The tubular gluing hath begun...
This is going to be a multi-day project but now is about the time I need to start. So what do I need to begin this annual rite of cyclocross passage each, fall. Here goes:
a) Beer. Pick something Belgian.
b) Disposable gloves. Get a big box of the thicker Nitrile kind. Latex is too thin for this type of work. They're great for bike maintenance too!
c) Brushes. Buy a shed load of them. They are "acid" brushes and any hardware store has 'em. 29 cents.
d) Tubular glue. I get the toothpaste dispenser kind as it is easier to apply IMHO. I happen to use Vittoria but Conti is good too.
e) Sharpie pen: When you get these things glued, write in small print somewhere on the sidewall the date you finished gluing. Helpful to know as the glue truthfully has a shelf life. I would never go 2 cross seasons on a glued wheel personally.
f) Stretched tires. Do NOT start this unless you have had your new tubulars stretching for 2 weeks minimum, again IMHO. When it comes time to put the tire on the rim for good, it will make your life infinitely easier when stretched.
g) How you do it? I don't want to start a religious debate here but I have found success as follows: Do a tubular a night. Apply 3 coats each to tire and rim. Wait 20 minutes in between each coating. Slightly fill the tubular with air before putting the glued tire to the glued rim. When attached, fill that thing up to about 45% with air. Just enough to allow the pressure from the air to really squish the glue in place and removing any air pockets between the cotton and the carbon (or aluminum). Let it sit in a cool dark place for a week.
Thanks to Dwayne, my Sinsei, at Boulder Cycle Sport for teaching me.
Monday, August 6, 2007 at 8:56PM
Reader Comments (6)
Ahh . . . tubular glue. I remember it fondly. I remember what a crappy job I did when gluing my first pair back in college. Glue everywhere and a 1/2" side to side wobble in the tire. I also remember making the rookie error of not waiting long enough to ride a newly glued tub. You know what happened next, of course -- jumbo case of road rash. But I love that the CX mob keeps it real. Me? Sticking to clinchers, thank you very much. Fella's got to know his limitations. Rock on, mud brutha.
Ha! You are spot on man. Even last night having done this before I had a little glue mess situation but it is what it is. It's the real deal. Never used glue tape as I just haven't crossed the bridge of trust with it for 'cross yet.
I personally go for the tape, and have yet to roll a tire. The Tufo Extreme tape is a bit overkill, but if you are paranoid, it is the ticket. Just expect to do some cleaning with Acetone when you peel, and I mean peeeeeel, that tire off. I use the standard tape, a misting of water on the tape, slightly inflated tire, I can center my tread, and within minutes I am off riding. I know, it is cutting corners, but hey, I am American and I want my gratification NOW! However I am waiting a little longer for my new 953 stainless cross bike from IF...
I think I may have to cross the bridge of trust with this tape stuff. I made a mess last night! Ha!
Two things...I have seen Tufo tape fail and it is ugly when it does. So...if you want to experiment and risk it, feel free. One good thing to add, after inflating the glued tubular, give it a nice hard roll across the floor while holding the axle. Good things those Dugast tires aren't pink like the track ones!
You're spot on! After I got them on (and I TOTALLY pulled a rookie move and gunked up one of my pretty sidewalls with some glue when a tube slipped as I was putting it on...d'oh!), I inflated a bit, rolled em nice and hard to squish out air, then filled those bad boys up to like 55 psi. Today ,they feel nice and solid! Super bonded.
The 'pink' Dugast's you refer to are rare birds. They are the silk side-walled versions. More supple, lighter and again, rare.