Hi, Mel. You've recently answered a question of mine about tires and latex sealant but there is one thing that is still not clear for me:
I know that if you use tubeless rim with UST tire and latex sealant you don't need the rubber band recommended.
My question is: when you use tubeless rim with latex sealant and Non-UST tire ( i 've read that sometimes, not in Maui, you use Non-UST tires ) do you use the rubber band recommended ? I am asking you this because last year i raced with tubeless rims, latex sealant, Non-UST tires ( Minotaur 380 and larsen TT, front and rear respectively ) and without the rubber band and did't have problems, but i've recently tried to install a pair of Geax Mezcal Non-UST tires in my tubeless rims with latex sealant without the rubber band and i didn't succeed, they did'n inflate. After i put the rubber band in the rim i inflated the tires with no problems.
Do you think there are Non-UST tires that need and Non-UST tires that don't need the rubber band?
Do you think using the rubber band With Non-UST tires is safer, keeping the tire more fixed in the rim ?
Thanks, Mel, and best luck this year, Luiz.
PS.: Sorry for my terrible english.

With Shimano XTR Tubeless wheels and Maxxis tires I have never needed to use anything other than lates, tire and wheel to mount a non-UST tire. That said, sometimes it is tricky to get the tire to seal. I always require an air compressor to get the tire to inflate and often a bit of soapy water around the bead helps the tire to seat properly on the rim.

It is a bit of an art form... mounting non UST tires. I don't think the rubber band on the inside makes much difference in whether the tire will resist flats.. that is all about the sidewall.

I only ride Maxxis so I really can't comment on a Geax tire. Sorry!

Some non-UST tires just will not inflate on certain rims without that band probably.

Thanks, Mel. I'll try the soapy water.

Luiz, the "rubber band" with the integrated valve is needed to seal a non-UST rim. The main advantage to using them on tubeless rins is that it allows you to top up the latex from the valve without having to remount the tyre.

If your Geax tyres are folders you will need to inflate them off a rim with an inner to smooth them out. Other wise try inflating the tyre whilst sitting a wheel on top of the wheel you are trying to seat the tyre on. The other way to try is fitting a ratchet strap (like you would use to strap luggage on a car roof rack) whilst inflating it. A compressor really helps seat tubeless tyres but a floor pump will work most times.

Julian

Thanks very much for the tips. Here i learn lots of thing about triathlon and also improve my english
Julian, do you think a non UST tire with the " rubber band " stays more fixed on the rim that one without the rubber band ?

No, but it will be easier to keep it topped up with latex and also to seal.