I was about to order a can of the usual Vittoria Mastik and noticed that they have also a Continental “carbon rim cement” glue.
It will be interesting to hear any comments from those that have used this special “carbon rim” glue.
Sergio
I’ve used both but can’t tell a difference in mounting, cleaning, or riding.
I have only used Continental glue and never had any problems.
albert
I’ve used both but can’t tell a difference in mounting, cleaning, or riding.
I imagined that, but I was hoping that maybe someone could provide some Crr data, particularly over 6 months after gluing the tubular. I doubt that someone has that data, but it would be interesting.
Sergio
I have only used Continental glue and never had any problems.
albert
There are two Continental glues for tubulars.
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Continental Special Rim Cement (the “original” now Continental recommends it for Al rims)
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Continental Rim Cement for Carbom Rim.
Sergio
hmmm…didn’t know they had this new product in black tube…have only used the yellow tube…
hmmm…didn’t know they had this new product in black tube…have only used the yellow tube…
Neither did I.
My bet is this glue has some diferent composition that will stand better to higher temperatures, but that is just a guess.
Sergio
I’ve been gluing up tubulars for my Zipp wheels about 4 years now. Until recently I’ve used the Conti cement in the yellow tube. This glue was originally designed for aluminum rims. I changed when I got my new Zipps to the Conti carbon rim glue. It really is different. I followed the directions. Not as many applications of glue is needed. This glue is very sticky and grabs hold! It’s easy to spread and sets up quickly. I prefer it!
I’ve used Vittoria and Continental. Both worked OK; however, I learned about another product while racing in California. I was at a bike shop looking to replace my tubular when I began a conversation with a gentlemen hanging around the shop. He was a bike mechanic for the pros and has worked Tour of CA for years. His recommendation was to use 3M Fast Tack Trim Adhesive 8031. This glue is mainly used for auto upholstery. I will never use anything else. One application, one night of drying and your good to go. Caveat: I mainly do triathlons and have minimal experience with tubulars in crits, but he assured me the glue would hold just fine.
A word of caution about gluing up tubulars. I had an unfortunate experience. A very good mechanic glued up a tubular for me. He used Conti glue very heavily on the rim and tire. It was glued as for track or crits, maybe pro cyclists. I’m a triathlete, didn’t need that much glue. Well, it required a lot of force to remove that tubular when it was punctured. In the process, the carbon rim became delaminated. Of course, the Zipp rim was out of warranty. Zipp applied the crash warranty which helped some. Since then I follow gluing directions from the tire and wheel manufacturer.
There are several published tests comparing 3M Fast Tack against other tubular glues. These formal tests indicate that Vittoria and Continental glues are the best options. But I am aware some old timers swear by Fast Tack.
Sergio
A word of caution about gluing up tubulars. I had an unfortunate experience.** A very good mechanic glued up a tubular for me**. He used Conti glue very heavily on the rim and tire. It was glued as for track or crits, maybe pro cyclists. I’m a triathlete, didn’t need that much glue. Well, it required a lot of force to remove that tubular when it was punctured. In the process, the carbon rim became delaminated. Of course, the Zipp rim was out of warranty. Zipp applied the crash warranty which helped some. Since then I follow gluing directions from the tire and wheel manufacturer.
Your mechanic did a great job, that is how tubulars should always be glued.
Sergio
Sergio…
The only issue with this glue is that it is really aggressive… kinda difficult to position the tire straight once contact has been made.
A word of caution about gluing up tubulars. I had an unfortunate experience.** A very good mechanic glued up a tubular for me**. He used Conti glue very heavily on the rim and tire. It was glued as for track or crits, maybe pro cyclists. I’m a triathlete, didn’t need that much glue. Well, it required a lot of force to remove that tubular when it was punctured. In the process, the carbon rim became delaminated. Of course, the Zipp rim was out of warranty. Zipp applied the crash warranty which helped some. Since then I follow gluing directions from the tire and wheel manufacturer.
Your mechanic did a great job, that is how tubulars should always be glued.
Sergio
Are you saying that to get the best performance, tubulars need to be glued such that the carbon rim bed is damaged upon removal?
To quote Elaine from “Seinfeld”: “Really? I don’t know how you guys live with those things…” 
I had one of my carbon tubulars glued by a local shop who said he put plenty of glue on there. The glue broke off pretty easily and the tire wasn’t held on at the sidewalls at all. The tire I glued with tons of glue I can’t even get off, however, I don’t think I did a very even job and it isn’t flat against the rim at the stem. The one thing I did was put some glue in a plastic syringe and squirt glue in areas around the sidewall that needed more. Not sure if this is a good or not. I guess I am back at square one trying to figure out if I should just practice more or find someone better to glue it.
There are several published tests comparing 3M Fast Tack against other tubular glues. These formal tests indicate that Vittoria and Continental glues are the best options. But I am aware some old timers swear by Fast Tack.
Sergio
I’ve read those results as well. My LBS uses Fast Tack but in gluing the tires myself I opted for the regular Continental glue and it works just fine. Gonna try Vittoria next time to see if there is any difference.
I use a small (disposable) brush and apply glue from edge to edge on tire and rim. Some people like to use a plastic bag over their finger. I tried that. Glue was in the middle of the tire and hard to spread** evenly** with my finger to the edge. It’s all in the application, IMHO. Thick glue doesn’t matter if it’s only in the middle of the tire or rim.
There are several published tests comparing 3M Fast Tack against other tubular glues. These formal tests indicate that Vittoria and Continental glues are the best options. But I am aware some old timers swear by Fast Tack.
Sergio
I have used them all. i am still alive but wont use 3M fast tack any more . it loosens the base tape sometimes.
Are you saying that to get the best performance, tubulars need to be glued such that the carbon rim bed is damaged upon removal?
To quote Elaine from “Seinfeld”: “Really? I don’t know how you guys live with those things…”
Yeah tubulars are cool, I like riding them in my local sprint tri averaging 19 mph on my P3 bike with 6cm of spacers. Much better ride. Need to ride what the pros do. Need to be able to ride one flat to the finish. Cool man. I would be pro if I wanted to.
Edit: In the last 15 minutes I decided that I am in fact going pro. As soon as I can clean my hands of this horrible tubular glue mess I will fill out the paperwork.
Schlauchreifenkitt.