Installation Instructions

SILCA Ultimate Tubeless Sealant uses the power of a foaming latex formula combined with chopped carbon fibers to boost sealing power even at higher pressures. Ultimate Tubeless Sealant contains 5% by volume, 6, 9, and 12mm chopped carbon fibers which have been reclaimed from recycled bicycles, carbon wheels, racecars, and aircraft components. A unique foaming latex formula allows for the very lightweight carbon fibers to be evenly dispersed within the sealant while riding, which allows for a higher fiber content than possible with Kevlar or fiberglass. At this high fiber loading, bundles of carbon fiber are carried directly to the puncture by the sealant flow where thousands of micro-bubbles collapse on each other, depositing their high stiffness carbon fibers over the hole. During this process, the carbon fibers form a dam of fibers against the tire casing not unlike a beaver dam of sticks blocking the flow of a stream. This dam of high stiffness/high strength fibers has been shown to seal holes in testing up to 7.5mm, some 25% larger than conventional technologies.

After the puncture is sealed, that area of the tire is left with a zone of carbon fiber reinforced latex bridging the top and bottom of the hole, helping to reduce the likelihood of future punctures in that area when compared to other sealant additives such as cornmeal, glitter, or fiberglass.

This superior sealing ability and hole reinforcing ability of the carbon fiber also allows for a higher concentration of anti-freeze agents in the sealant which means more effective sealing at low temperatures (6mm holes seal at 18deg F/ -7deg C), as well as longer lasting sealant (7-9months depending on humidity).

We recommend adding replenisher every 90-120 days depending on temperature and humidity where you live (see chart) to rejuvenate the sealant. Replenisher can also be used to replenish sealant on very porous tires during initial install. Some casing tires are very porous and will experience weeping of sealant throughout the casing sidewalls. Testing shows that weeping sidewalls can reduce sealant volume by 30% during the install, while also accelerating the aging of the sealant. Adding 30-50% of sealant volume back with the replenisher can ensure optimum performance and maximum life.

NOTE: Tires with extra-light casings can experience high amounts of weeping. We have seen this with tires from Rene Herse, Veloflex, and Teravail among others. The extremely porous side walls will soak up a¬†sealant causing premature drying. To account for this add either an extra oz of sealant or once the tire is mounted, inject an ounce of replenisher.

CO2, condensation from compressors, and talc powder can lead to hardening of the sealant. These should be avoided when installing the sealant.

For best results we recommend using Tensilyzed Polypropylene (TPP) rim tapes such as those sold by Stan's, Joe's, 3M, Tessa, and others. These are generally opaque tapes without printing on them and are much stronger and more abrasion resistant than vinyl based tapes.

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