gaucho777 

Yes, as Wildwood describes, I remove the valve core and simply poor in about 1/5 to 1/4 of a bottle of Stan's. Pump up the tire, and ride on. I've also started a ride to find out that I got a slow leak on the last ride (one tire half inflated, the other practically flat). I'll then add some sealant and start the ride that way and never been a problem. The riding roatates the tire and sealant around to fill the leak. Tip: a multi-gauge spoke wrench that includes a 12-gauge size can double as both a spoke wrench and a valve core tool. I do bring a bottle of Stan's with me. I save to used bottles and then only bring up to a 1/2 bottle in my jersey pocket in addition to a spare, and sew-up repair kit (patch kit, needle, razor blade, thread) just in case.

mountaindave 

Surely you are talking about 1/4 of a 2 oz bottle...

Doesn't Stans dry out after about 3 months? Or does it saturate the latex tube and seal it so it won't slowly leak air as tubulars usually do?

gaucho777 

@mountaindave, yes, 1/4 or maybe a little less from the 2 oz bottle. I don't like the idea of adding extra weight to my tires but it beats patching & sewing.

The treated tires will still leak like you'd expect from a typical latex tire. Not sure about the drying out after 3 months concern. I am still riding on tires that had a slow leak and were treated 6+ months ago without issues.

Wildwood 

After enough weeks, my tubies (sealed w/ sm amt of Stan's) hold air better.


I firmly believe it is a permanent fix on small leaks (not valve related) where the antagonist can be found and removed. I would reapply every season if the tires last that long.


As to weight - phffft - 1 fluid oz. of liquid latex weighs mere grams.
_______________________________________________________________

For a dedicated gluing session, I confess to starting with three sets of blackwalls only one tan sidewall.


Here's hoping 25mm of Veloflex goodness makes the ride everything one expects from fricking expensive bicycle tires, lovingly glued by hand so as not to have that confounded & dreaded bump - usually at the valve stem.

Wildwood 

Why do i feel Specialized?
2 layers each to rim + tire.
Can't you almost see those layers bonding?
.
.
.
.
ok, maybe enough glue for 1 day.

qcpmsame 

Put down the contact cement, now slowly back from the glue. Too much fume action for you this week.....

Bill

JohnDThompson 

Good tips, both of them!

Wildwood 

When applying glue to the last wheelset, these Ambrosio Synthesis Durex Super Professional measured 2mm wider (outside width) than the Mavic GP4 which gets the 2nd set of tires. The tires are a 25mm vs a 30mm.


So, I put the 30mm tire on the wider rim - even tho the wheelset was due to get a tan side which I prefer on the Mondia. ?A concession determined by a rider not a collector? Can't wait for a long ride in the morning!


As an aside, these Schwalbe tires were a b___ (hard culprit) to get on. They were not pre-stretched as long as I give other tires, but it was clear that these 30mm have much thicker sidewalls and tread than a 28mm Veloflex. They will be hopefully durable and trouble free on gravel roads (the intended purpose). Around the block circles to check for bumps and 'set' the tires confirms the mounting impression = that is, at about 90psi, the road feel is still there but they seem heavy to spin-up relatively (only an initial impression).


Mondia Super pictured with 30mm and with old tan sidewalls. The new tan sidewalls will be mounted tomorrow.

Wildwood 

Here's the Mondia with its' intended tanwall Veloflex Roubaix 25mm. Much better than the black tires.


Final stats: 4 wheelsets completed, 2 layers of glue on each of the wheels and tyres, 3rd layer of glue on those 30mm Schwalbe monsters. No bumps, No glue on the garage floor, No scraped knuckles, No glue in the hair.


Lessons learned: Pre-stretch more; buy the BIG can of glue with its' own application brush and no worries of running out; don't get in a hurry. Beers, music and a smoke makes it almost like fun. Should have invited a friend.


Now for the summer of smooth spinning.

cadillacmike68

Nice job all around.

Where did you get the Veloflex tan sidewall tires?