Mavic GL330 and Fitting Tubular Tyres

Question: Hi could you please advise me what size tyres fit Mavic GL330 rims require track tyres.

Hi Noel and Frances,
Mavic GL 330 rims are made for tubular tyres, which are a normal size (700c); I guess that's what you mean by track tyres. Tubulars have to be glued onto the rim, the easiest way to do this if you have never done it before is to use a tub tape. This is a double sided, very sticky, tape that you put around the rim and then after you have fitted the tubular you peel off the paper backing tape thus sticking the tubular tire on to the rim. Remember to blow the tire up very hard and leave it for a while until it is very secure.

Tubular Glue

If you can't find a tub tape then you have to use a tubular tire glue, there are many on the market, but best is probably from Continental or Vittoria. When gluing tubular tyres on to rims remember to do it in a well ventilated room or out-doors. This is not an easy job and takes a lot of practice.

Clean the Rim

First clean the rim, especially if it is a new wheel as new rims can have oil and other material on the tubular tyre surface, use an alcohol substance as this should take any residue off. Old rims don't usually need cleaning, unless it has lumps of old glue or the old glue is no longer sticking to the rim.

Prepare the Tubular

Prepare the tubular by stretching it. This you do by putting your foot in the tubular and pulling it with your hands, don't pull too hard, just enough to stretch the tubular enough to make fitting easier, it's a good idea to fit the tubular to the rim without glue and leave it blown up over night.



Prepare the Rim

With enough air in the tyre to keep its shape, paint a thin layer of glue onto the base tape of the tubular and leave it to set for around an hour. The next step is to then paint a thin layer of glue to the tire surface of the rim, this is easier if you have a wheel truing jig to put the wheel on as you do it and then leave the wheel for an hour.

Mounting the Tubular

Place a piece of old cardboard on the ground, then place the rim on the cardboard with the valve hole facing upwards, place the valve in the hole and stretch the tire down towards the floor keeping the pressure down on the tyre to stretch the tubular round the rim. When you get to the bottom lift the wheel and keeping the pressure on the tire flip the last bit onto the rim. Then with a little air in the tubular center the tyre on the rim making sure the tread is central. Pump the tyre to its maximum pressure and leave it to stick solidly and away you go. Remember to check your tubular tyres every time you go for a ride for pressure and the security of the tire on the rim.

This might be more information than you wanted, Noel and Frances, but maybe it will help you and other too?