Tubular tyres

letape

Anyone have a recommendation for good value tubulars?

columbus_66

Vittoria CX 23c, Vredestein Fortezza Tricomp 23c, Continental Competition 22mm. All good, Conti expensive though.

AstraMonti

Tufo are cheap, but horrible to ride (allegedly good puncture protection though).
Continental are next with around 50euro per GP4000 (still butyl tube inside).
After that you go into latex tubes and the prices goes up around 70-75euro each.

I think Vittoria Corsa EVO CX is a sensible choice at 43euro.

columbus_66

Conti GP4000 tubular is very small, too small for Irish roads. 23c or bigger is ok on Irish roads. and that Vittoria CX quoted at €43 is 21c which again is too small for our roads.

AstraMonti

You 're right didn't notice the width, thought it was 23. I did commute for a period of time with 22mm tyres, I can't say I noticed any difference from 23. Although for everyday use I would probably go for 25 (and I am actually now).

columbus_66

Yes that Conti GP 4000 is said to be 22mm but is more like 20mm and very shallow. The CX 21 is better for TT's, 23mm is a good all rounder. And riders now are going for 24mm (Michelin Service Corse) and 25mm (Conti Comp) for better grip and comfort, there are claims for lower rolling resistance but I can't see how!

AstraMonti

I think the lower rolling resistance is coming along with the wider rims, because there is no bulging on the tire.

letape what's the budget? I would much prefer paying extra to ride good quality tyre (that I know they can even be fixed if I flat) and enjoy the plush feeling of good tread and latex tubes.

letape

Thanks guys

I am considering two different tubs. The Vittoria corsa evo sc model below seems very good value. £40 each and with free shipping.

http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/TBVICOSC/vittoria_corsa_evo_sc_tubular_tyre

Alternatively I was considering continental sprinter gatorskins - no doubt more durable but probably not as nice a ride. They work out at about €34 from various German sites.

columbus_66

Evo CS currently unavailable?

letape

columbus_66 wrote: »

Evo CS currently unavailable?

They appear to have them listed more than once.

I checked earlier and there were "loads in stock".

morana

for a big man like me I never had any bother with Vittorias. 404's and these (as much psi as possible) were fantastic!

columbus_66

these seem to be the options:

http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/TBVICOEVCX/vittoria_corsa_evo_cx_tubular_tyre

and there is postage to Ireland.

letape

columbus_66 wrote: »

these seem to be the options:

http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/TBVICOEVCX/vittoria_corsa_evo_cx_tubular_tyre

and there is postage to Ireland.

These are the ones - http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/TBVICESCISO/vittoria_corsa_evo_servizio_corse_classic_isogrip_tubular_tyre#basket

"Lots in stock" - free delivery over 70 I believe.

Lumen

columbus_66 wrote: »

Conti GP4000 tubular is very small, too small for Irish roads. 23c or bigger is ok on Irish roads. and that Vittoria CX quoted at €43 is 21c which again is too small for our roads.

I'm running Vittoria 21mm clinchers on one bike (ordered by accident) and they feel lovely.

It might AstraMontis floppy superlight wheels taking the edge off though.

GoTilUBlow

Used Continental Sprinters all last year and this year in racing. No problems, great tub with plenty of grip. Currently on sale on Wiggle for €39.85.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/continental-sprinter-tubular-tyre/

GlennaMaddy

AstraMonti wrote: »

I would much prefer paying extra to ride good quality tyre (that I know they can even be fixed if I flat) and enjoy the plush feeling of good tread and latex tubes.

Tubs used to be repairable in days gone by, the process was undo the stictching on the underside of the tub, take out the part of the tube with the puncture and fix it, tuck it back inside and sew with needle and thread. Glue back on and hope it stays up.

Are tubs still fixable nowadays, if so, how?

Chips Lovell

Pretty much the same way

AstraMonti

The good quality tubs still are, veloflex, fmb and dugast (not sure about vittoria). You remove the base tape, unsew them, fix or replace the tube, resew, reseal the base tape and ready to go.

letape

The alternative is to use sealant like used in tubeless tires. This will certainly seal/fix small cuts in the inner tube.

GoTilUBlow

letape wrote: »

The alternative is to use sealant like used in tubeless tires. This will certainly seal/fix small cuts in the inner tube.

I'm adding stans sealant for next year, just need to buy the syringe kit for the tub valves. Using tubeless clinchers and find them great.

AstraMonti

I would be wary in pre adding sealant in tubs with latex tubes, especially if the wheels are not used often enough. If the tyre deflates completely, then there is a chance (can't tell how big or small) the sealant can stick in both sides and can tear up the tube when it will be pumped back up. I do carry with me sealant though for emergencies, this one: http://www.effettomariposa.eu/en/products/espresso-family/espresso/

GoTilUBlow

AstraMonti wrote: »

I would be wary in pre adding sealant in tubs with latex tubes, especially if the wheels are not used often enough. If the tyre deflates completely, then there is a chance (can't tell how big or small) the sealant can stick in both sides and can tear up the tube when it will be pumped back up. I do carry with me sealant though for emergencies, this one: http://www.effettomariposa.eu/en/products/espresso-family/espresso/

If a tub completely deflates on me it goes in the bin. Repairing tubs is an anachronism at this point, when they can be bought for the same price as a tyre. Sealant will sort small leaks but is not a cure all. Also, I would recommend putting the sealant e.g. Stan's in before you go riding. Then you carry it pre-loaded as it were.

AstraMonti

I am not sure I understand what you mean. Latex based tubs will completely deflate in 3-4 days if you don't repump them, that's how porous a latex tube is. I wouldn't say repairing tubs is ancient history, FMB/Dugast costs almost 100euro a piece, I would think twice before binning it.

GoTilUBlow

I'll stick with the Conti Sprinter's. As far as I know they are latex and only deflate over the space of a month or so. Perhaps the higher end ones are lighter still, can't comment as have never used them. I race week in week out during the season, so popping an FMB would bring a tear to the eye!

AstraMonti

Sprinters are with butyl tube inside. I was racing on Veloflex Carbon (not as often as you), not as expensive as the other two but great quality. They are aged as well (6months inside the wardrobe just sitting) so the outer shell becomes a bit more resistant to punctures, or at least that's what the experts say, I 've no way of verifying it.