Sorry if this is basic, but want to make sure I do it right.
I’ve always glued my own tubulars. I bought some wheels earlier this summer, and am getting around to putting new tires on. When I took off the old
tubular, they used a double sided tape on both the rim and tire (I’ve never had experience with a tape)
My question is two-fold
Regardless of whether I glue it or use a tape, should I take the old tape off the rim? What’s the best way to get off? Rub some acetone on it? Or can I just put a new tape or glue right over it?
I’ve always used glue, but is tape gaining popularity? I actually bought some double sided tape a while back but never used it. I liked the ease as which the tire came off, so thinking of using it again.
Multiple guys on ST will tell you that NOT using tape is the #2 rule for tubulars (#1 is not using Tufo tires); apparently both #1 and #2 will increase rolling resistance. I can’t speak from experience on either one, but that’s what they told me when I posted a similar thread about tape/glue.
Depends on what you’re using it for, I guess. If you happen to be racing criteriums or circuits (and probably road races too), I wouldn’t advise the tape. I had a buddy roll a tubular off the rim (it was taped) during a crit a few weeks ago which resulted in a very nasty crash.
I have never glued a tubular, looked into the process and decided to pass, I love using the tufo tape. I can position the tire perfectly down the centerline then remove the plastic for a perfectly centered tired with no fuss. As for removing old tape or glue I always use “Goof Off”. Comes in a yellow tin (I think they make a spray version now), and can be found at Walmart or home improvement stores.
I haven’t used tubulars in 25 years. Stupid question but, do people still do surgery to a tubular and repair them? I don’t routinely see tubular repair kits any longer.