A Rim/Tubular Problem

Question: hi, ive just bought some carbon wheels 2nd hand that came fitted with tubular tyres. The problem is the front tyre does not look to be seated as low as it should be, approx 2cm either side of the valve. When you ride it feels as if the rim is not true (the rim is fine) and there is a noise with each rotation which I think is when that area is compressed and is the glue sticking and unsticking. Ive removed and re-fitted (not re-glued though) but it's the same, is it a duff tyre?

Hi Sean,

Carbon wheels, nice one! It sounds like the tubular has something wrong with it; this can happen to a tubular if it has been damaged at any time by hitting a stone or going down a pot hole etc. The threads of the carcass of the tire break and then can bulge out at the sides; if this happens at the valve then it can give rather an uncomfortable lump. The best thing to do is get a new tubular; clean the rim of all the old bits of glue and stick down a new tubular.

If you need advice on sticking tubulars down then go to our Mavic GL330 and Fitting Tubular Tyres  question, here you will find the best ways to stick a tubular to your rim. Good luck.