Racing on tubs - what repair kit to carry?

bruce68

(Apologies if this is not the right place for this.. if not where?)

I did my first triathlon last weekend, which was on tubs. Although I've done duathlon before, that was on clinchers and I know where I am with clinchers, I can fix a flat or swap a tube in no time and I know what to carry.

Question is, what to carry if you're riding on tubs?

I was going to race carrying just an old tub (which still had quite a lot of sticky on it) and a pump, but then decided it was lighter and less bulky to leave the tub and take a can of that tyreweldy type stuff and a pump for top-up.. but that's no good for big holes, so should I take a tub after all...? And a new one or an old one? And tape, or not? Decisions decisions.

And then what about CO2 inflaters vs. pumps? Can you get enough pressure from a CO2 thing, and how many fills will you get? Should you carry spare bulbs in case you need to top up?

As does everyone I'm sure, I want to keep the weight and bulkiness of repair kit to a minimum, consistent with being able to get mobile again after a flat (or, heaven forbid, more than one, possibly).

Then there's the best place aerodynamically to carry it... (and the best place for your water bottles too... but maybe that's for another thread).

I'm sure there is no single right answer, just interested in how others approach this.

Cheers
Bruce

Johno68

I've seen some ppl that carry a tube of gunk for road side repairs to tubs, don't know what it is but have a look on the timetriallingforum, it's been mentioned there. Others have a spare tub and pump, but to be honest carrying anyform of backup when on tubs in TTs is rare.

Most of those on tubs tend not to carry anything and if they puncture they limp back to the HQ or wait roadside with thumb out. Tubs do tend to let go slowly so you can ride for maybe 5 miles, unless it's ripped wide open.

The CO2 canisters, I'm aware of, are one shot only and don't get anywhere near 140psi. So not good enough to continue racing pace.

Me, I'm clinchers. with repair kit and minipump in mini saddle wedge under seat. Needed that 2 weeks ago when I punctured 500yds from the finish, 36 mins for 10 mins that evening (but got recorded as DNF :evil: )

John

Eurostar

Some people carry a spare tub with CO2 as well as gunk. Some people put the gunk in before they puncture, as a preventive measure. Horses for courses, innit?

When choosing gunk, be aware that latex inner tubes can be dissolved by certain brands, e.g. Tufo Sealant. If you have latex inners I think the only safe one is Pit Stop, made by Vittoria or Geax.

If you don't have carbon rims you can probably ride quite some distance on a punctured tub before it becomes worthwhile to stop and fix it? Must be very difficult to fix it in less than 3 minutes? Might be worth practicing!

bruce68

I've got carbon rims... a mixed blessing I guess.

Why 3 minutes?

Thanks (both) for your comments, very helpful.

Bruce

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Eurostar

bruce68 wrote:

Why 3 minutes?

Just a wild guess really. I have only fitted a spare tub 3 times, but it wasn't in a race. I'm trying to imagine how long it might take. Perhaps 90 secs to swap the tubs over - it wouldn;t be on straight, but never mind, you leave the brake caliper open. Then 90 secs to get the CO2 in, if you don't mess it up. The tyre won't be hard, but it's not worth pumping it up...dunno, what do you reckon?

I like the idea of not gluing the area opposite the hole.

Might be best to ask at a tri forum - if you do, pls come back and tell us what you find out. (I've done some TTs, but no triathlons. Can barely swim!)

bhm100

I don't race these days, but when I did I always took a new tub that had been stretch fitted with glue plus a mini pump. (Or you could take one with tub tape on but leave on the backing tape). New tub because it's new tread, etc, dual action mini pump because if you mess up a CO2 cartridge you're walking.

These days I still use tubs and the only difference is I carry tape instead - but the replacement time isn't a problem.

chrisw12

Ok, here's my take on things. Fell free to disagree. :oops:
1) For racing, tubs are much much easier and quicker to deal with than clinchers, mainly because if near the end you can limp home or if you do have a puncture with a clincher it's a good idea to find the cause of the puncture which takes time.

2) If the race is an expensive one or is long then take one spare tub which has been pre-glued/taped, plus one(or two) co2 canisters plus one inflator plus one knife/razor blade. If you get a puncture cut the tube, rip it off, place spare on and inflate. It will inflate to 130psi (according to the ones I use) which is good to carry on racing with. Take corners easy from now on, which shouldn't be a problem on most tris.
Stick all this stuff in a saddle bag or velcro to the bike or in a spare water bottle, use your imagination.

3) If the race is short or it's been a cheap/local day out then don't bother taking anything. If you puncture then for some it's race over anyway.


2 and 3, only you can answer, remember though that punctures are not that common especially with decent tubs and if you go out with the mentality with something is going to go wrong, then something is going to go wrong. Remember it's a race and try to be positive. (Sit back now for all the pessimists to reply )

bruce68

thanks to everyone for your comments, much appreciated.

Bruce

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