Panaracer 650b Install

Several months back, the rear WTB Byway 650b tire developed a "bump, bump..bump" while riding. Upon examination, it seemed the tire carcass was breaking down and slowly leaking air thru the tread? Time to put on the Panaracers 1.90 I've had for a while as a back-up set.

650b Conversion With WTB Byway 47mm Tires Video

I cut off the rear tire and saved the Gorilla Tape seal job. The front tire was sealed real good and took 30 minutes to carefully remove while saving the tape work for the new tire. I wiped down the rims with a damp cloth and slicked up things.

Panaracers 650b x 1.90 tires, Orange Sealant, air Booster

Time to put on the new Panaracers. From my experience, getting the tubeless tires to seal can  
really easy... OR a hellva chore. I waxed up the tire bead well with a old candle. This would allow the bead to slide outward on the tape and enhance the sealing to the rim. I tried the hand pump to no avail on either wheel. No amount of squeezing would help.

I had chucked my old 2-liter cola bottle inflater from the last install. I sort of worked, but I always wondered when the sides would blow, even with the excess of duct tape wrapped around & around. I could make one out of PVC pipe or finally buy something safe. Didn't have any 3" OR 4" pipe lying around so checked the internet for inflater reviews. Didn't need a pump with it, so there were several that seemed to work well via reviews. I ordered out a Schwalbe Tire Booster which had the best price with free shipping. Came in 2-days without Amazon Prime from Planet Bike. Reading the enclosed info... same China company that makes AIRSHOT!

Panaracers on Diverge after test ride.

I pumped up the Booster to 120psi (goes to 160psi) and let 'er rip. Pop, POP and sealed right up. Same with the other wheel. I pulled the Booster and pumped up by hand next. No problem. Orange Endurance Sealant was next... 4oz per wheel. Cleaned up the inner valve stem and put in the clean valve. Aired them up to 60psi and sloshed the sealant around. ( Always write the date and amount of sealant added on the sidewall of each tire with permanent marker.)

Since this is a different complete wheelset from the 700 wheels, the front brake rotor aligned perfectly. The rear needed a reset to spin freely. After cleaning up the bike (esp. the brake rotors and pads with brake cleaner), it was time for a road test after dropping the tire pressure down to 40psi. Weather was crappy, with high easterly winds, 50 degrees and rain spitting as I headed out and around town. All was well. I'll check the tire pressure in the morning to confirm the super seal. Also next long ride to adjust the tire pressure for these slightly wider 1.90 tires.

-randorides