robmcl

I installed some Mr Tuffy strips last night and have some questions about them. First, one side has a ruber strip down the middle. Does that go against the tube? Second, how critical is it that they stay centered in the tire? Third, if they need to stay centered in the tire, how do you keep them there when you put the tire back on the rim? One thread I read on the internet suggested using contact cement to anchor them to the center. Is this neccessary? Finaly what other tricks do I need to know to make them work or should I just return them?

TomM

I installed mine the way that they were rolled up in the package. I've never had a problem with the strips moving off center. I am also not convinced that the strips help prevent punctures.

mrbertfixy

they do work. i have never had a puncture flat while using them. i've even pulled a couple of pieces of glass that went through the tire but not the liner.

black side goes against the tire.

i did use glue to keep them in place while putting the tube in. don't use duct tape or electrical tape. the constant flexing breaks down the tape and it will cause flats.

it took me couple tries to get the tube in and inflated and keep the liners centered.

for most people it might be a toss up as to whether they are worth the effort. i ride in a college town with lots of broken glass and other crap, so it seems to save me a few flats.

rmwun54

I use them on my roadie and commuter and I think that it has decrease the amount of flats that I use to get. For instance I haven't had a flat this year yet, so that's a plus.

maccyclist

I can't remember if the black strip was facing the tire or tube (although I think it was the tire). One thing I did though was to make sure the overlapping portion was directly opposite the valve stem. This actually counter-balances the weight of the valve stem. Pretty slick if you ask me.

trmcgeehan

I have the strips on all four of my bikes. Since I started using them, flats have decreased 90%. I also have found that keeping the tire inflated to the maximum pressure reduces the possibility of flats. I used to have a lot of pinch flats when my tires were getting low on air. About five years ago, I bought an air compressor for $50 at Lowes. It's the best purchase I ever made. No more tedious pumping!

golfnut4u

I moved to a location in California that had major thorn problems....5 flats on the first day of riding! I promptly installed these strips in the tubes, and didn't have a flat for nearly 10 years with riding several times a week. I change the tires once, but kept the same tubes and strips. When I did finally have a flat, I found it to be the result of the tire liners having degraded (became hard and cracked) and puntured the tube! The cracking was so extensive that the liners and tubes needed to be replaced on both tires....but I should be set for another 10 years of worry free riding!

same time

Black rubber strip goes against the tire, and yes, it should be centered. It shouldn't be hard to do unless the Mr Tuffy is getting old and drying up, and then it gets kind of warped. I have some that are about 10 years old, and they are difficult to center. I'll probably buy new ones next time I get new tires.

It's easier to install them in wire-beaded tires than kevlar-beaded, because the wire bead holds the tire's shape better and the liner just sits there while you put the tube in.

I'm a big believer in Mr. Tuffy's, too. I like that I can buy cheap tires (8 to 10 dollars each) for my commuter/city bike, and with the tire liners, I never worry about flats.