Aero cover warping

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2011-03-10 11:25 AM

Regular
156
1002525
Annapolis, MD
Subject: Aero cover warping

I have recently purchased the Zipp Firecrest Carbon Clinchers (404 front/808 rear) for my ride.  In addition, I also purchased the wheelbuilder aero covers for the rear.  However, I had some warping of the cover (particularly the non-drive side) when I tried to install it last night.  Any suggestions on how to cure this problem?   

Thanks

Jeff

2011-03-10 12:14 PM
in reply to: #3391962

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Pro
6520
50001000500
Bellingham, WA
Subject: RE: Aero cover warping
I had the same problem. Did they lay flat before you put the fasteners on? Mine had no warpage if laid on the table and also laid properly until I put the fasteners on and then it got all warped. I thought about taping all the edges down to make it lay smoothly but just took it off. It was the side that had the cutout for air that had the problem.
2011-03-10 1:58 PM
in reply to: #3392098

Regular
156
1002525
Annapolis, MD
Subject: RE: Aero cover warping

popsracer - 2011-03-10 1:14 PM I had the same problem. Did they lay flat before you put the fasteners on? Mine had no warpage if laid on the table and also laid properly until I put the fasteners on and then it got all warped. I thought about taping all the edges down to make it lay smoothly but just took it off. It was the side that had the cutout for air that had the problem.

I believe they laid flat but when the fastners went on they bowed badly.  Wondering if just using tape would work better?  I would be a little worried whether that would hold up for long rides (like IM races). 

2011-03-10 2:52 PM
in reply to: #3391962

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Master
1572
10005002525
Baltimore
Subject: RE: Aero cover warping

I've had two on two different wheels (404 and training rim).  Both have not been perfect, but I thought that was normal.  Used a small piece of electrical tape between each spoke and it made it very near perfect (and keeps it from sliding around slightly when you hit a bump).

2011-03-10 4:37 PM
in reply to: #3391962

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Pro
6520
50001000500
Bellingham, WA
Subject: RE: Aero cover warping
Well I gave them a call. They suggested that I reattach the fasteners starting with the fastener away from the valve and working around the wheel in increments. Kind of like the lug nuts on a car. Loosely fit all the way around and give another turn all the way around and repeat until secured. They also suggested a bit of electric tape but I'd like to get it close without that option. I kind of got the impression this is not an uncommon issue.
2011-03-10 5:24 PM
in reply to: #3392680

Regular
156
1002525
Annapolis, MD
Subject: RE: Aero cover warping

popsracer - 2011-03-10 5:37 PM Well I gave them a call. They suggested that I reattach the fasteners starting with the fastener away from the valve and working around the wheel in increments. Kind of like the lug nuts on a car. Loosely fit all the way around and give another turn all the way around and repeat until secured. They also suggested a bit of electric tape but I'd like to get it close without that option. I kind of got the impression this is not an uncommon issue.

Yeah, they e-mailed me with the same instructions.  Not sure that will work but will give it a go.  Also read on ST that packing tape on the spokes and electric tape around the edges work.

2011-03-11 6:41 AM
in reply to: #3391962

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Champion
7036
5000200025
Sarasota, FL
Subject: RE: Aero cover warping
Duct tape fixes everything.


Mark
2011-03-11 7:20 AM
in reply to: #3393200

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Master
1572
10005002525
Baltimore
Subject: RE: Aero cover warping

RedCorvette - 2011-03-11 7:41 AM Duct tape fixes everything.


Mark

 

I use duct tape to cover the valve hole.  The stickers they supplied always came unstuck for me.

2011-03-11 9:25 AM
in reply to: #3392752

Regular
156
1002525
Annapolis, MD
Subject: RE: Aero cover warping
tripadigin - 2011-03-10 6:24 PM

popsracer - 2011-03-10 5:37 PM Well I gave them a call. They suggested that I reattach the fasteners starting with the fastener away from the valve and working around the wheel in increments. Kind of like the lug nuts on a car. Loosely fit all the way around and give another turn all the way around and repeat until secured. They also suggested a bit of electric tape but I'd like to get it close without that option. I kind of got the impression this is not an uncommon issue.

Yeah, they e-mailed me with the same instructions.  Not sure that will work but will give it a go.  Also read on ST that packing tape on the spokes and electric tape around the edges work.

Last night I got the covers to fit properly using packing tape on the inside of the non-drive cover and the using the method prescribed by wheelbuilder regarding the fastners.  Overall it looks pretty good...not perfect but very acceptable.

2011-03-11 12:51 PM
in reply to: #3391962

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Master
2372
20001001001002525
Subject: RE: Aero cover warping

I have ditched the fasteners.  Black electrical tape all the way.  However, the tape may be an issue sticking to carbon (not sure, don't have those - though I wish I did!).

You really do have to have the wheel laying flat on the ground to get the cover to not be lumpy, though.  If I was still doing fasteners I would lay the wheel down drive side up and tape the cover on so that the cover was smooth.  With the tape holding that side on, flip over and attach the non-drive side with the fasteners in a star pattern as equally as you can.  Remove the temporary tape from the drive side.  That should get you pretty close.

Any attempts I have made to attach the cover with the wheel vertical has resulted in a warped cover.    Tape makes the cover much smoother (and I personally think holds better).



Edited by sand101 2011-03-11 12:53 PM
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