Punctured Tub, fix or replace?

colm_gti

Punctured out of the race 8km from the finish on Sunday, pinhole on the rear tyre (Tufo S3 Lite).

About to buy a replacement, but before I pull the trigger, would a sealant like the tufo sealant be good enough to seal this up for the Traders Cup this weekend? Or is that a last resort thing to get you back to the car if you puncture during a race?

chester3455

Id use a rubber patch and glue myself.Its cheaper than a new tube or one of your fancy sealants and works just as well (when done properly).

colm_gti

chester3455 wrote: »

Id use a rubber patch and glue myself.Its cheaper than a new tube or one of your fancy sealants and works just as well (when done properly).

Can't really patch up a tubular unless you un-stitch it, and from what I've read this can't be done with tufos due to the way they're made, but even if it could the cost of a new one isn't that much. I just don't have the time to get a new tub and glue it on before Sunday and was looking for a potential quick fix to get me through til next week when I can get a new tub....

Chips Lovell

Opening and patching is the best way to deal with it, but if they can't be unstitched, then sealant or replacement is the only option.

If the tyre is relatively new I'd seal it, bearing in mind that the sealant will affect rolling resistance. If it's old, I'd bin it, and buy a new one, and not Tufo this time.

colm_gti

Vladimir Kurtains wrote: »

Opening and patching is the best way to deal with it, but if they can't be unstitched, then sealant or replacement is the only option.

If the tyre is relatively new I'd seal it, bearing in mind that the sealant will affect rolling resistance. If it's old, I'd bin it, and buy a new one, and not Tufo this time.

They look to be in pretty good condition visually apart from the small pinhole, and less than 1000kms on them. I understand that rolling resistance will be affected, but they'll still be faster than my training wheels (aksiums with conti gp4seasons).

Why the tufo hate? They came with my wheels so I've no experience with others yet...

Chips Lovell

colm_gti wrote: »

Why the tufo hate?

You can't open them up to fix punctures.:p

colm_gti

Vladimir Kurtains wrote: »

You can't open them up to fix punctures.:p

In fairness they seem pretty decent, get good reviews, and are relatively inexpensive (at least compared to other highly rated tubs) at about €40 a pop...

Do you glue your own tubs?

Chips Lovell

I've never used them, so I don't know what they're like to ride on. I do know that they're popular as a spare tub, because at least one of their models can fold up very small and easily fits in a saddle bag.

I've got mine (Continental Sprinters) taped at the moment, with Tufo tape. I'll probably move to glue when I'm done with these ones.

colm_gti

Vladimir Kurtains wrote: »

I've never used them, so I don't know what they're like to ride on. I do know that they're popular as a spare tub, because at least one of their models can fold up very small and easily fits in a saddle bag.

I've got mine (Continental Sprinters) taped at the moment, with Tufo tape. I'll probably move to glue when I'm done with these ones.

How do you rate the continental sprinters? Will you go with them again?

Chips Lovell

They're grand. Appear to be quite durable, at least I haven't punctured on them yet. Grip is decent too. And they're quite cheap as tubs go. But next time around I'll go for something different as I prefer tyres with a latex inner tube.

victorcarrera

Here is a copy of my experience with Pit Stop and Crivit sealants that I posted last year in a similar thread.

I got a front wheel pin hole puncture on a Tufo S3 lite also. On that occasion the Pit Stop @(€;10) on its own inflated the tyre to about 80 psi and got me back to the start OK but was flat within an hour or so. I re-inflated again with a track pump and it lasted 3 months. I later learned that the accelerator gas used in the aerosol cans can escape through the tube walls so you need to get CO2 or air in there asap on a long spin.
When the puncture eventually reappeared I was going to replace the tyre when I found the Crivit Sports Sealant Spray in Lidl @ (€3) and tried it as a last chance and that repair on the same tyre has lasted approx 1000Km race miles. (My opinion is that it is a re-badged Pit Stop.)
The sealant can foul the valve so subsequent inflation can be slow an I have to use extra force to lock the valve so it doesn't leak.
Every treatment adds about 20 gm to your tyre. I now carry the Crivit Sealant and a CO2 cannister.
Very mixed reviews on internet forums on this but it seems to work well on pinhole punctures <5mm but not on larger tears.
(VIP:If you use it follow the instructions to the letter)
IMO The Tufo S3 lite are very soft, the rear one lasted no time and I will change the front to Vittoria Corsa too after the next puncture.

colm_gti

Victor, thanks for your reply, maybe I'll just wait and get a replacement so...

Do you glue your own tubs?

victorcarrera

colm_gti wrote: »

Victor, thanks for your reply, maybe I'll just wait and get a replacement so...

Do you glue your own tubs?

I do now because I was less than happy with the result of a fitting by a recommended shop not too far away from either of us which I will pm you in case you are thinking of going down that route. @ €20 per fit too.
If you want to do it yourself there are lots of instructions and good videos on youtube. It is a tricky process which you have to get right. I use a three stage process which takes two days but I have confidence in the result.
You will need to source acetone from a pharmacy @ €20 for 500ml to dissolve the old glue and clean the rim. Stretching the new tyre can take 24 hrs. and 3 coats of glue over 2 days. I can be difficult to get the tyre straight on the rim and I think Vittoria glue is much better and easier to work with than Continental.

AstraMonti

Do not buy Tufo again, it might be the lightest tub out there, but it's also the worst. I would get something in the lines of Veloflex, FMB and Vittoria.

colm_gti

AstraMonti wrote: »

Do not buy Tufo again, it might be the lightest tub out there, but it's also the worst. I would get something in the lines of Veloflex, FMB and Vittoria.

They were on the wheels when I bought them so figured I'd use them til the gave up, figured they would suffer on the durability front due to their weight alright...

columbus_66

Hi Colm, I have some 23c Vredestein Fortezza Tricomp or Vittoria Evo CX 23c if you want and I can glue them on for you for €50 each? I would not race on a repaired tub unless you gave it a good test as you don't know if your stitching will burst of if the patch will hold.....just not worth it.