How to Shellac Tubulars

In cycling, a tubular is a type of wheel in which the tire is sewn to the inner tube. The combination is then glued, or shellacked, to the rim of the wheel, sealing it off from glass, rocks and other debris that might damage the wheel. Clincher wheels, in which the tire is not glued to the rim, have become more popular in amateur cycling because they are easier to maintain, but tubulars are still a fixture in racing and other cycling sports because they are more durable in the short term.

Things You'll Need

  • Used rim
  • New rim for shellacking
  • Bicycle air pump
  • Rim cement
  • Rim cement application brush or toothbrush
  • New tubular tire
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Instructions

    • 1

      Stretch the new tubular tire over the old rim.

    • 2

      Inflate the tubular tire with the air pump until it is as hard and full as you can get it.

    • 3

      Apply rim cement to the outer edge of the new rim, using the application brush, while you let the inflated air pump stand. Fully cover the entire perimeter of the outer edge with a coating about .5 mm thick.

    • 4

      Wait for the rim cement to dry until it is firm to the touch. It should only take a few minutes so check it frequently.

    • 5

      Deflate and remove the tubular tire from the stretching rim.

    • 6

      Mount the tubular on the new rim, inserting its air nozzle through the corresponding hole.

    • 7

      Pull the deflated tire with both hands to either side away from the nozzle, working it over the rim and up against the rubber cement, bit by bit.

    • 8

      Work the final section of tire over the rim, using your thumbs, when there is a only a little bit left remaining at the bottom of the wheel, across from the nozzle.

    • 9

      Inflate the tire to its full capacity using the air pump. It should now be shellacked to the rim.