The hunt for scratchless tubeless rims continues. This time I tried using shrinked thermoplastic on the tire-bars, and this actually seems to work! Expect to change the thermoplastic often though.
Second observation: Mounting the tire with some experience now only takes 5 mins. Practice practice!
Finished set of tubeless: Schwalbe Raceman on polished SIP rims. Only issue now: Which scooter to put these on?
A new 180SS has seen its way into my garage, but this time it isn't mine. A local guy called me regarding getting the throttle wire replaced, so I ended up agreeing to look over the whole scooter and give it a general service.
Another 180SS ready for the road here in Stavanger!
A package from Ebay & No-Mar tire changer company arrived yesterday.
Large packet.
4 bolts drilled into the floor & some work later the tool was ready for use.
I've got the Cycle Hill version, youtube description here:
According to the description the tire changer should be usable for wheels down to 7". As I practiced with my semi-damaged wheel, I soon understood that the smaller the rim, the harder the job is.
After some swearing and practice, watching Youtube D.I.Y movies on tirechanging, I actually managed to get my "practice wheel" installed. But not with the No-Mar tools provided.
I'll write off some of my problems to beginners fault, but the fact is that the 10" tire change differs from the 26" they show on Youtube.
For once: The first bead just pops over the edge of the rim. Doesn't happen on 10".
Second: The clamp for holding the tire down is made for larger bikes. On a scooter the smallest radius mid section is covered.
Third: The stiffness of the bead is apparently more extreme when trying to release tire from rim. I actually bent one of the No-Mar special tools on first try.
Not too happy with function, I soon also discovered that the build quality of the tool was poor: The mid axle is utilized both as a centre post and as a handle for the bead breaker. But the axle does not fit the bead breaker hole, possibly because of too much paint.
First impression: Possibly no. 1 tool for large MC wheels, but for 10", forget it. I could have managed with a much cheaper tool. But I will try to make friends with it, still have some rims left to install.
During the weekend I tried to install my first tubeless wheel. I must admit that I was expecting a struggle to get it to fit, but not as difficult as it actually turned out to be. Difficult as in "impossible"; at least with my tools.
Result: After struggling for a day, going out for more & longer tire-bars and new rim protectors, I successfully destroyed both the bead of the Continental Twist & also the rim edge. (Rim protectors from SIP: Too soft. Rim protectors from Biltema: Much harder, to a point where they have to be pressed onto the rim edge. These were an absolute nightmare to work with on a 10" wheel.)
It started with a scratch, and then another one, and then the tire edge was damaged... and the rim edge. After some time I just gave up both the rim & tire. I figured I might as well use this wheel for practice, and started working without rim protectors.
Tirebars of different lengths, rim protectors of different qualities, bead-breaker and a semi-mounted tubeless, but destroyed rim/tire.
Lesson learned: right tools is at least 50% of the job. I need a tire changer, for example this tool to get this job done myself. No-mar tire changers are available on Ebay for a reasonable cost, I might be crazy enough to invest in one...
Second work done this weekend can be read and viewed in my Rally and 180SS blogs.
Third. To mark summertime and start of new scooter season, Roughnecks Scooterclub had its first rideout in 2011 today. If you wan't to read or view pictures from this, visit Roughnecks homepage (google translate available) and Roughnecks Facebook page (sorry, Norwegian only).
Well, tubeless reality struck Stavanger today, as SIP delivered a cradle of tubeless rims & a couple of sets of tires to my address. Along with some other goodies as well to various scooters.
Anticipation...
Schwalbe Raceman to the left, Michelin S1 middle, Continental Twist to the right. All of them are 3.50x10.
Various sets of tubeless rims (Silver, Black, black with polished rim) in sets of three. Silver ones: Rally, Black ones will be painted and used on Ferdinand, last set: No decision made - yet.
My 180SS was punctured - again. This time, luckily, the puncture was observed at home. Last time I had to change the wheel at work.
For some time I've been drooling at the tubeless SIP 2.50X10" rims, which comes in a variety of finishes, for many reasons. Safety for once, puncturing in speed is not nearly as hazardous as ditto with tubes. Second, no more repairing of punctures. Third, looks. All benefits, but there is one downside: You need equipment to change tire yourself.
Well, I don't have to worry about that anymore:
I've bought a tire-changer. Suitable for both cars and MC's, even 10" wheels.
