Warning notice for using Continental tyres and tubes on carbon and aluminium clincher “tubeless ready”rims without rim strips...

Fully sealed aluminium or carbon rim profiles for road racing bikes are increasingly available on theFully sealed aluminium or carbon rim profiles for road racing bikes are increasingly available on the market. They do not feature drill holes in the rim base. The manufacturers therefore negate the needfor a rim strip. The problem here is that the heat generated by braking (rim brakes) penetrates directly through to the tyre system. Carbon as rim material has the disadvantage of a lower heat conductivity.During braking, heat builds up and can unduly increase the thermal load on tubes and tyres. Ridingwithout a rim strip can result in sudden tyre failure during extended braking, e.g. when riding downa mountain pass. This particularly applies to latex tubes as well as to lightweight tubes weighing lessthan 70 grams.

To minimize the risk of a tube failure Continental strongly recommends…

• that you use an Easy Tape rim strip even with fully sealed aluminium rim profiles and carbon rims.
• that you use an Easy Tape rim strip even with fully sealed aluminium rim profiles and carbon rims.It protects the tube from the direct effects of heat.that you use race tubes in general, especially in hilly terrains. 
• Do not use latex or lightweight tubes(“Light”, “Supersonic”) in this type of terrain.

 

Furthermore, Continental recommends that you optimize your riding technique. Constant brakingFurthermore, Continental recommends that you optimize your riding technique. Constant brakingwith permanent dragging of the brake can lead to too extremely high temperatures which mayresult in a sudden tube failure.

• Make it a rule to alternate both brakes when riding downhill. This distributes the brake heat onMake it a rule to alternate both brakes when riding downhill. This distributes the brake heat onboth rims.
• Brake before bends and release the brake as far as possible. Continue rolling without brakingafterwards, as far as road conditions permit. This kind of pulsating braking allows the rim to cooldown a little.
• If you are forced to brake constantly over a long period of time during downhill riding, make astop, if possible, to let the rims cool down a little.

To summarize

1. Make it a rule to use Continental Easy Tape rim strips, even if the wheel manufacturer indicates theuse without a rim strip. The rim strip reduces the risk of a tube failure which may result in a loss of control over the bicycle with unforeseeable consequences for life and limb.
2. Use Continental race tubes in general, especially when riding in hilly terrains. Do not use latex orlightweight tubes (“Light”, “Supersonic”).
3. Always alternate both brakes to distribute the brake heat and avoid constant braking