How self-sealing tubes work
Bontrager self-sealing inner tub have Slime, a liquid
sealant, inside the inner tube. As the wheel rotates,
centrifugal force spreads the Slime evenly around
the tube (Figure 1). When the tube is punctured,
fibers in the Slime instantly plug the hole.
Hints for best performance
The benefit of riding with Slime is uninterrupted
cycling. You may not be aware at the time, but
punctures are being sealed while you ride. However,
there are things to be aware of that can help you
get the best performance from this product:
• Always wear eye protection when working with
Slime. After installing and inflating the tube for
the first time, spin and rapidly stop the wheel at
least three times before riding. This ensures that
the Slime has been distributed through the tube.
• Sidewall punctures and pinch-flats may not
seal immediately because those portions of the
inner tube are not outermost. In this case, allow
the Slime to puddle at the bottom of the tube
(Figure 2) and then slowly rotate the wheel to
bathe the sidewall with Slime.
• No tube sealant can seal large cuts or large
pinch holes, but in some cases these holes can
still be patched. Before applying cement and
patch, clean the patch area thoroughly with
water to remove any Slime, and wipe dry.
• Objects embedded in the tire tread should be
removed. To help seal the puncture, rotate
the embedded objects to the 6 o’clock position
(Figure 3) before removing the object.
• Since the Slime does not dry out, it is normal to
see a wet spot on the tire where larger punctures
have been plugged. If the bicycle sits for a long
time without turning the wheels, a plug for a large
hole may develop slow leaks as it dries out. In this
case, rotate the wheel slowly to re-wet the plug.
Avoiding or repairing a clogged valve
A small amount of Slime in the valve is harmless,
but a larger amount can sometimes clog the valve.
To avoid clogging, always stand the wheel up with
the valve stem between the 10 and 2 o’clock position
when you inflate or deflate the tube (Figure 4).
If the valve becomes clogged, remove the valve
core, rinse it with water, clear away any trapped
fibers, and reinstall the valve core.
CAUTION
Ingestion of Slime may cause gastric distress, vomiting, or
diarrhea. If swallowed, give two glasses of water and call
physician. Do not induce vomiting. Keep out of reach of
children and pets.
Figure 1- As the wheel spins,
centrifugal force spreads
the Slime around the out-
side of the tire
Slime
Tire
Rim
Figure 4- When inflating,
position the valve stem be-
tween the 10 and 2 o’clock
position so the valve stem is
out of the Slime
Figure 2- When left stand-
ing, the Slime puddles at
the bottom of the tire
Figure 3- Before removing
embedded object, rotate to
bottom of wheel to enhance
sealing of the puncture
©2006 Copyright Trek Bicycle Corporation
All rights reserved
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