I use cheap (I mean really cheap) hairspray, for installing and removing anything that needs some lube, but needs to not slip when installed.
This solution came from a shop that I worked in years ago. When installing mountain bike grips using soap or some other lube (WD-40 was what some used but it is bad for the rubber), the grips would rotate later, not very comfortable or safe. Hairspray goes on wet and slippery and dries tacky/hard. Overspray can be washed off later with soap and water if need be.
This was also a solution for helping to bring up a stubborn low spot on the bead while mounting a clincher tire that was a bit tight. Find the low spot, deflate the tube to 30 pounds or so, spray liberally along the tire/bead edge, and then inflate. The low spot invariably pops out.
Hairspray is what I use(d) to install Grab-On type foam bar covers as well as remove old handle bar grips (mountain bike or old upright types). Slip a screwdriver under the edge of the grip, spray hairspray into the opening and the grip slides off with a twist or two.
I've yet to see it any downside to hairspray for this job.
Cheers, and Happy Holidays,
David Bilenkey in frozen Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
-----Original Message----- From: classicrendezvous-admin@bikelist.org [mailto:classicrendezvous-admin@bikelist.org]On Behalf Of Chuck Schmidt Sent: December 23, 2001 1:35 AM To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Subject: Re: [CR]Re: Replacing Campagnolo SR/NR gum hoods
Herb Langston wrote:
>
> Chuck;
>
> Doesn't rubbing alcohol dissolve and evaporate oils, like those used in
> manufacturing rubber?
Actually alcohol is not a problem as it evaporates very fast.
What you don't want is something slippery (soap, Armourall, etc.) between the body and the gum hood that doesn't evaporate, so that the hood slips around as you ride.
Chuck Schmidt
South Pasadena, Southern California
http://www.velo-retro.com (reprints, T-shirts and Campagnolo Timeline)