FS Installation on RD
Ok, folks, I have a real-world install (pic heavy, sorry). For reference, this is on a set of Holy Rolling Darryls, with Panaracer Fat B Nimble tires. Before I go any further I have to say that Jim at FS is a gem of a guy to work with. Patiently answered all my dumba$$ questions and walked me through what my HRD's would need to get them ship shape. I typically do split tube for my installs, but for those of you with my combo (HRD + FBN), you know that it is a MAJOR PITA, b/c the HRD has deep shoulders and a narrow bead shelf, and the FBN's are more of a 3.5" tire than a 4" tire. The combination does not make for easy mounting. So, I figured I'd give the FattyStrippers a go (plus the look I got from my wife when she saw the invoice was priceless). So, here's how it went:
Started off by wrapping a piece of ribbon in a Gorilla clear repair tape sandwich, then overlapping two more onto each bead shoulder:
Snipped a piece of old tube, burned a hole in it, used it to help seat the valve:
The hole in the strip lets the valve through:
Once on, it's a seamless airtight strip. Weighs almost nothing. Didn't take time to weigh it, but it's way lighter than a split tube:
Since I have HRD's, I used foam rod to build up the shoulder area. Flip back one side at a time:
Hit it with some spray adhesive and stick the rod to the sidewall. Adhesive holds it in place:
Flip the strip back over:
Repeat:
Smear a little of this on the edge so that the tire can snap onto the bead:
When you mount the tire, you can work it into the little gap between the foam rod and the shoulder bead hook:
Hit it with a little air from the compressor and pop, beads went right into place. Not a hint of leakage anywhere. Nothing. Added a few ounces of Orange Seal and gave her the wobble and spin. Easy Peasy. Repeat for back tire.
I'm sure everyone has their own way of doing stuff, and yes, there are cheaper solutions on the market, but with the trial and error that I have had with Rolling Darryls, nothing has even been in the same stadium of easy as this system. Could have aired them up with a floor pump.