Glueing and Changing Tubies

Triathlon Forum
1

I got a pair of 606’s for my wife (120 lbs) and going to try a pair of Vitt chrono’s for sprint/oly distance. First, is one glue better than another? I’ve been looking at the new Conti cement for carbon wheels. Second, I’m new to tubies so should I remove one after it’s glued just for experience or just wing it when the time comes. As for her, she’s not open to learning to change clincher or tubular right now.

2

Here is a nice article with some data to help you decide which glue may be best:

http://www2.bsn.com/cycling/articles/cements.html

I mainly use Vittoria Mastik One and have had zero issues with tire roll, glue breakdown, etc.

Also, before you go ahead and glue them on, make sure you stretch the tires by installing them on the rim with no glue, pumping them up pretty high, and leaving them on the rim for a day or two (or longer). If you skip that step, you will regret it once you try to install them when they’re covered in glue- it’ll be a wrestling match and will compromise the quality of the install (ie. flat spot in the tire).

Here is a good step-by-step for installing tubulars:

http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=101

Also- once you get these installed, leave them on until you NEED to remove them. You can damage the base tape when pulling off tubulars to reinstall, plus it’s a PITA that you don’t want to go through if you don’t need to.

Good luck. Riding tubulars is a joy. Installing them is the exact opposite of that.

3

I highly recommend that you do pull one off after a week or so. Two things; you’ll need a spare - one which has been glued up and ridden for a while. It will be streched, have a base coat of glue and be a bit more pliable - and a hell of a lot easier to mount out on the road.

And yes, I do think practice helps. BTW. please, please learn how to fold the damn spare if you strap it beneath your seat. It can say a lot about you…just sayin’ you know.

4

BTW. please, please learn how to fold the damn spare if you strap it beneath your seat. It can say a lot about you…just sayin’ you know.
Thanks, probably the best advice yet. Although it’s not for me and she won’t be changing anything. I guess there’s always the possibility of a savvy sag patrol.