Originally Posted by
Andrew_G
Steve:
Thanks for your reply. Please advise whether you find the Veloflex Open Corsa EVO tires become easier to remove and reinstall if they've been ridden a few times. Veloflex says the tires have an 'inextensible' (i.e., non-stretchable) kevlar bead. If you find the Veloflex tires remain consistently difficult (tight) to remove/install over time, your experience will confirm the claimed non-stretching characteristic of the bead.
I don't recall when the transition from "Master" to "Corsa EVO" happened, but I think both tend to stretch enough to make a difference when installing or removing after some months of use. Of course, this isn't something that I've measured. By comparison, I don't recall that Gatorskins ever got easier to install or remove from a bike equipped with similar Mavic MA-40 rims.
btw, if you respond to a post by using the Quote function, it lets the author know that you've replied to the post. Otherwise, you're relying on dumb luck that the author will be browsing the thread and find your response.
Originally Posted by
Andrew_G
FYI #1: I use a Var tire jack to remove and install clincher tires; it's a great tool:
https://www.vartools.uk/nylon-tyre-l...ed-c2x36007150
Since my web search inquiries a few years ago didn't show any USA sources, I bought mine from a UK web bike shop. Amazon show's they're available from Tradeinn (pricey at $25 each), which is a UK-based shop.
I've got a Var tool (purchased from Riv a long time ago). Have they started making them with glass filled nylon or something? Mine appears to be plain nylon and isn't nearly stiff enough to avoid buckling when trying to pull a tight tire onto the rim.
Originally Posted by
Andrew_G
FYI #3 : In September of 2020 I emailed Veloflex, Vittoria and Tufo and asked them whether aging ("seasoning") tires was necessary on today's products. Veloflex stated that tires can be used right after being manufactured (1 week afterwards, as used in the Giro) but the tires do benefit from 3-6 months of aging in a darker room and cooler conditions. Veloflex also said that for tires we used BITD, aging the tires gave more time for the vulcanization of the tread rubber to continue, which hardened up the rubber and thus made the tread more cut resistant. Aging the tires also allowed the glues used in assembly to firm up some more as well. Modern materials have thus reduced the 'seasoning' time from 1-2 years down to a few months.
Vittoria and Tufo also both stated that their tires can be used right away. I did see a statement from a European web bike shop that today's handmade FMB and Dugast tires still require some aging.
Andrew_G
The Veloflex tires that I've bought have still smelled like fresh rubber (I think) out of the box. Not sure if that is the sidewall outgassing or the tread. If it's the tread, then a bit of aging might make them a bit harder and resistant to wear. It'll also make them less sticky and possibly lose traction in a corner if you are the type to really lean over hard. I'm not cornering hard, so I don't care, but I also don't try to age the tires. My nice vintage bikes see less than 1000 miles/year each, so they have time to harden.
Steve in Peoria