Originally Posted by
Road Fan
+1, make more bikes ready to ride!
I use the blue gloves to spread tubular cement along the rim bed and the tire.
Ditto
One trick I learned was to slightly inflate the tire so it is round and the base tape is in the same position as the side wall. Makes it easier to apply the glue and rotate the tire without rubbing glue on your hand or any work surface. Most tubulars will start to turn "inside out" as air is add to the tire off the rim. I have a small can of Mastic One and use my gloved finger to dip in the glue to apply. I have used a tube and found that it works for a single tire. Depends how much the base tape soaks it up. Obviously a previously glued base is only going to need enough glue to activate the prior application. Deflate after glue is applied.
The most challenging part for me is placing the tire on the rim with sticky base tape. Valve first, of course and then immediately start stretching the tire to get the minimum effort required to get the last bit on. Ignore centering during this process, be careful about getting the sidewall on the glued rim! This step is what makes the tape so appealing.
I do two coats on the base tape, because it soaks the glue up, and one on the rim. your will have plenty of time to adjust the tire. I use the base tape as a gauge from side to side as its edge is always exposed.
Placing the wheel in the frame helps align the center of the tread with the center of the brake. Single pivot brakes are the best with that mounting nut in the middle.