DrPete 

So my tires are here but the Zipps have been delayed (long story). I'm looking at the base tape on the Vittorias and it looks/feels like I need to rough it up a but because it's got the latex stuff on the base tape.

Just curious as to what you guys use to rough up the base tape, if anything. And I have Vittoria Mastik One for gluing--Am I on track?

nitropowered

Just put down a thin layer of glue on the base tape

mollusk

Do you have an old tubular rim around? If not can you scrounge a trashed one from your LBS? I always stretch them out on an old rim before mounting them for real. It makes it a whole lot easier and less messy.

ZeCanon

base tape doesn't need to be prepped.

Definitely stretch the tire if you can though. It will make the whole experience much more pleasant.

My tub wheels are being built up now, but I've had a few tub tires stretching on old rims for a while now. My dad generally keeps a few stretched out all the time. Putting brand new tires on is a pain in the arse.

DrPete 

My plan if I can't find an old tubular rim is to pre-stretch the tires on the unglued Zipps when they get here, but hopefully I'll be able to scrounge up a couple rims.

DrPete 

So a few references I've looked at say to scour the base tape with a file or emery board before gluing IF it has a latex coating on the base tape. Some tires apparently don't. I don't know if it's what they're talking about, but the Corsa EVO CX seems to have a rubbery feel to the base tape. Am I feeling something totally different?

San Rensho 

Unsolicited advice. Tire should be stretched so that it is tight but goes on easily when slightly inflated.

1. Put masking tape on the braking surfaces of the rim. This will save you hours of cleaning glue off, no matter how careful you were.

2. Don't skimp on the glue! One tube per tire is not too much.

3. Apply 2-3 layers of glue to the rim and the base tape, more on the rim than the base tape. Put them aside and let them dry overnight.

4. Pump the tire up so it is just firm. Put the valve in the hole in the wheel and stretch the tire by pulling it apart with your as you put it onto the rim.

5. Check that the tire is straight, pump it up to operating PSI. If you used enough glue, you should see a very small bead of glue between tire and rim.

vpiuva

I have EVO CXs on two bikes and did not prep the base tape and they're not coming off my rims without some effort. I do seem to remember that the base tape was a little slicker than some others I've used, but the glue adheres just fine. And I'll add that I really like these tires, smooth and supple even with a 200# rider @ 140psi. I haven't tried them at any higher pressure.

DiabloScott

Tubulars stretch just fine on clincher wheels.

DrPete 

Ahh... Soo...

A golden piece of advice. Thanks!

redal

I'm pretty sure that your Zipps have carbon rims. I bought a new pair of wheels this past winter with carbon rims and I was also curious about gluing the tires to the new wheels. The last pair of sew ups I owned was about ten years ago and I had never owned carbon wheels before. After the last stage of the Tour of California, my wife's family and I had dinner with the Discovery team and staff. I took the opportunity to ask one of the mechanics, Vincent Gee, how I should go about gluing the tires on my new Bontrager wheels. Vince described a multi-step process to me which is mentioned by the Discovery head mechanic, Julien Devries, in a cyclingnews.com article from late January. If you want specific details, I can PM them to you.

DrPete 

Yes, the Zipps are carbon rims. Per Zipp, the only prep required for the rim (before applying 2 initial coats of glue) is wiping the tire-bearing part of the rim with a solvent. I guess some manufacturers leave this gunk on there that makes the CF come out of the molds easier or something like that.

I think I know the article you're talking about, but can you post the link just in case?

redal

I just looked briefly for the article and couldn't find it. It was from their team camp in late January.