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| How to make an Ice Tire |
| Page 2 - Mounting the tire |
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Mounting the tire
In order to protect the tube from the screw heads, which will constantly shift under use, we need to add a second tube to the inside of the tire's casing. The easiest way to do this is to first cut the tube to the correct width, so that it covers all of the screw heads, but does not interfere with the tire's bead. Next use spray adhesive on the inside of the tire and the lining tube, so that it is held in place, centered in the casing. This makes the actual tube installation much easier. Next, mount the tire on the wheel as you normally would while changing a flat. Be careful though, those screws are sharp. I was able to inflate the tire to 100psi without any tube or casing failure. I won't run it at this pressure on ice, but its good to know that it will hold up.
Trimming the spikes
This is necessary for a couple of reasons. Currently the tire is quite dangerous, and hard to hold. Also, the spikes are too long to be practical. In use they will dig into the ice, but they will have a tenancy to fold over and scratch along the surface. This can lead to premature casing failure. Having them short and cylindrical in shape ensures that they dig in, without folding over.
With the tire inflated on the wheel, I found it easiest to mount the wheel on a fork that was clamped in a vise. If you do not have a vise, this step can be done seated with the tire on the ground held between your legs. (just be sure to wear thick jeans and maybe wrap the tire in a rag to avoid hurting yourself).
Once you have your safety glasses on, its time to get to work with the disc grinder. Cut each spike off to a uniform length, perpendicular to the screws orientation. This takes some time. Use quick passes from the side of the screw, instead of holding the grinder down on the screw tip and pushing. If you grind the screw for too long, it can heat up, melting the tire. On my tire I trimmed the inner screws down to 2mm from the tread block, and the outer screws to 4mm from the tread block.
That's it. The total time it takes to make one tire is approximately 3 hours, and the cost is less than $5.00 in screws. Now, I've just got to make a second one in time for the race and I'll be set.
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