Can't find tubular leak - help!

[KJMUNC]

Walked out last night to prep my stuff for this morning's ride and found my front Conti Gatorskin flat. I visually inspected the wheel and found no cuts whatsover, so I tried to soapy water method to ID the leak....again, no luck. Finally I put the entire tire in the bathtub and weighted it down so it was completely submerged and still no bubbles identifying the leaking spot.

The entire valve stem was submerged, so I don't believe it's any more suspect than the rest.

Planning on sending to Tirealert for the fix, but wanted to mark the leak before I shipped.

Any ideas or similar issues? Anyone had a similar issue with Conti tubulars?

[oldpotatoe]

Walked out last night to prep my stuff for this morning's ride and found my front Conti Gatorskin flat. I visually inspected the wheel and found no cuts whatsover, so I tried to soapy water method to ID the leak....again, no luck. Finally I put the entire tire in the bathtub and weighted it down so it was completely submerged and still no bubbles identifying the leaking spot.

The entire valve stem was submerged, so I don't believe it's any more suspect than the rest.

Planning on sending to Tirealert for the fix, but wanted to mark the leak before I shipped.

Any ideas or similar issues? Anyone had a similar issue with Conti tubulars?

Put some Stan's or Orange seal in there first.

[4Rings6Stars]

I was actually going to post a similar thread...

I am using tubulars for the first time and both tires (Challenge cross tires) go soft after a few days, one of them eventually going entirely flat after about a week sitting unused. I can't find a leak anywhere...is this normal for tubulars?

Both tires are brand new...

Should I just pick up some of the sealant Oldpotatoe recommends and try that?

[FlashUNC]

I was actually going to post a similar thread...

I am using tubulars for the first time and both tires (Challenge cross tires) go soft after a few days, one of them eventually going entirely flat after about a week sitting unused. I can't find a leak anywhere...is this normal for tubulars?

Both tires are brand new...

Should I just pick up some of the sealant Oldpotatoe recommends and try that?


The Challenges likely have latex tubes. They'll exhibit that kind of behavior and it is normal. Stans doesnt really help. Just gotta pump em up each time you ride.

The Gatorskin is a puzzler. My gut says a leak at the valve.

[christian]

The Gatorskin is a puzzler. My gut says a leak at the valve.The Gatorskin is a blessing. It's telling him it wants to be a spare and to buy some non-garden hose tubs for riding.

[KJMUNC]

Will give it a shot when it arrives and see if that does the trick. Thanks!

[Lewis Moon]

I was actually going to post a similar thread...

I am using tubulars for the first time and both tires (Challenge cross tires) go soft after a few days, one of them eventually going entirely flat after about a week sitting unused. I can't find a leak anywhere...is this normal for tubulars?

Both tires are brand new...

Should I just pick up some of the sealant Oldpotatoe recommends and try that?

Wow...the things they're (not) teaching kids these days. Yep, as said earlier, ya gotta pump them every time.

[izzyfuld]

I had a similar problem with my vittoria corsas, and was told that vittorias are notorious for this.
Just pumped mine before each ride.

[christian]

The Vitt Corsas leak through the latex. All latex-tubed tires do this. That's different from a butyl-tubed Conti going flat.

[redir]

Does it have a replacement valve? Try that. Then try the Stan's or Calfe Latex fix. On slow leaks the sealants always work.

[4Rings6Stars]

Wow...the things they're (not) teaching kids these days. Yep, as said earlier, ya gotta pump them every time.

Anybody want to buy some Zipp 404s with brandy new 700x33 Challenge tires glued up???

Only half kidding I suppose... What if I go for a 6 or 7 hour ride? Should I expect them to hold air long enough for that? Or should I just ride my clinchers :p

[FlashUNC]

Anybody want to buy some Zipp 404s with brandy new 700x33 Challenge tires glued up???

Only half kidding I suppose... What if I go for a 6 or 7 hour ride? Should I expect them to hold air long enough for that? Or should I just ride my clinchers :p

They'll be fine. Just expect to pump em up once a day. Latex tubes lose about 20-30% of their pressure over a day or so. I have a set of Michelin Pro4 tubies that are dead flat after a week. But they're fine for long rides.

[izzyfuld]

I'm surprised they haven't perfected the latex tubes yet to not lose that much air.

[biker72]

Guess I never knew what I was missing. I pump up my Continental GP4 Season clinchers with cheap tubes once a week....:p

[denapista]

When I first jumped into the Tubular swimming pool, I was kind of spooked about the losing PSI thing. I then realized that it's a blessing ins disguise. It gives you a reason to inspect and check your air before every ride. this is something a huge amount of people don't do, and end up getting flats or punctures more frequently. Especially with tubular tires, I inspect for cuts and gashes, and use super glue to fill them in. Tubulars aren't clinchers, where you just ride them and not think about them. I have a set of the newer style Vittoria tires with the non removable cores and man these things rip! I had the old Corsa SC versions and they ripped apart after a few rides. The new tires are noticeably better.

[pbarry]

Flash, you might try installing the tire, without glue, on a wheel, inflate to 100 psi or better, then check for leaks in water. I've had a few slow leaks through the years that were only visible above 60-80 lbs.

[ultraman6970]

Know how to fix and actually fix tubulars yourself is a must for tubular users.

As for the leak no idea, if the leak is small i would just put some stans inside and ride that one till its death.

[93legendti]

My tubulars are hanging in my garage and I never had this issue, but maybe this would help?

http://www.amazon.com/Vittoria-Pit-Stop-Road-Racing-Repair/dp/B008F9IGG8/ref=pd_sim_sg_29?ie=UTF8&refRID=1JCRF7Y2W4C7SKQT3SPY

[redir]

Flash, you might try installing the tire, without glue, on a wheel, inflate to 100 psi or better, then check for leaks in water. I've had a few slow leaks through the years that were only visible above 60-80 lbs.

Good advice. I've seen this happen as well.

[zap]

The Gatorskin is a blessing. It's telling him it wants to be a spare and to buy some non-garden hose tubs for riding.

Ha, you ever ride Tufo's? That's like riding a frozen garden hose.

But other than that, Tufo's are the best. The most consistently round, straight, holds air tight and durable tubular tire I've ever ridden.

OP, if the tire has a removable valve core, make sure it's tight. If thats not the problem, then you have the twin of a Conti I had….a slow leak from new. I figured it was a post beergarten unit.

[FlashUNC]

Flash, you might try installing the tire, without glue, on a wheel, inflate to 100 psi or better, then check for leaks in water. I've had a few slow leaks through the years that were only visible above 60-80 lbs.

Good advice, but it ain't my leak.