Evans Cycles

Anyone order a bike from Evans that came with tubs? I splurged a bit and put down a deposit on something tasty... which has to come from the warehouse. Wondering if they'll use tape (like I'd expect) or if they'll get some poor bastard to glue them.

Well, maybe it's just me, but I certainly wouldn't *allow *anyone else but me to stick my tubs on.

Here are a few hints.

1. If the tubs are new, fit them on the rim first without glue and inflate hard. Some new tyres are very tight and this will help to stretch them.

2. 'Etch' the rim with sandpaper or similar (Ali only - carbon is above my pay grade and I have no knowledge of it)

3. Give rim two coats of glue - be generous here - it will help when you have to change a tyre in the rain (and you will have to do this).

4. While I'm on this subject, never go out of walking distance of home, in cycling shoes, without at least one good spare. Spares should not be brand new and have been already fitted to a rim - ideally they should have a residue of old glue to help adhesion.

5. When the tub is newly mounted on the rim spend time making sure it is running true. It's necessary to do this when the glue is fresh and the tyre is still moveable.

6. It's preferable to give the tyres at least a week to settle.....especially if you're riding an important event on them. I'm not quite sure why it is, but newly mounted tyres seem to be more vurnerable. I received this knowledge from Ken Ryall, who certainly ought to have known what he was talking about.

7. Hand glued (colle main) tyres (these are the highest quality) are best matured over at least one winter. This is irrelevant with vulcanized tyres.

8. Are you sure you want to bother with all this?