This is from doing safety checks at races: Deflate or inflate tire to about
75-80psi and try to twist off the rim. Another is the type of glue; Wolber
and the red Clement/Vittoria "gutta" dry out slower than Fastack, I'd think
that a 3 year old Fastack job would automatically be suspect as it dries
completely whereas the tubular-specific glues are intended to not dry out so
thoroughly such as staying a little tacky on that used tire you've got as a
spare.
My $0.02, here
David Feldman
----------
>From: "Larry Strung" <strungl@pathcom.com>
>To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
>Subject: [Classicrendezvous] Tubular Tire Question
>Date: Tue, Oct 31, 2000, 7:08 PM
>
>Hi Gang,
>
>Here is one for the group to debate, as I'm sure opinions would be varied.
>
>How does one judge the safety of a tubular tire? I am thinking in terms of
>bikes we own that may be ridden only on occasion that have old tubulars on
>them. When does the glue dry out and the tires become a danger to rider
>(or followers) by potentially rolling off the rim? Some of my bikes only
>get exercise on special sunny days. Tubulars on such bikes may have been
>mounted 2 or 3 years ago. The tires are otherwise in fine shape, but what
>is the risk?
>
>It certainly would take away the spontaneity if the safe routine would be
>to re-glue the tires on these machines 24 hours prior to riding. Then
>there is the additional problem (I've experienced with the Clement
>Paris-Roubaix tires made in the far east in particular) where the base tape
>can separate from the tire when removing it from the rim. Presumably that
>indicates that the tire was still adequately adhered to the rim, but by
>then it is too late.
>
>I have a vested interest in this discussion, as last summer I was taken
>down in a track bike race when the rider whose wheel I was following rolled
>a tub of his rear wheel. The resulting crash left me with a fractured hip.
> You may imagine that I am a little gun-shy regarding tubulars at the
>moment. I dearly love the ride of tubulars, and even like the ritual of
>mounting them. However, with the winter maintenance season upon us, my
>thoughts are towards converting some bikes from tubs to clinchers. Advice
>from the experts on our list would be appreciated.
>
>Best regards,
>
>Larry Strung