Mounting Tubulars

flintlock
flintlock Posts: 105
edited April 2008 in Workshop
I have just purchased my first set of tubular wheels (Bontrager XXX lite Carbon). I am about to mount the tubs using jantex tub tape, Can anybody please give me some tips on how I should mount the tubs, at the moment I've got the tubs on the rim (with no tape) at 10 bar, as per the Conti instructions. The rest of the instructions are then based on gluing.

Many Thanks

Neil

Comments

  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    The trickiest job is getting the backing tape off - Jantex uses a paper backing which tears very easily. You may find that you have to lift the tub from the rim to get to the torn ends and so trying to re-seat the tyre straight can be the hardest. Tufo extreme tape uses a plastic backing - doesn't tear and takes a fraction of the time to fit - sticks better too.
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • meagain
    meagain Posts: 2,331
    With the paper backing the trick I think is to use something thin/strong to lift the tub slightly from the rim as you are peeling the backing. I've used a kebab stick, resting across the rim walls. A little practice and can get all the way round without tearing. There was a similar Q not long ago - try a search?
    d.j.
    "Cancel my subscription to the resurrection."
  • bhm100
    bhm100 Posts: 102
    Like MEAGAIN said....

    but first apply the tape but leave the paper backing on. Then put on the tubs, inflate hard and leave overnight. Next day deflate the tub and you'll find the job easier.

    I find this stretches the tubs slightly and also helps to seat the tape on the rim. I think it's fair comment that tufo sticks better although I've used jantex with no problems.
  • flintlock
    flintlock Posts: 105
    I thought the idea of inflating the tubs to 10 bar was to shape the cloth part of the tub correctly? Can I not simply (after 12 hours) take the tub off, apply the tub tape, leave ovenight & then remove the tape backing & then simply attach the tub to the wheel?

    Thanks for all you help.

    Neil
  • bhm100
    bhm100 Posts: 102
    yep, 'course you can. :)

    I only do it that way so that the tub compresses the tape into the rim while it's stretching the tub itself. The paper tape is tricky to get off in one piece because it tears if you're not careful. And then you start picking at the edge to get started again (screwdriver/penknife) and that's when I've lifted the sticky tape from the rim itself and if it rucks up it's a right mess.

    Once you've used a few tubs you might find it easier simply to stretch then remove the tub completely, strip off the backing paper and then just roll the tub in place starting from the valve, align it properly and then finishing opposite the valve. Once stretched the last section of the tub will be easier to roll over the rim and you'll still have some time to adjust it centrally.

    Generally speaking that's what I do these days, but the "lift the tub & pull out the backing" is the best way to ensure you end up with the tub running centrally, and I'd advise anyone to start off with that method.
  • andyp
    andyp Posts: 10,550
    There's a good explanation of how to fit a tub using tape on Roadcyclinguk.com.
  • flintlock
    flintlock Posts: 105
    Thanks for all your help. I've now ordered some Tufo tape aswell.

    I hope tubs are worth the extra effort?

    Cheers

    Neil

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