Bicycle Mechanics - Changing hubs without removing tires?

I'm considering buying a set of older tubular rims for a lightweight racing set, and some of the good rims on ebay are already built up to hubs I can't use but have tires I'd rather not reglue (assuming the glue job passes my visual inspection).

So the question is: Can I just unscrew the nipples and thread the new spokes with new hubs right into them so I don't have to take the tire off, or am I just being a lazy @$$?

I'm considering buying a set of older tubular rims for a lightweight racing set, and some of the good rims on ebay are already built up to hubs I can't use but have tires I'd rather not reglue (assuming the glue job passes my visual inspection).

So the question is: Can I just unscrew the nipples and thread the new spokes with new hubs right into them so I don't have to take the tire off, or am I just being a lazy @$$?I think you'll find that once you unscrew the nipples, they'll tend to fall back inside the ferrules, making it extremely difficult to get them re-started.

If it was just a matter of replacing one or two broken spokes, this makes sense, but for a whole wheel, I think you'll find it easier and less frustrating to remove the tires first.

Sheldon "Oooh, Somebody Still Rides Tubulars!" Brown

I would not trust somebody else's glue job. If you go that route make sure the tire's secure.

Keep an eye out for NOS rims om Ebay. I've scored on Mavic GEL280's and Sun M17A's . They're out there just set your price and don't go over it.

what kind of tubular rims are u looking for? 36 holes? 32? mavic gp4 would do it?

thanks.

pm

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll just plan on regluing any tires. I do messy glue jobs, which is why I was tempted not to reglue.

I'm planning on building up a super light set (GP4s are too heavy). I'm just not convinced that aero is worth it at a cost of 400-800 grams, and carbon is not worth it at $1000+ for a set. I'm going to build something up with 24-28 spokes on a GEL280, M19AII, etc to make a nice 1200-1400g set like what I used to race on in the 90's.

To avoid messy glue jobs, try using Tufo tubular gluing tape. It's what my shop always uses for tubulars.

Thanks, I'll give them a try. I don't think that stuff existed the last time I rode tubulars.