Re: [CR] Tubular repair in 15 minutes? - Was: ... Re Re: $$$ for flatted tire

(Example: Production Builders:Cinelli)

In-Reply-To: <bcd.52aa9124.37b4591c@aol.com>
References:
Date: Wed, 12 Aug 2009 14:28:39 -0400
From: Mark Pounders <markpounders@gmail.com>
To: <FujiFish1@aol.com>
Cc: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: Re: [CR] Tubular repair in 15 minutes? - Was: ... Re Re: $$$ for flatted tire


Mark:

Yes. But I should have prefaced it by saying that it took alot of practice. There are a few keys. Although I've never had trouble locating the puncture, this may be where you're spending more time than I am. Never remove the base tape (as you said), this may be adding to your bulkiness, just peel a little of it back. Invest in a seam ripper. It kind of hard to explain what it looks like, but if you go to any sewing shop, they can sell you one (or two). The seam ripper takes alot of the guesswork out of actually cutting the thread underneath the base tape and reduces your cut time. Only cut the start and end of what you want to remove as it is easier to pull it out as one piece. NEVER remove more than you need to get the tube out (an inch is usually fine). If you have to do a casing repair, this will add time, but for a simple puncture, I use SLIME on the inside (not much). Reuse the exact same holes to re-stitch the casing and glue down loose ends with latex. Also use latex on the base tape.

For those who can't stomach this repair, I have snipped the end off of the presta valve and slimed a tubular (look at http://commutebybike.com/2006/11/12/how-to-slime-presta-valve-tubes/ for the best instructions). This doesn't take long at all, but don't lose the pin inside or you're screwed!

Sure, depending upon how severe it is, it can take as long as you like, just be thorough. I don't do this for a living, so don't send me your tubulars unless you're getting rid of them. I don't even like doing it for mine, but invest a little bit of time in the next one you blow out or practice on an old one that you've already blown out. Better yet, if you don't mind spending the money, just go buy a new one. Mike Schmidt (who is a great guy, I might add) gave the location a few postings back of a place that will repair them for you for 20 bucks and I can garuantee you they're not spending hours on each one.

Invest a little time and each time it will be a little easier. When you own and operate these vintage bikes, there's no simple way to do anything, so reward yourself by doing it right.

Peace,

Mark

On Wed, Aug 12, 2009 at 1:42 PM, <FujiFish1@aol.com> wrote:
> 15 minutes??!!?? It took me hours the couple of times I tried, and the
> sewn up results were bulky and misshapen. Can you really can find a leak
> area, remove base tape, unstitch affected area, locate exact leak, clean and
> repair, properly re-stitch and re-apply base tape in fifteen minutes? I'll
> send ALL my tubulars to you for repair ... what is you rate per hour,
> please? :)
>
> Ciao,
> Mark Agree
> Southfield MI USA
> ~ ~ ~
>
>
> Date: Wed, 12 Aug 2009 08:26:33 -0400
> From: Mark Pounders <markpounders@gmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [CR] Re Re Re ... Re Re ... Re Re: $$$ for flatted tire
> To: Amir Avitzur <walawalaoxenfree@gmail.com>
> Cc: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
>
> Amir:
>
> You're not missing anything, you're just frugal like most of us. Why spend
> $60+ on a new tubular when you can spend 15 minutes and a 25 cent patch to
> repair it?
>
> Peace,
>
> Mark
>
> On Wed, Aug 12, 2009 at 3:50 AM, Amir Avitzur <walawalaoxenfree@gmail.com
> >wrote:
>
> > Jan & Peter & the CR Public:
> >
> > Frankly, I was shocked and appalled !!!
> >
> > A friend of mine asked what I needed so many old stock Tip-Top patch kit
> > tins ...
> > in his opinion ... NO-ONE fixes tubes any more.
> > (see
> >
> >
> http://ebay.com/<blah>
> > )
> >
> > Can this be true ????
> >
> > Am I missing something ?
> >
> > Is Peter onto something?
> >
> >
> >
> > Amir Avitzur
> > feeling so out-of-it in Ramat-Gan, Israel
>
>
> ------------------------------
>

--
Mark Pounders
Richmond, Virginia
USA