How to Mount a Tubular Bicycle Tire

Serious cyclists often choose tubular or "sew-up" tires for their high-performance characteristics. They are, however, harder to mount onto a bicycle wheel than standard or "clincher" tires. Here's how to go about mounting tubular tires onto a bicycle wheel.

Things You'll Need

• Tire glue
• Bicycle tire floor pump

Instructions

1. Remove the old tire from your wheel. If you're using a new wheel, this step will not be necessary.

2. Stretch the new tubular tire before attempting to mount it. Stretch the tire over a wheel that you are not using and allow it to sit for a week or two. This will make the job of gluing and mounting the tire much easier. After the tire is stretched, you'll be ready to begin.

3. Apply tire glue to the wheel onto which you'll be mounting the tire. Squeeze a thin bead of glue along the rim surface the tire will mount onto, and spread it evenly using an old brush. Be careful not to get glue into the spoke holes or on the braking surface of the rim.

4. Put 10 to 20 psi of pressure into the tire you'll be mounting. The tire will have a taped glue surface on it; apply glue onto the surface as you did with the rim, spreading it evenly on the glue tape. If the tire is new, do this twice to ensure you have enough glue, since the first coat will soak in. Allow the glue to sit for a few minutes until it's tacky but not wet.

5. Deflate the tire, then insert the valve through the valve hole of the wheel. Working in small increments, place the glued surface of the tire on the glued surface of the rim. Work carefully to ensure that the tire is placed squarely in the center of the rim.

6. Inflate the tire when you have it placed onto the rim. Make sure it is straight and true, and that it holds air. You're now ready to ride on your new tubular tire.

Tips & Warnings

• Tire glue can be messy, so work carefully with it. Excess glue can be cleaned up with acetone and an old rag.