Removing Old Glue From Carbon Tubular Wheels

Carbon tubular wheels improve the aerodynamics of a bicycle and are popular with competitive cyclers and triathletes. Their lightweight features make carbon tubular wheels ideal for speeding past other bikes on the road, while enabling the cyclist to reserve some power to maintain endurance. As it goes, however, carbon tubular wheels are pricy, but you might be able to score some gently used wheels for a better deal. Before adding the wheels onto your bike, take the time to remove any old grime or glue from the carbon material so that the wheels are in pristine condition.

Things You'll Need

  • Glue solvent
  • 2 rags
  • Fine-grit utility cloth
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Instructions

    • 1

      Apply glue solvent, such as an acetone-based product or a latex paint remover, to one of the clean dry rags. Rub the solvent onto the spot of the carbon tubular wheels where the old glue is dried. Use a back-and-forth or circular motion while applying pressure to saturate the dried glue with the solvent.

    • 2

      Use the second clean, dry rag to polish the area where the solvent dissolved the glue. Remove any grime or film left behind with the rag.

    • 3

      Sand old glue off a carbon tubular wheel with a fine-grit utility cloth. The utility cloth must be fine grit because a course-grit utility cloth can damage the carbon fiber wheel. Rotate the fine-grit utility cloth in a circular motion over the glue spot, wiping away the debris as you go. Apply gentle pressure to the glue so that you don't press too hard and scratch the surface of the wheel.