Losing (wheel) weight

icebiker

icebiker

JORBA: Morris Trails
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As per a prior post, I'm planning to drill my RD's and install DH tubes. I'm expecting to save about 2 lbs of rolling weight in the process. Just got my tubes (recommended by more experienced fatbikers than me on MTBR). Weighed them on the kitchen scale against the Surly tubes this eve. Tubes alone will save a bit over a pound right there. Hope they work and don't blow on me in the cold!😀

I could also switch to 120 tpi Kevlar Nates and save another 1.5 lbs, but suspect that at my weight, the more supple sidewalls combined with the superlight (and smaller) inner tubes isn't a good idea (plus them 120K Nates are pricey).

Qtubes DH 26 X 2.4-2.7
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Surly 26 X 3.0-4.0
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Sweet! Keep us posted on progress. I'm amassing the drilling project as we speak. What size hole are you going with?

After a talk with JimV I'm not sure about the DH tube idea but you can be the guinea pig...🙂. I might actually try tubeless instead. What are you using for rim strips?
 
On a side note, the fat tire actual weights are all over the place. I've had 120 SuperLight Larrys that were heavier than standard Larrys. The chances of them being the stated weight are pretty slim. The lightest set-up is to run Escalators tubeless. We have a couple guys at the shop running that set-up and they've been perfect.

I'm building myself a set of RDs and plan to set them up tubeless using the foam/Gorilla tape method. We'll see how that works out 😀

PS-You're gonna pinch those tubes if you run low pressures. I tried that method when I built my bike and it just doesn't work.

-Jim.
 
jimvreeland said:
On a side note, the fat tire actual weights are all over the place. I've had 120 SuperLight Larrys that were heavier than standard Larrys. The chances of them being the stated weight are pretty slim. The lightest set-up is to run Escalators tubeless. We have a couple guys at the shop running that set-up and they've been perfect.

I'm building myself a set of RDs and plan to set them up tubeless using the foam/Gorilla tape method. We'll see how that works out 😀

PS-You're gonna pinch those tubes if you run low pressures. I tried that method when I built my bike and it just doesn't work.

-Jim.
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Yes on all accounts. I have not tried tubeless. But I did try some Bontrager 2.7 tubes, and didn't like them. It was a bitch getting them to fill the tire and seat the bead, but in the end they just didn't feel the same. Didn't get flats, but 2 rides later they were outta there. For me, there's a certain magic sweet spot where the tires roll nice and feel almost like suspension. I couldn't replicate that with the skinny tubes for some reason. But hey, it's cheap enough to try, and you're using a different brand, so who knows?

I scored a pair of Escalators, but haven't mounted 'em up yet. They weigh 1240 and 1250g, which is good, but not the 1100g they were supposed to be.

I built up a set of light wheels with Marge Lites, Hope hubs and DT Revolution spokes, and I'm happy to say that they've held up perfectly after beating on them for a few months so far. (I'm around 155lbs FWIW)
 
Yep, I figured it was a cheap gamble so worth a shot. Several on MTBR have posted good results, others have echoed your experience. Worst case, I patch them and slap them on my pump track bike, which is running 26 X 2.4 Mutano's.
 
I have run those tubes before and they were fine...But as Jim said if you run below 7-8psi you will probably pinch flat especially in the Jersey rocks...

IMOP...Just go tubeless...I have been running split tupe ghetto for 2 years now with no issues at all...They have been flawless from super low pressure (4psi) beach/snow rides to 8 psi trail/rocky rides...
 
extremedave said:
What size hole are you going with?
What are you using for rim strips?
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Dave, probably something like 1 3/8". I'll stay with the regular rim strips but might introduce a bit of color contrast through the holes. Thinking charcoal grey or similar. Rather than use a hand-drill I'm going to wait until my bro-lin-law's shop's drill press is available.
 
Sevenz said:
IMOP...Just go tubeless...I have been running split tupe ghetto for 2 years now with no issues at all...They have been flawless from super low pressure (4psi) beach/snow rides to 8 psi trail/rocky rides...
Click to expand...

Did you use the insulation foam setup too? What size tube did you use?
 
icebiker said:
Dave, probably something like 1 3/8". I'll stay with the regular rim strips but might introduce a bit of color contrast through the holes. Thinking charcoal grey or similar. Rather than use a hand-drill I'm going to wait until my bro-lin-law's shop's drill press is available.
Click to expand...

I was thinking about the same size, stay between the walls. I have to take one apart and measure. Buddy of mine has a drill press and likes the project so I'll be at it soon. I'm thinking stock strips if they're ok after, with some bright ribbon or tape under.
Saw a dude on mtbr...ton of work but he made a clear tape strip and setup tubeless. You can see the Stan's sloshing around as it rolls. Crazy but neat.

I think sevenz split tube setup might be the most reliable to setup but seems...i dunno, maybe inelegant. I might try gorilla tape method. Or just leave the tubes in. Dunno yet.
 
Sevenz said:
No Foam...Use the q-tubes 24x2.1-2.3 and trim the excess tube that sticks out after mounting...
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I've seen the ghetto write up on MTBR....curious as to how it looks when done...can you post up a pic on yours? (e.g. how much extra tube should stick out to ensure a seal?

Also curious as to how you get the second bead on the rim without forcing the edge of the tube back into the tire 😕
 
The ones we've done end up with like 5mm of tube sticking out past the tire. It takes a bit to get the bead to pop with some tires. Have some assorted straps and an extra set of hands around to help get you going.

That's also why I like the foam/Gorilla Tape method better, the tire seats much easier and the bead locks directly into the rim instead of having a piece of tube taking up space. Although we ride Chimney Rock all the time and no one's rolled or burped a tire yet with the tube method.

I think they weigh the same.

-Jim.
 
What Jim said....The only thing I will add is if you don't want any extra tube sticking out past the tire...just trim it right up to the rim after you have everything seated and sealed up.
 
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