Colnago C50

[Stu Merckx Man]

how do u get the tyres on to those wheels?

[-Adam-]

there different types of tyres stu, instead of having a tyre and an inner tube, you have it all in one...

a tubular,

apparently they roll faster, feel nicer etc

but you have to glue them to the rim, hence on the road repair is basically impossible. plus theyre like 30 quid per tyre, and theyre basically useless once theyre punctured, unlike a 'normal' clincher tyre.

so thats why im stickin with the clinchers...!

[Stu Merckx Man]

oh right, cheers adam

[Tamar Collis]

Tubs are not useless when punctured - you just send 'em off to nice chappie to fix and return to you.

And they're not that hard to change at the side of the road either. If you only use tub tape sparingly (eg between every other pair of spoke holes instead of between every hole) then they are not too hard to get off and if you do it carefully then the tub tape stays on the rim and is fine for shoving spare tub back on - will certainly see you to the end of the race.

I have tubs on my time trial bike and they're speedy fast...and they make me feel like a 'proper' rider which I'm sure adds another mph just from the mental boost.

[Andrew G]

I can see why you want the convenience of clinchers Adam but I wouldn't completely dismiss tubs, especially as I'm guessing these will be race only wheels, so roadside repairs of flats is less of an issue.

As Tamar says you can get them off for replacements okay, just need a bit of elbow grease if you use tub cement. Also very low rolling resistance as you can inflate them much higher (160psi i think, but probably not recommended for a tight crit!). Do remember though that a deep section rim will be very stiff so getting a clincer back on probably won't be a piece of cake. Just think how much harder a medium section rim like a Zonda is compared to a box section rim.

You can repair them yourself although you may need to get some sewing lessons from your mum as you need to slitch the carcass back together after fixing the puncture. Alternatively, as doing it yourself can be a faff, there are people who specialise in repairing tubs and you can get them to do it (check CW classifieds).

Most of these deep rims are tubs so you'd limit your choices (chance of getting a good deal). If you do stick with clinchers what about Zipp Flashpoint, they look v nice.

Can't see as you'd have a problem with the HEDs as they've been making great wheels for top teams for ages - their Bastogne wheels look good for a standard wheel as well. You could try searching some time trialling forums for reviews as a most testers use deep rims, certainly before they can afford a disc for the rear.

[-Adam-]

the thing is andrew, i dont want to spend close £600+ on a pair of wheels just to race on them... I want to enjoy them!

after all thats what its all about right!

obviously im not going to use them when its raining, or in the winter...

but on a warm summers evening, when im sitting on box hill at 9pm, i want to be sitting on a pair of screamingly fast wheels to tt my way back home on... just because i love doing it!

so i cant really justify the extra cost/hassle of tubs, especially as id have to pay someone to fix them etc...

so unless i find real reason not too at the weekend, i think im gonna go for the hed jets... so ill be, no, not alejet, but adamjet!!!

[Andrew G]

No probs Adam. The plus side for people you ride with is they sound really nice, trouble is you can't hear it as the rider

Look forward to seeing them should look damn fine.

[Mike I]

[quote]get some sewing lessons from your mum

[Dr Frigo]

I saw this article about the FSA RD88 which is a helpful insight into using tubular wheels: http://www.cyclingnews.com/tech.php?id= ... /fsa-rd488

(By the way those wheels are down to £495 from £830 on chainreaction).


I think unless you've got a second, race-only bike, tubulars are not a realistic option.

[Alan M]

Since we have strayed somewhat you may like to look at the photographs of snow in my garden last week - had I the presence of mind I would have included the bike!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/76539796@N00/

[Paul H]

I get the impression that Carbon Wheels have a shorter life and dont think they should be used for training. I dont think even the pros do.

Can anybody recommend a tubular tyre for Road Racing.

[Jon H]

I've been using Vittora Crono Evo CS tubs for time trials. For road racing you'd probably want something a bit beefier like the Vittoria Corsa or Continental Competition.