embankmentlb

I cut my morning ride short today after about half way through the rear wheel developed a bump with every revolution. I actually thought I broke a spoke. Turns out that the 15 plus year old glue is letting go. As you can see the tire is loose from the rim when deflated. Is this a simple fix? Just re-glue and ride on? Is the tubular stretched or compromised in some way? Any advice is appreciated!
This was my one and only attempt at tubulars and like I said it was 15 plus years ago. I have forgotten what I didn’t even know at this point. Thanks !

embankmentlb

15 year old glue.

blamester

If it came off in one spot likely it can do the same in another. Best is remove inspect and then decide what to do.
And if it was me I would do both tyres if they are both on the same length of time.

gaucho777 

Yikes. Definitely time for a complete re-glue.

Also notice the base tape is curling up quite a bit. I'd also be concerned about that base tape detaching from the tire casing. (I had a harrowing experience coming down a long, twisting descent when a vintage Vittoria squadre prof came unglued from the base tape.)

I would remove both tires, check the base tape and re-glue as needed, and then re-glue the tires to the wheels.

Nice rims. Mavic Or 10?

EDIT: Are those Vittoria Ralley tubs? Looks like a non-removable valve. If so, might just be better off investing in a tire upgrade.

RobbieTunes

Remove.
Scrub residue from tyre and rim.
Tape back.

Velo Mule

Thanks for the clear pictures.

I am a little concerned for embankmentlb . While re-gluing the tire to the rim is the right thing to do, I also see that the glue that holds the, what do we call it, covering tape, is also getting old, This also is looking like it is loosing it's grip.

The tire is connected to the rim through this covering tape, so if the adhesive on either side of this tape is no longer holding, the tire is not connected to the rim.

The other thing that has me concerned is that tubulars are usually a tight fit on the rim when inflated. You don't actually need glue to hold them on. If you had a wall hanger bike, glue would not be required for the tubular to stay on the rim. When you are going to ride the bike, the glue and the fit become critical to your safety. The picture looks like the overall diameter of the tire has increased and no longer has the same fit to the rim that it had when it was new or even 8 year old.

While the sidewall and tread look good, I think the tire needs to be replaced. They served you well.

embankmentlb

Or 10 Yes!

embankmentlb

Thank you for all advice! The glue has just turned to a power. I am concerned about the tire not being snug to the rim.
l will probably re-glue both tires but replace the rear with my spare.


What glue do you recommend?

Chombi1 

I like Continental's tubular tire glue much better than Vittoria's Mastik.
It has just the perfect viscosity for me for easier and cleaner applications.
I also always seem to not need as much of the Continental glue than the Vittirua Mastik to get a good, secure install.

SJX426 

Kinda like picking your poison. Unless you have a set method of applying, it can get messy regardless of the choice. I like to use the latex gloves and apply with my finger. Other use a brush, disposable btw.
Check out totally tubular thread nearly at the top of the opening of C&V.

Ex Pres 

Another finger man. Like it. Gloves are too expensive, though. I use a cheap baggie.
Do not try to use those cheap disposable clear plastic food prep gloves, though. The Mastic will stick to those like glue.

Classtime 

You can't glue those tires back on. If there is daylight between rim and tire when the tires are mounted, toss them.
Glue and a baggie if your using tubes of glue.

repechage

time to check the base tape too.
often it is just the edges that let go but test, don’t guess.
the tire does look “loose” - actually that is a concern too, tubulars do stretch- perhaps the riding with dying glue has done mischief too

DiabloScott

I can't even imagine what makes a tire do that. Are you sure your rim is still good and round?
And yeah, your base tape is bad, that's usually an indication the tire should be tossed.

Road Fan

I don't agree. That gap when deflated doesn't tell you much. Inflate them without regluing to full pressure and inspect carefully to make sure the tire seat is pressing against the rim. If there is pressure, deflate, clean, reglue the rim tape if you need to, then reinstall. Rim tape glue is not the same as rim cement. The rim tape cement should be stronger than the rim tape but still chemically compatible with the tire casing. The old favorite was Liquid Latex, for which I think some substitutes are still available.

For rim cementing, you can use Velox tape, Tufo tape, that Cafe Espresso (sounds similar) brand, or ... maybe there's another one? I like Veloflex tape. I used to use Mastic glue.

Salamandrine 

Time for new tires and new glue. Toast. Burnt toast. Cotton tires? They don't last for years. Tires should be snug fitting with no glue at all.

CV-6 

^^^ This. Particularly the fit should be snug inflated or not.

embankmentlb

I will do some more inspecting over the weekend to see just how loose the tire actually is. I feel pretty lucky that I decided to cut my ride short.

Classtime 

Any loose is a no good.

davei1980

Let me know if you need help. I have glued exactly 1 set of tubulars and it went well :-)

embankmentlb

Thanks to everyone for their helpful information.
I re-glued both front and rear tires. The old glue had turned basically to powder.
Their was really nothing holding the tires to the rim other than air pressure.
With some air the tires fit snuggly to the rim. All is good! Check those tires that were glued many years ago. They may need attention!