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Reader Comment: Using Carogna Effetto Mariposa tubular tape for Tubular Tires
See also tubular tire articles.
Jim Thurber writes:
I can report that I have put Carogna's Effetto Mariposa tubular tape (hereinafter referred to as EMTT) to the test and it has succeeded, beyond all expectations, passing with flying colors.
I've used Mastix glue for the last two years to affix my tubulars to alloy rims. The Rolf Prima rims were my first carbon and I decided to use the EMTT instead of glue, not wishing to use a heat gun to remove left-over glue when I changed a tire. The tires were mounted roughly 10 weeks ago.
Today my Veloflex Vlaanderen tubular flatted (with about 2,000 miles on it) in the middle of a lengthy, training ride. There had been a lot of downhill braking at speeds up to 40 mph.
With no air in the tire (and a "gap" located opposite the air valve) it took a fair amount of effort to remove, very similar to a tire secured with a professional Mastix glue job. Note that the tire came off clean - all the tape remained on the rim.
Here's where this gets interesting. I partially inflated the spare (a Continental Gatorskin 700 x 25) and stretched it into position on the wheel before inflating it to approximately 80 psi. It was (fairly) easy to align. I then rode home - another 10 miles.
Removing the Continental tire I found it was as well SECURED to the rim as the Veloflex had been. This was a spare that had been installed 30 minutes earlier. Yet it was WELL affixed to the rim.
I removed it and then "rolled" off the EMTT with my thumbs - leaving a perfectly clean, ready to use rim. The fact that the rim was absolutely undamaged is a big deal. But . . . The fact that the spare was (near instantly) well secured to the rim is a HUGE deal.
Anybody wishing to ride on real tires (to wit: tubulars) should consider using EMTT especially if you like having tires perfectly aligned on the rim AND being able to change tires on the road / continuing to ride with what appears to be relative safety.
ciao and best to all
Jim James Thurber
Chief Mechanic FAsT Monkeys Racing Team
1406 Snow St
Mountain View, CA 94041
650-274-3410
WIND: tubulars using tape might be just the ticket for riders without a skilled local bike shop.
