Okay - so the time has come for me to replace my first tubular. The front on my Merckx roadie blew out and I am keen to get it rolling again. Question is how to mount it - tape or glue?
I am wondering if anyone has any extensive experience using Tubular Tape (I have some velox tape at home). Searches online and on the forum give a really divided opinion, but it seems that most people that are against tape haven’t actually used it and are more against the idea of it. I would be keen to hear from anyone who has continually used tape or anyone that has actual negative experience from it.
I use the bike for easier road riding - not training, not racing etc so I won’t be diving into any corners like in Crits - so potential for the tub rolling off is a bit less.
w,
I’ve been using Tufo tubular tape for few years. My experience is very positive but it’s limited to Continental tubular tires only.
Tufo tape is so easy to apply and will glue tire to the rim so strong that you will struggle to take tire of the rim next time when you have a puncture. It has a seriously strong adhesive…
Don’t worry, you’ll be able to ride Crits with it, I’ve been riding on DISC and had no issues with Tufo tape and Continental tires.
I would recommend it to anyone as it’s very easy to apply and you don’t have to wait like you would with regular glue/cement.
To build a confidence with Tufo tape try it on for few days, than deflate the tire and try to remove it… you’ll see, it’s not easy at all.
I was using Miyata Tubular tape (along with alot of riders) in Japan and my tires never came off… never heard of any of my friends coming off either… think you should be safe
What about getting a cheap pair of clincher wheels- the money saved on cheaper clincher tires vs tubs would quickly pay for itself wouldn’t it?
I know tubulars are lovely, but I fail to see the logic of using them for anything other than racing. My 2 cents.
The wheels are c record hubs / mavic ma40 and are in mint condition - given that I just can’t change them - I posted in wanted for new ma40 clinchers which I thought I could get shifter to build toy current hubs but no takers.
Also wanted to know for the track.
Second question - if you flat using tape can you easily swap out to a spare tubular you are carrying in the same way you can with glue (by using residual glue on the rim)? Or could you carry tape and quickly swap out on the road?
Yes you can, but it should be a temporary solution only.
I had a flat about few weeks ago and didn’t have Tufo tape at that moment so I mounted tire without it, relying on sticky residue on rim only. Just now when I read your question I deflated the tire to check how strong is a bond … well it’s not strong at all. But it will get you home without any problems. You should avoid any aggressive cornering until you reinstall the tire with Tufo tape.
I will do mine now…
BTW, Continental Competition tires are so bloody hard to put on the rim. So hard that I believe they will work even without tape but I am not willing to risk. One thing for sure is that with Tufo tape you are safe as with regular glue/cement if not even more. I remember taking my first tubular tire off the wheel (that was glued by professional, using glue) and it felt much easier to do then when I am using Tufo tape.
2joes2 suggestion for Miyata Tubular tape sounds really good.
Track Supermarket offers it at $38.00 for a box which would be enough to do about 10 tires.