Looking for anyones experience using the xtream tape instead of gluing tubulars. I used the xtreame tape for my HED race wheels and will be racing at IMMOO next weekend.
Will the extreame tape work like normaly glue if you get a flat and need to replace the tire on the course?
Will there be enough glue from the tape?
Will I even be able to get the tire off the wheel?
Any other suggestions? I have never taken off a tire after using this tape yet, so I don’t know what to expect.
Last question: Do you recommend carrying a spare tire or just take a can or two of the PitStop?
Sorry for all the questions, with IM less than 10 days away I am now starting to worry about these types of things…
You will definitely need to take new tape with you. The old tape will be “shot” when you “try” and remove your flat tire.
I would practice taking off your tire and putting it back on before IMMOO! The tire will not come off easily, but with a little patience it will eventually peel off the rim.
Personally, I would ditch the tape and glue the tire on the rim.
Tufo tape is wonderful until you have to change a tire during a race, then it becomes a nightmare.
Regarding tire sealant. I use a deep dish rim (Zipp 808) and the sealant gums up the valve if used “post flat”. The effect is that it fills the tire, but leaves the valve open.
It’s best to use a tire sealant BEFORE you mount your tire. The tire sealant should do it’s job when the tire get’s pierced, but bring along some extra CO2 to fill the tire if it takes a while to work.
Getting a tire off that’s been taped is a pain IMHO. I had to take one off in a non-race situation and it took me awhile. Make sure you pre-stretch your new tubular before the race just in case or it will be a bear to get on as well…
I had no luck with the Tufo sealant but I could’ve been doing something wrong…
The Extreme Tape is basically the 2nd generation of Tufo Tape.
If ya flat -
Take your single edge razor blade (all tubbie riders should carry one) and cut across the tire, then rip the tire clean off. This takes about 1 minute. As you remove the flat tire, you’ll expose a new section of the tape that is tacky (Extreme tape has basically 2 sections to it). Put the new tire on, inflate and go!!
The second tacky section is not quite as tacky as the original so just be a tad careful in corners.
No need to carry more tape, glue or other stuff. Just your spare, a CO2 gun, 1 cartridge and a razor blade. Tape the blade up under your seat with electrical tape.
seems like tufo tape doesn’t get much love on here. I’ve used both tape and glue extensively. Supposedly good glue is faster, but for me, the tape is quicker, easier and a lot less mess. The glue/tape debate has been beaten to death already on st so I’ll leave it at that. I have all my tires glued on right now, but as I replace tires, I plan to go back to the tape.
I’ve never had any problems getting tires off in a race. I’ve had to do it 2 or 3 times and I’ve found that a plastic tire lever is plenty to get the tire off. The razor blade trick works too. When you take your tire off, there will be a layer of the tape left on the rim. Its plenty tacky enough to hold a spare tire on. I wouldn’t leave it like that indefinitely, but it will get you back to t2. Just don’t go screaming into any corners Its no less safe than slapping a spare on a glued rim.
I was actually looking for advice on removing Tufo xtreme tape when I found your post.
I started with the tape and I’m going to start gluing.
The tape was easy to install, quick and clean. I was lucky though, I never had to change a flat in a race. Leave a small section at the valve to get your tire lever started. I rode Moo last year with tape, I was just glad I didn’t have to change a tire, it does stick quite well!
Judging by the amount of leftover tape on my rim I doubt you’d need a new tape for a flat repare, just corner carefully.
I carry Pitstop as well, it’s a first option for flat repair, no experience with it yet though.
Good luck. The Tape vs. Glue debate is ongoing, but I can’t stand getting the old tape off (apparently doesn’t have to be cleaned each installation, but I have too much build up and it’s getting messy).
Its no less safe than slapping a spare on a glued rim.