Getting Zipp 404's with tubies

Triathlon Forum
1

First time using tubies. Any hints on gluing; ie how much to use, how to apply.Also, how do you carry spares with glue applied?

Already heard that it might be a good idea to leave a small gap in the glue on the tire opposite from the stem. Just small enough to make it easier to remove but not so big as to risk the time coming off on its own. Good idea?

Anything else since I do not know enough to know what to ask.

By the way … I will be getting some instruction, but thought I’d see what the forum has to say.

Cheers & thanks in advance for our help.

Phread

2

Hi Phread,

I was in your shoes a couple months ago and now I ride tubular tires. Like most, I glue my tires and I use Panaracer glue. I’m not sure how it ranks since it is the only glue I have tried so far. Nasty stinky stuff but very strong.

I pump up the tire to a couple PSI so it fills out and I pinch it in the middle to make a “bow-tie”. Then I apply one coat of glue on the base layer tape making sure I cover the edges. The tape seems to absorb the glue pretty well and dry quickly. I then add one layer of glue to the rim and mount it right away. The glue gets tacky pretty quick here in the high desert. Super low humidity.

Depending on the tire, you may not need to leave an unglued section on the wheel for removal. The Servizio Corse tires from yellowjersey.org are “loose” enough that I can remove the tire. It’s tough but doable. Conti Competitions are extremely tight and I regret not leaving a space. I will probably have cut it off.

Once mounted, pump up the tire to the crazy high maximum PSI it can safely stand and let it sit overnight. My Conti sort of straightened itself out at 170 psi and I have a very well mounted tire.

– Boris

3

Wouldn’t a pre-glued spare stick to itself if it’s all folded up and stowed for a long ride or race?

4

I have a thin strip of glue on my spares, tire does not stick together, when swapped, it makes better contact with the glue on the rim.

5

i leave a small section of the tire unglued opposite the valve. it’s particularly key during a race – if you flat, your heart rate is high and your state of agitation is even higher. having that little space to get a finger or tire lever under can save a lot of time fumbling with a well glued tire.

6

For the most part, I found that a folded up pre-glued tire barely sticks to itself. There are some parts that do but it’s like a thin plastic wrapper sticking to your sweaty hands.

– Boris