p***ncture aviodance help please

Rudd

I have two questions, any advice gratefully recieved!

I p**nctured this morning, it was a small slash in the tyre. I have heard that some riders fill the slash with super glue to help proect the weak spot, is this advisable/have any effect?

Also I have Campag zondas and really struggle to get tyres on and off the rim, I've had to start riding 23's as they are a bit easier but getting the new tyre on takes all the tricks in the book plus some lubricating fary liquid! Does anyone know a make/model of tyre that is both easy to get on campy rims and has a good level of p****ture resistance?

Thanks

geoff_ss

Using Cyano (aka superglue) is OK provided the damage is to the rubber only. If the casing is damaged it won't do any good. You may get away with it if the slit is very small (< 1mm?) but otherwise I'm afraid it's better to replace the tyre.

No experience with Campag rims but some tyres are are very difficult to fit. Just make sure when refitting the tyre that you start away from the valve and ensure the bead is right into the rim well before trying to get on at the valve. I always used to fit motor cycle tyres with the inner tube inside the tyre before I started. I know some people do that with pedal cycle tyres but I've never tried it. Only as a very very last resort use a lever for refitting.

Geoff

JWSurrey

I think it was Cycling Plus this month that did a tyre fitting page - They pointed out that chunky rim tape can cause a problem.
Campag's standard rim tape is super thin, so probably not that in your case.

I use a VAR tool - available online from BikePlus and also SJS Cycles.
A competing product is the Crank Bros Speed Lever. The VAR tool is certainly small and light enough to carry, although I've never seen a Speed Lever in the flesh.

I put some flexible adhesive similar to Super Glue in the slits in my tread, just to stop grit getting back in there - I think it's some sort of Bostik glue that I got in B&Q, which is sold as being good for mending rubber soled shoes etc. It does occasionally drop out and need re-gluing - especially if I was too lazy to clean the hole thoroughly first.

My GP4000 used to get rubber slits quite a lot, but nontheless a good tyre.
Since chaning to GP4 Seasons - Not had the problem.

Conti. tyres have had many posts on here with regard to them being difficult to fit.
Campag. rims, the same.
I use both - With the VAR lever, it's not a problem for me.

NWLondoner

The crank brothers speed lever is very good.

I have used it on Schwalbe Marathon Plus 38c, Conti Sport Plus 25c and Spec Armadillo All Condition Elite 23c. I manage to get all these on and off with relative ease.