Whether you're racing 1/10 TT, On-road 1/10 Touring or 1/8 TT, having tires that grip the track perfectly is essential for transferring power to the ground and preventing the wheels from coming off the rims during full acceleration. However, this is a step that often scares beginners (and their fingers!).
In this guide, led by Kevin, an experienced race car driver, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process and, most importantly, share pro tips you won’t find just anywhere!
Essential Equipment
Before you begin, set up your work area. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Tires, rims, and inserts: Choose the insert based on the grip of the On-road (soft for slippery tracks, hard for tracks with very good grip).
- Degreaser: Standard brake cleaner (Note: for 6MIK tires, use onlyOpti-clean recommended by the manufacturer).
- Special cyanoacrylate tire adhesive: Liquid or medium-setting, depending on your preference. Don’t forget the precision needles to attach to the applicator tip.
- Elastic bands: To hold the tire firmly in place in the rim groove.
- Activator (Glue Accelerator): To set the bond quickly.
Safety reminder: Wearing safety goggles is essential—a splash of cyanoacrylate adhesive in the eye can happen faster than you think!
Preparation and Degreasing: Don’t skip this step!
New tires are coated with paraffin (a residue from the manufacturing mold). If you glue directly onto it, the tire will come off at the first turn.
Apply brake cleaner to a cloth and vigorously scrub the tire bead (inside and out).
💡 Kevin’s Pro Tip: The Air Gun
Instead of scrubbing for a long time, Kevin uses an “Air Gun” (which blows hot air, similar to a powerful hair dryer). The hot air softens the rubber, causes
to “sweat,” and naturally removes the paraffin, while opening the rubber’s pores for optimal bonding.
Assembly and bonding
- The insert: Knead it well to soften it, then insert it into the tire, making sure it’s perfectly round and free of creases.
- The rim: Place the rim inside the tire. Quick tip: Align the marking on the rubber toward the inside to remind yourself what type of tire you’re using. Knead the whole assembly so that the tire bead fits perfectly into the rim groove.
- Bonding: Gently spread the tire bead apart and apply a thin layer
- Apply a continuous bead of cyanoacrylate adhesive all the way around using the needle tip.
- Immediately place your rubber band over the joint to maintain firm pressure.
The finishing touch and the secret tip for the activator
: To ensure a secure bond, riders often apply a "border": a very thin line of adhesive applied directly to the outer junction between the tire and the rim.
This is where the activator comes in. The problem with spraying the activator directly onto the glue is that it causes a sudden chemical reaction that turns the tire white and makes it look unsightly.
💡 The “Tip” on the bottle:
Never spray the activator directly onto the wheel! Cut the bottom off a plastic bottle (like a soda bottle). Spray a little activator inside the bottle bottom, then place the bottom over your wheel while it’s lying flat. Let it sit for 10 seconds. The chemical vapors will dry the glue evenly, leaving it perfectly clear and shiny!
Comfort: The 1/8 TT
Tire
Glue Tool
If you regularly glue tires, especially in 1/8 TT where the rubber is very stiff, your thumbs will quickly start to hurt. Brands like the French company 6MIK have developed specialized tire-mounting tools. This mechanical system spreads the tire bead for you with a simple lever action, making the process quick, clean, and pain-free.
You now have everything you need to prepare your tire sets like top-level racers. Take your time, follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to perfect lines!
