Proper fit for wheel cover?

Dawn Cass

Hello all, just ordered a wheel cover through wheel builder and installed it on my Zipp 808.

Basic question I have for the group is how exactly should it fit?  ie, mine is not completely flat?  The gear side is "flatter" then then non gear side.  The non gear side actually looks to be a bit concave.

Should it be perfectly flat....or should there be a bow to it?

If it's supposed to be flat, I have read that I should file out the center hole.  Have others done it? 

Appreciate thoughts.

Thanks.

Keith Wick

You are correct in that one side is more concave than the other. The gear side needs to be flatter or you have the chain being pinched and rubbing when your in the largest cog.

Dawn Cass

Thanks Keith, thing is, it's actually "bumpy" ie...it's not completely flat or symmetrically concave either. Is it the wrong fit?

Keith Wick

bumpy?? It should fit nicely around the hub and then be in tight contact on the edges where it connects to the rim.

Kane Murphy

Dawn, are you taping the cover on or using the little screw things provided? Either way if the cover is mostly flat against the spokes you should be fine. As Keith mentioned, you want the gear side flat and tight against your spokes so the largest cog or chain doesn't rub against the cover. A little trick is to tape the drive side cover to your spokes - before you connect the 2 halves of your wheel cover take a little square of duct tape and where your spokes make an X apply the duct tape pressing the drive side cover tight to the spokes as you apply the tape. Let me know if that makes any sense - if not I will try to take a picture.

I've only ever taped the cover directly to my rim. One round of 3M electrical tape all the way around without stretching the tape as you apply. Ends up being nice and flat and surprisingly secure. The little screw type connectors can leave the cover appearing a little bumpy.

Dawn Cass

Hello Kane/ Keith, yes I am using the screw connectors...and I guess that is what it's doing...looks uneven.

Regarding the electrical tape....are you suggesting then not to use the screws at all and only tape?

jaleslie

Dawn,

Mine was a little "lumpy" on the non-drive side as well.  In two areas, it rubbed ever so slightly against the inside of the chainstay.  It may a really annoying noise as a result (and there was obviously a little friction....which is obviously not good).  I could not figure out what to do,  The cutout seemed to fit perfectly around my PT hub.  So, I took a hole punch and added multiple additional holes to be able to put more of those plastic screw dealies around the outer edge.  That has completely resolved the rubbing.  I have QR Lucero TT bike, by the way.  

Basically, it works similar to applying tape around the rim/cover interface.  It takes me a little longer to put it on and take it off (more screws to have to deal with), but it has made it smoother and it no longer rubs on the chainstay.  

If you think this will fix your problem, then this is what I did.  Put the cover on in perfect position.  Then take a hole punch and carefully start placing holes strategically around the outer edge, just like the ones wheelbuilder made.  As you add the holes/screws, take note of whether the "lump" is going away (for me it was easy because it finally stopped rubbing).  I have taken it on and off several times since adding the new holes and it continues to work perfectly.  

If you want me to take a picture let me know and I'll do so.  JL

Keith Wick

I have used electical tape in order to get the cover on, but then I take it off as mine is secure to the rim surface. I think the major issue is whether this is cosmetic or whether there are gaps that will allow air to get between the edge of the cover and the rim. If there are bulges places, then that is a problem. Is there a way for you to take and post a picture?

Kane Murphy

Dawn, I may be in the minority, but I have ordered 2 wheel covers from Wheel Builder without the holes for the fasteners. I only use the electrical tape around the outside. I have seen people use half of the fasteners and tape to the rim as well as adding more fasteners like Jeff mentions. It does appear there is a little art in getting the cover to lay perfectly flat and smooth. I agree with Keith, if it's only cosmetic then probably not a big deal however you decide to install the cover, but there shouldn't be gaps or bulges where the cover contacts the rim. Hopefully minimal / no rubbing on the chain, cog, derailleur, or chainstay. Good luck, let us know what works for you.

Scott Alexander

Yes, non-drive side is slightly lumpy here too, with the "lower" areas being around the plastic screws.

I actually had to cut out a slightly-larger hole in the drive side half to prevent the rubbing. Only way I could prevent that resistance and sound of rubbing.

William Jenks

Be really careful that you have the alignment of the side with no opening correct. Despite thinking that it ought to be fully symmetric, I've found that the fit is really best when you use that alignment absolutely correct. My guess is that the holes are not actually equally spaced (but are very close) ...so when you tighten them down when using the wrong line-up of holes, you get extra lumpiness.