Tubular tyres

[streeter]

Hi guys,

I have just bought a new pair of carbin racing wheels to race on next year and need to get a pair of tubulars, however as have never used them before, am not sure of what or who makes a good tubular, and do they differ with regards to race distance. I race from 10m to 50m so relatively short and mainly TT's, a few drafting races. Any advice anyone can give will be very appreciated

Cheers

Jon

[andrewj100]

I've never used tubs but there is some usefull info on here
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/gloss_tp-z.html#tubular

As for which is best... I expect £££££ will give the best idea!

[streeter]

Thanks for the info dude, but was not really what I am looking for. Wanted to find out a little more about how people rate the different makes and models on the market at the moment, as am a bit bewildered by all of the jargon from the makers individual websites

[mamba80]

Vittoria tubs are really good, i've used the corsa, which is great, you may need some thing lighter? like the crono.
they are expensive!

[newhero]

I know that years ago tubs were the only option for serious racing. But why use them now?
I'm probably missing something obvious but surely clinchers are just as good now. Help please

[Eastway82]

I know that years ago tubs were the only option for serious racing. But why use them now?
I'm probably missing something obvious but surely clinchers are just as good now. Help please

Good clinchers are really good now - almost as good to ride as a mediocre tub...
Really good tubs are something else - zingy and fast without being harsh. If you're prepared to put up with the extra hassle then they're worthwhile for racing IMHO - I'm going back to tubs for racing next year. Would add another vote for Vittoria Corsa.

[newhero]

Thanks Eastway.
But If tubs are so much better why do half the pro peloton ride clinchers? It cant just be sponsorship as the pros have always found a way around that problen if they dont like a sponsors product.

[mamba80]

Well , if clinchers r so good, why r half the peloton riding tubs?
Mavic reflex rim=375g O/Pro=435g
Corsa Tub=250g Corsa clincher + tube=280g

Plus a tub runs much higher presures and no pinch punctures!

but clinchers r easier to use, and MUCH easier to fix, and 4 most people the right choice.
But the original poster has bought tub wheels, so a bit late to try an persuad him he's wrong now isn't it?

[streeter]

Thanks guys for all the advice I will check out the Vittoria ones. just for the record I use clinchers to train on as it is just easier to deal with punctures, change tyres due to wear etc.

[wuverley]

Thanks guys for all the advice I will check out the Vittoria ones. just for the record I use clinchers to train on as it is just easier to deal with punctures, change tyres due to wear etc.

Are you mostly a tri athlete? Are tubs more common in the tri world? Perhaps fashion is important in these respects.

Just wondered.