Why are my tubeless tyres leaking?

Maximise the benefits and minimise the let-downs by following our top tips for going tubeless

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Tubeless technology offers potential advantages over the humble but effective inner tube, but it's not without issues. The most common gripe is the loss of air. While any tyre, especially lightweight models with thinner, more permeable sidewalls, will leak some air over time, if they do so quickly, or with regularity, then there's likely an issue that needs addressing.

• The tyres

Your tyres will need to be tubeless compatible for the system to work. If they aren't, you won't get an airtight seal due to the bead diameter and the sidewall construction. Assuming that your tyres are tubeless compatible, it could be the seating of the tyre that's causing issues. First, check the rim isn't damaged, looking for any dents or imperfections. If it's a new tyre that's leaking air, it could be that the bead, having been folded before installation, hasn't quite straightened out enough to ensure proper seating. Installing an inner tube and leaving it for a day or two can solve the problem. If you're unsure if your tubeless tyre is seated correctly then using a dedicated compressor is wise; it remains the best way to seat tubeless tyres and allows you to do so without having to resort to overinflating the tyre, which can damage the tape and rim.

• The rim