Thanks (I think. Since it postpones n+1) for that. I just ordered 3 Roubaix for a future Eroica CA.

I have to replace the base tape on a couple tubular tires. It seems to me that the material is basically ¾-inch bias tape, likely available at most fabric stores. Are there other properties I'm missing? What sort of adhesive is used to attach it to the casing?

Thanks for that, I picked up a pair.

Latex adhesive bonds the base tape to the tire casing.

Some tubulars have a molded casing/tread, which likely includes the base tape in the molding process.

I would note how much glue that different tape materials might tend to absorb. Some tires have a base tape already saturated with cured elastomer of some type, which cuts the amount of glue required (and greatly reduces drying time).
Gluing on a full length of base tape sounds like a lot of work. I have a new 22mm Sprinter tire with the tape falling off from age, even though it's been in a bag for at least as long as I've had it.

I also ordered some (4). They got here in TWO days. Fastest ever delivery for me from any overseas vendor. Thanks for the tip. I had quit looking (my favorite tubular).

I know, two days is faster than most domestic shippers! My favorite tire as well.

hey hey hey
stop the Merlin talk.about tubular tires

Two weeks ago, I ordered a bunch of tires and the site (in a red banner) said I couldn't order because of quantity. Only ordered 1 or 2 of each tire.
So I emailed customer service - got an auto reply of CoVid restrictions.


Just did the same again with a new order. Same banner

What's up with you guys being able to buy???

I would try again ... I just put one in a basket and went to check out and changed the quantity to 2 and it seem to work fine. Went all the way to pay now.

Perhaps Off Topic, but my tubular rims run from basic old-school to deeper carbon.
The newer stuff is deeper and uses valve extensions. I use the replaceable core type.
However, they still leak. Even with Teflon tape.

Most leaky: Zipp Tangente
Least leaky: Tufo Carbon Composite

Any suggestions out there?

Not off topic at all.

Sorry, i have no firsthand with valve extensions on deep aero wheels, but since all valve cores should be the same on new tires, a good Pro shop's recommendation would apply across tire brands.

Good topic.
note: my quick search yielded lots of ads, but nothing i would consider adequate info or reviews for current product.

Wow. If valve core won't seal with tape, something sounds amiss.
Maybe my presumption that all new valve cores are the same is not accurate. We are just talking road tires, presta valves.
I've only ever had one valve core problem on a new tubular tire - across maybe 35 sets of tubies over the years (eh, not all were new).

Regarding my order with Merlin UK --
It was a quantity 2 on the Veloflex Roubaix that bonked the earlier order. somehow it ended up being a hassle. Maybe I'm dumb. But I did finally get another set of Vlaanderen and 1 Roubaix. Also gonna try the Conti5000 clincher, too.

Try some different extensions? More wraps of teflon tape. Use two pliers to make sure that the extension is on tight.

I assume that the problem is the extension onto the stem, and not the valve core.

I have a problem similar to RobbieTunes, but no deep carbon rims are involved. I have a pair of Clement Futurα tires mounted to some AVA rims. The rims are shallow box rims, but, Jiminy Crickets (avoiding BF censors here - you know how I really want to express myself) the valve stems are the shortest I've ever encountered. I can pump the tires with my Zefal HP (locking chuck) but not with the Silca chuck on my Park floor pump (relies on the full engagement possible with a longer stem). I know I should probably just spring for a new locking chuck (Hirame?) but the current chuck also rather clumsily does schrader when I need it.

Unless I've gone completely blind, I believe these tires have removable valve cores. What are the shortest valve stem extenders I can get?

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...98a48fd8_c.jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d414d71a2e.jpg
I plan to clean up the edges with steel wool, but am unsure of my plans for the old glue, of unknown age. Is that too much residue to move forward with?

That's a fine surface. I wouldn't think twice about gluing over that.
Brent

Nope. Think of it as "primer".

I did some maintenance yesterday. Tires were fine but the glue looked sub-optimum so I did a refresh using the craft syringe method.
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...3367a34707.jpg
Sub optimum old glue
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...5a8f9bb8ec.jpg
Craft syringe method
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...ce481c8655.jpg
Refreshed and sticky.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...75a4176513.jpg
Bar tape matches tires FTW!

:thumb:

If that wheel came to me like that, I'd clean it off and start fresh for my own use. If I was replacing a tire that I had glued on that wheel, I'd leave it.

brass wire brush wheel on drill is fast and safe

here is what 30mm Vittoria corsa control look like with 5800 105 brakes (spec is 28mm max) on 85 team miyata

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...0a5cc919c4.jpg

jannd tubular bag....says it holds 2 but tight fit with the 30mm Vittoria Corsa Control

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...01f20bedb0.jpg

I would like to know how you got two tubulars in that bag. I can barely get one in and often do not close it.

LOL didn't mean to confuse.... I got one 30mm in.....and it is a tight fit with in the bag a multitool, patch kit (good samariatn) lever and bag of caffelatex

Do you make a neat fold of your tires? I'd think two neatly folded tires secured with a toestrap around both wouldn't be too hard to get in and zip up. (There was a thread not too long ago on neatly folded tires. I know DiabloScott posted a photo of his.)

^^^^^^ If you're doing to carry two sew-ups, I think one of them must be carried in the traditional style.

https://i.stack.imgur.com/hNEwL.jpg

I can squeeze two 25mm Gatorskins in my Jandd but then I need a place for sealant and a couple tools. So on a ride where I want two spares, I use my Acorn Medium which is a bottomless pit.

These are the shortest that I've come across:

https://worldclasscycles.com/product...lve-extenders/

Two of these would probably fit. Tufo Elite Jet- a great spare tire.


https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...291af05bc2.jpg

Ah! a proper fold!

Is that tread good in the wet? I did my first open (real/non-club) race in pouring rain on orange thread Vittoria cottons. Interesting! Good thing was it was a long race, no corners and quite literally dampened by the weather.

When I get a bunch of nice tires in the mail, I feel compelled to mount (unglued) at least one set for a ‘gander’ and a smile. 27mm

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...5fea1a1fd.jpeg

Didn’t mount the pair of clincher Conti5000s, which I hope I like as much as the Vittoria Corsa G+ somethingorother.