Tubulars

rhys_gibby

Hello,

I installed a new tubular tyre on a front wheel today and part of the tyre is not sat on the rim centrally, in fact it's stuck there! I was thinking of taking the tyre off cleaning it and the rim with some solvent based something and re-doing it. I managed to do a good job on the back one!

Is this possible, or does it tear the tyre? And what should I use to clean the tubular tape sh!t left behind on the tyre and rim?

Thanks,

Rhys

andrewgturnbull

Hi there.

Ooops!

Yes you'll need to pull the tyre off and start again. I usually find that the excess tape just peels away without any solvent.

The best way (ime) to use tub tape is to put the tape on the rim but leave the backing layer of tape on. Then mount the tyre and inflate partially. You can now wiggle it around until you're happy with how its sitting. Now you can pull the tyre up a small section at a time and unpeel the backing tape little by little. If it helps you can stick a pencil under the tyre as you lift it, then roll the pencil around the rim as you unpeel the tape. Correct any mistakes as you go and you'll be fine.

Cheers, Andy

dennisn

When I use tape "Tufo" I put the tape on the rim. Then I spray the tape with water from a plant sprayer or something like that to wet it down. Then I spray the inside of the tubular tire with water until it's good and damp. Pump the tire up slightly and mount it on the rim.
The water allows you to slide the tire around on the rim to get it just right. Once it's "just right" pump to full pressure and this will set the glue. You are now ready to ride. No waiting required. At least this is how "Tufo" tape works. Pretty easy. Don't know about
other tape brands.

Dennis Noward

meagain

"And what should I use to clean the tubular tape sh!t left behind on the tyre and rim?"

White spirit works but automotive paint thinners better (the chemical *name* escapes me!).

rhys_gibby

The thing is as well is that it's a carbon rim so I dont thing the white spirit will be safe on it, so it may just be a case of good ol' elbow grease.

aracer

White spirit would be fine on the rims - though does have the problem of leaving behind a residue, and may not be the best solvent to use either. I'd suggest acetone (nail varnish remover) is probably a better choice. Automotive paint thinners may be OK, but I'd not personally risk them, as you're getting into chemicals which may react with the resin in your wheels with them.