Tubular Tyres. A Beginner's Report.

[rogerzilla]

Re:

I'm about to build some wheels using FIR ST120 rims, whuch were going very cheap on the Bay of Thieves. Thinking about Vredestein Fortezza Pro, since I've never had an on-road puncture in 15 years of riding the clincher kind. Whatever the PRS layer is, it seems to work as I had two glass flats (it's a bit chavvy round here and smashing bottles on psyclepaths is regarded as entertainment) on Conti Ultra HamsterSkins in a mere fortnight over the same commute.

Is it true you're not allowed to use them on a track if you've used non-hardening road glue rather than shellac? I know tracks don't like tub tape.

 

[Txn67]

I was on ebay last month to look for NOS rims/hubs to build a set of tubulars for my '84 Univega Gran Rally and I hit the jackpot. Some guy was selling a set with GP4 rims and Suzie sealed bearing hubs that he built up 35 years ago and never used so they were brand new and still perfectly trued. He had them listed in the wrong section for $100 and I bought them on the spot. Mounted some Vredstein Freccia Pro's I already had and it completely transformed the bike.

Sorry for being the worst picture taker in human history, the bike is stunning in person. I actually bought it two years ago from the original owner in the Arizona desert who never took it on the road once. It had been clamped to an indoor trainer since 1984. Has a 6207 group, and I put on a Sunrace freewheel with ramped teeth that improved the shifting 100x.

 

[Peachy!]

Indoors in Arizona? rust not a problem then?

 

[Txn67]

Indoors in Arizona? rust not a problem then?

That was the best part, it looked like it was in a time capsule

 

[WD Pro]

He obviously didn't work very hard on the trainer then - it's worse for the bike than UK road salt ...

Nice bike by the way

WD

 

[Txn67]

I will be buying some new tires soon, and I was looking at the Specialized Espoir Tubular. Reason being is they are only $40US and look like clones of the discontinued Vredstein's I have now. Same specs and even the same dark brown sidewall (the pic on their website is not the actual tire).

Then I saw the SW Turbo Tubular AllRound is only $50 with a latex tube, 290tpi and only 270g. BUT the S-Works Turbo Allround 2 is $100 and is the same TPI but a little heavier. Besides the tread I can see no difference or reason for a $50 difference. Does anyone happen to know?

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/s-wor ... 622-155882

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/sw-tu ... 504-156144

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/espoi ... 332-156545

And this ebay seller has these but I'm not sure exactly what model they are. Looks to possibly be the Allround 2 and they're only $45.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/312530351553?V ... 2530351553

I'm basically trying to decide which to get, I don't think I'll get the Espoirs now.

 

[rogerzilla]

Re:

I've only ridden the tubs on Calshot velodrome (except a few - ahem - brakeless runs up and down the local cycle path to test them first), but they were very, very fast. The best thing is that you can stick absolutely stupid pressures in them for track use, where road surface and comfort are not factors. I ran them at 180psi,which is all my track pump can manage, but they will take more.

 

[half cog]

Anyone got an answer to creeping tubs.O.K. I am using tufo and not everyone loves them but it is only genneral riding.Have tried the glue method as described in this thread but the valves still end up leaning over after a few rides.We have a lot of steep hills around here and that is where the problem is happening .Two to three hundred yards of 1 in 4 and over they go.Front wheel is not so much of a problem as I simply turn it round but you cant do that with the back.I was gluing tubs on over fifty years back and I club rode on them and I dont remember any problems.Sugestions much appreciated
Peter

 

[JohnDeere]

Re:

Has anyone tried this stuff? Effetto Mariposa Carogna tub tape
There is a glowing review here :https://road.cc/content/review/169313-effetto-mariposa-carogna-tub-tape
I wonder what happens if out on the road you get a flat & need to replace a tub? It seems the tape comes off with the tub leaving a very clean rim. I suppose with sealants it might not be an issue but BITD you could generally get away with mounting a pre-glued tub on the rim & getting home as long as there were no Alpine descents. Any ideas welcome.

 

[Peachy!]

Re: Re:

Has anyone tried this stuff? Effetto Mariposa Carogna tub tape
There is a glowing review here :https://road.cc/content/review/169313-effetto-mariposa-carogna-tub-tape
I wonder what happens if out on the road you get a flat & need to replace a tub? It seems the tape comes off with the tub leaving a very clean rim. I suppose with sealants it might not be an issue but BITD you could generally get away with mounting a pre-glued tub on the rim & getting home as long as there were no Alpine descents. Any ideas welcome.

Yes... see my companion thread here from a few years ago..
viewtopic.php?f=12&t=382631

The one time I got a puncture, I rang my wife to come get me, sat back and enjoyed the sunshine….
But…changing the tube back in the workshop was super easy and the rim only needed the lightest of wipes….