Let me preface this by saying that it's a purely academic pursuit. Experimenting with a somewhat unique method of conversion, even though split tube is proven, reliable, and effective on this, and virtually any, wheelset.
I've always wondered about making one's own tubeless rim strips, whether out of plastic, or rubber, or even heat shrink film. I needed to pull the front tire off to replace the foam anyway, as I had used fiberglass insulation in a pinch. I didn't have any sill foam on hand at the time of initial install.
My improvised method:
Started with a wrap of shipping tape, sticky side up:
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15...09a78ae784.jpg
Then a wrap of ribbon, cut to width, followed by two offset wraps of shipping tape, adhesive down, to fill the valley:
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15...0889bc6c67.jpg
Then two wraps of sill foam. Pretty standard so far:
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15...2b792dd874.jpg
Here is where things get interesting. Take a suitable length and 6 to 7 inch width of 4 mil plastic sheet. Lay it out around the wheel and pull it tight:
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15...1f8b0cab93.jpg
Hold it in place or mark the overlap. Take it to an impulse sealer($20 on Amazon) and hit it once or twice to seal the loose ends together:
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15...6f4ea7cb55.jpg
Pull it over the wheel. It should be a snug fit:
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15...eb21efeb2a.jpg
Punch a hole and install a Schrader valve:
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15...4866910e0c.jpg
I screwed the pooch on the valve install. I need a washer on the inside, but made a rubber one out of tube rubber. Leaked a bit after install as a result.
This setup likely would have seated with a hand pump, if not for the valve leak. It did push the tire to the bead, but I had to use the compressor and allow sealant to seal the valve. Holds air like a champ, but I don't think rubber/plastic is as good a seal as rubber/rubber is. May need a little adhesive to equal split tube dexterity and burp resistance.
After applying the tire, but before trimming:
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15...972f6da491.jpg
I haven't run the setup yet, and am not recommending it, but I like the basic concept.
Advantages: Lighter than split tube. Unlimited cheap strips. Easy install. Fixed, threaded valve without using presta or expensive Schwalbe tubes. Moar funner.
Disadvantages: Not as grippy as tubes. Unproven. Separate valve and associated sealing issues. Requires special tool.
Up next: Acquire some boat wrap heat shrink and test it out. Try other forms of plastic. Increase bond between tire and strip. Testing. Profit.
Thanks for looking. Suggestions welcome.
