How to fold a tubular

[Too Tall]

I took these pic.s last yr. This is one way to do it. Spares have useable glue on them so you can ride them without losing your mind. This requires you to periodically unroll the tyre and check the glue. Depending on conditions you might only have to freshen up the glue twice a yr. Also, use a good toe strap. Press the folded tyre flat and compress...repeat...you'll "convince" a new spare to assume a nice shape after a couple tries ;) Enjoy.

[agilismerlin]

i used to do the long method.


http://lh5.ggpht.com/_hSZo5vjiPmQ/Rk...olding+005.jpg

[Saab2000]

This is how I have mine. I carry this in my back pocket solely because I like to lift my bikes a few times senza/sans/ohne water bottles, pumps and spares just to impress myself with how light they are.

But sometimes I put in on with a toe strap too.

Too Tall is showing one good method. And his advice with the glue is to be followed. By others. If I get a flat I will nurse it home and deal with it. No fast corners for me.

I use a Sprinter because I got it free (yes, it does hold air) and because it has a butyl tube inside. And won't dry rot as fast as a Veloflex spare.

This is kept on the shelf and grabbed if I am using one of my two tubular-equipped rides here in MichMich.

[steve575]

I thought you were smuggling bananas.

[steve575]

All these recent posts with good “how to” on tubulars are taking away the mystique and scariness. You guys are slowly pushing me to the dark side. I ordered my first set of tubular wheels, tires, glue, and tape. I’m going to give them I try for cross. If I survive, I may have to try a set on the road this spring. Those rolled up tubular tires in the pictures above don’t look like much more to carry than the tube and tire levers in packing around now.

[Saab2000]

They are not hard to carry. But real men carry them like this.

[themanmonkey]

Too Tall I know your method and have used it back in the day, but it has one major flaw. If you actually have "usable glue" on the tire that glue will transfer to the tire surface. Glue on the riding surface is a bad thing I'm sure you can imagine. This is the main reason for the tri-fold method agilismerlin showed. Also before storing your tire under the seat stuff it in a ziplock bag and you're be much happier when change time happens.

[Too Tall]

Too Tall I know your method and have used it back in the day, but it has one major flaw. If you actually have "usable glue" on the tire that glue will transfer to the tire surface. Glue on the riding surface is a bad thing I'm sure you can imagine. This is the main reason for the tri-fold method agilismerlin showed. Also before storing your tire under the seat stuff it in a ziplock bag and you're be much happier when change time happens.

Is that what you do as well?
It really can be a pickle if you have glue to glue contact (pic of the method you've described below). The glue never really sticks to the tyre surface and any that does is never a problem. Heck I'm all ears, learn me.

[themanmonkey]

Is that what you do as well?
It really can be a pickle if you have glue to glue contact (pic of the method you've described below). The glue never really sticks to the tyre surface and any that does is never a problem. Heck I'm all ears, learn me.

I don't do anymore, but rode sew-ups for 20 years and still equip lots of folks bikes with them. I usually roll it tighter like Saab2000's pic, but basically the same tri-fold method. Try not to expose the glue. Glue to glue contact has never been a problem that I've ever seen, but glue on the tire can be. One it can, and will, pick up rocks and junk that will flat you. I used to repair lots of tires with this problem. Of course it also depends on the glue Clement red is a big problem, thin Continental not so much. Also if you have glue on your tire surface it won't "stick" to the road as well. Glue may be sticky but not to the road surface. Beyond that it just looks bad. Kinda like some one who has their cables capped off 6" past the binder.

[Too Tall]

I don't do anymore, but rode sew-ups for 20 years and still equip lots of folks bikes with them. I usually roll it tighter like Saab2000's pic, but basically the same tri-fold method. Try not to expose the glue. Glue to glue contact has never been a problem that I've ever seen, but glue on the tire can be. One it can, and will, pick up rocks and junk that will flat you. I used to repair lots of tires with this problem. Of course it also depends on the glue Clement red is a big problem, thin Continental not so much. Also if you have glue on your tire surface it won't "stick" to the road as well. Glue may be sticky but not to the road surface. Beyond that it just looks bad. Kinda like some one who has their cables capped off 6" past the binder.

We are all doomed. Thanks for bursting my bubble. I'm too old and weary to change. I'll pray on it some.

[ericpmoss]

When my new bike arrives, it will be with my first-ever sew-ups, and I'm grateful to everyone here for photos and descriptions of folding, mounting, unmounting and repairing them.

There are a few things that always make me cringe about tires in general, and sew-ups in particular, but maybe unnecessarily so. Can anyone dispel them for me?

First, when I see any tire folded, the crimping of the tread, casing, bead/basetape and tube inside makes me think "there is where the blowout will happen".

Secondly, I'm not so sure about this "aging" concept. It makes sense to me that until a tire is needed, one would stretch it on a clean rim and inflate it to keep it as close as possible to its desired rolling dimensions. But purposefully letting the compounds which provide flexibility evaporate seems bad. For example, I wouldn't buy old innertubes, old car tires or old cotton sheets.

Thoughts?

[Bobonli]

Other than the two Christian mentioned, any suggestions on inexpensive spare that will fit in the Tubi bag? I rode this afternoon with it in my pocket and that's more bulk than I need back there. I got snacks and pumps and other crap to carry! I tried it around the neck but it requires a lot of concentration to keep it there.... image-1676439034.jpg Toe strap at first blush seems pretentious: " hey look at me, I'm carrying a fancy tire." But I may come around.

Rolling was a big help to compress it but it wasn't made for that bag, or vice versa

[Bobonli]

Saab's method with a wrap of tape around it works. Might also consider shoving it in an Arundel bag or water bottle with top cut off if you don't need two bottles for liquids.

At least you realized it was gone! I've seen people do an entire ride and not realize their saddle bag was missing until loading the bike back into the car.

[ron l edmiston]

--- tall man's way is my best way.., never comes off, looks neat & is there as-a-spare..

ronnie with a smile

[Chik]

Yep, did exactly as TT described, as I am no stranger to putting stuff under my saddle with a leather toe strap (having dropped a few other things previously and learned the lesson). TT's method certainly looks the neatest, but I'll err on the side of being safe especially when hitting the cobbles.

I tend to take 2 bottles, so I think it's bananas for me.

[Too Tall]

Feeling nostalgic? If you believe in tubluars, please read this thread....slowly ;)

Ronnie, you are missed

[dashDustin]

Ronnie, you are missed

Really do miss this guy's writing.