Tube Advice

ChrisxsRIB · 05 January 2020, 20:44

I’m after some advice on my tubes.

I have a 2007 XS Rib which in general has pretty good tubes. The undersides are not bad for her age and with Augustrace come up like new. The insides are also the same condition and with a general clean come up well.

Where I’m having problems are the tops. Obviously sun and salt have got to them overtime but I’m having problems getting these much better particularly at the bow.

I’ve used Rib revive, August Race and 303 but I’m left with a lighter blue and in particular ‘greening’ on the straps.

Is this just age or anything I can try?

ChrisxsRIB · 05 January 2020, 21:26

whisper · 06 January 2020, 15:43

I think your tubes are made from neoprene? Check the strapping to the hull is in good strong condition, especially the glue.

Normally you’d need to fit cover patches, however I’m not sure if you’ll get the glue to stick onto your tube material.

Well worth checking the search function on here to look at other XS ribs of the same age[emoji106]

36valley · 06 January 2020, 15:59

XS use Polyurethane and Hypalon for their tubes. Chances are they are Polyurethane as that's the material they push the most.

whisper · 06 January 2020, 16:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by 36valley

XS use Polyurethane and Hypalon for their tubes. Chances are they are Polyurethane as that's the material they push the most.

That’s it, polyurethane, not neoprene [emoji106]

beerbelly · 06 January 2020, 17:42

have you tried tfr it worked wonders on my valiant pvc tubes

ChrisxsRIB · 06 January 2020, 18:16

No I haven’t tried TFR. I think that might be my next attempt

scottu · 13 January 2020, 22:43

I have a 2008 xs650 with same tubes and use tfr then rib revive get. My straps have similar discolour but they clean up with tfr

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Tim M · 15 January 2020, 20:43

XS PU tubes seem to be prone to this. Sadly I don't think any product will get that out. If it really bothers you, you could get a tube company to recover the seams.

beamishken · 15 January 2020, 20:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim M

XS PU tubes seem to be prone to this. Sadly I don't think any product will get that out. If it really bothers you, you could get a tube company to recover the seams.

Getting them covered is probably a good call as the uv eventually degrades the glue causing the tapes to come off

ChrisxsRIB · 17 January 2020, 16:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by scottu

I have a 2008 xs650 with same tubes and use tfr then rib revive get. My straps have similar discolour but they clean up with tfr Attachment 131834

Which make of TFR have you been using? I’ll give it a shot. Even an improvement I’ll be pleased with

Pikey Dave · 17 January 2020, 16:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisxsRIB

Which make of TFR have you been using? I’ll give it a shot. Even an improvement I’ll be pleased with

You want the Sodium Hydroxide flavour (caustic soda), non of that wishy washy Eco rubbish.