. I've found it will usually take 1-2 weeks for it to completely seal up.....but the more you ride it the better.

 

[Chaos]

had the same problem... and used up to 4scoops. sounds ridonkulous but i wanted the tire to seal. been holding air pretty well since.

 

[dstepper]

Curious, how much does a scoop of Stans weigh? It seems like by the time you get to 4 scoops it will be heavier than a tube.

 

[mcgrath]

My Kenda nevegals are just now finally sealed. They were the same way as you said. Lost air the first night almost the entire way. next night a little less, but I still said WTF... this is crap. Rode on them anyway, and it was night and day. Stan's site says that spinning doesnt help, but it seemed to help my tires.

Dean, I think that my wheels are about the same weight now than with tubes. I think it's the handling characteristics that make people want to run tubless.
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[kevinator]

...I think it's the handling characteristics that make people want to run tubless.
​

I agree. My first UST ride was descending the back side of the Sagebrush Safari course (from the fire tower) down that sh*tty jeep road with all the square rocks on it.

It took my Kenda's a week before they were airtight. The sealant lasts anywhere from 1-3 months (in my exp.), then becomes a Stanimal - a rubbery little sputnik. Gotta put your ear to the tire and spin it slowly to hear it tumbling inside the tire. Then you know it's refill time.
As far as weight goes, not really the point I think. I've watched goat-heads, cactus needles etc. violate my tires then the sealant bubbles out, dries and I keep on rolling. Something to entertain me en route to Old Camp.

 

[Chaos]

Curious, how much does a scoop of Stans weigh? It seems like by the time you get to 4 scoops it will be heavier than a tube.

perhaps it is... but i'm more concerned about thorns and pinch flats.
that's another reason why the other parts on my bikes are adorned with the lightest parts available for their specific application.

 

[project_d]

The rim also makes a difference. Some rims work better with Stan's that other rims. Also, my experience with Stan's is what condition your rim is in. Whether you're using it on a new vs. used rim will also make a difference.

Like others have said, you do need to ride it. I've used Stan's on a few tires, but one time I had a b!tch of a time getting one to seal. After trying to get it to seal for a few hours, I decided to just ride it around the block. Sealed up no problem! I've had times where I have to put more air in the tire after a week, to where I never had to put more air it the tire...cuz I had to get a new tire it was so worn!!!

 

[Evel Knievel]

Curious, how much does a scoop of Stans weigh? It seems like by the time you get to 4 scoops it will be heavier than a tube.

One ounce a scoop. It lightens up significantly as it evaporates and coats.

 

[bananaseat]

thanks for the replies. as listed, tire sealed after a couple rides this weekend.