[kcwoodhead]

So, if any of you saw my other post, you know that I just picked up a pair of used HED 3's. Yes, some of you may say I have no business on race wheels, but oh well.<br><br>
My only quelm is that they are tubulars. I know everyone has their own opinion, but I clearly have no experience with tubulars whatsoever. What should I do between now and my race to make sure I know what is going on?<br><br>
I plan to have them re-glued before my race and I plan to be there doing it with the people at my LBS so I can learn the ins and outs a little better.<br><br>
As for the actual race - I plan to carry 1 tire and have another in special needs. This is usually enough, right? Also, do most of you just put the new tire on without regluing in the race and it is usually good to finish off the race? Or do you bring tape along with you? I know they are glued with regular glue right now, as opposed to the tape. I'm talking about IMAZ here - anything special I should do since everyone seems to think you flat more there? I have conti tires on there now, but I'm not sure which kind. Both tires have only been ridden for 1 ironman race and that is it.<br><br>
Can anyone give me a "tubular tires for dummies" review?<br><br>
Thanks!!

 

[jroden]

the park tool web site has a nice overview. I like to either use the mastic one or continental glue. Mount the tire on the rim without glue and inflate it to check for leaks and stretch it, do the same for your spare. Practice mounting it without the glue.<br><br>
To glue on your tire, brush a very thin coat of glue on the rim and basetape, don't glop it on. Let dry and apply a second coat, let it dry until tacky and mount the tire. Set the tire with valve hole at 12 o clock and start mounting--now here's the key when you reach 3 and 9 o clock, you grab the tire and stretch it down toward the floor with all your weight. if you don't, it is very messy to get the last bit on. Avoid getting glue on the braking surface, you will have to remove it all later. When tire is mounted, add 40 pounds, straighten, inflate to 120 and le dry overnight. Check it before every race.<br><br>
If you flat, sometimes it's a challenge to get the old tire off, but once you do, there should be enough glue left on the rim to rold the spare one on OK, but don't try to bomb the turns. Don't throw the tire away, you can send them to <a href="http://www.tirealert.com" target="_blank">www.tirealert.com</a> and get them repaired. The best spare is a used tire with some glue still on it.<br><br>
I don't like the tape so much, it works OK, but sometimes comes off in chunks, plus it costs a lot for what it does. Somepeople use 3M Fasttack trim adhesive, you can glue up quicker with it, but it may disolve the basetape adhesive on some brands of tires.