Which tubular rim

snedden9485

Ok, i have been convinced by some mates that i should be heading towards 50mm carbon tubulars, not the clinchers. I agree, as the clinchers are pretty heavy and they will be race only wheels, so why not have something light and fast.

I dont want to spend a fortune on wheels, im just after something that is reasonably light and a decent wheel.

Considering dura ace 7850 tubs? What else is a nice wheel in this level? Would consider some zipp 303 / 404s if i came across some nice near new wheels.

You guys reckon im right to go with the tubs?

The dura ace 7850 tubs arent super light (1450g). Does the extra weight over something like a 303 (around 1150) make much difference?

Monty Dog

Definitely go for tubs - lighter weight and stronger. Lighter wheels feel quicker to accelerate, but won't be any 'faster'. Don't know what prices are like in Aus, but other options are Corima or my choice would be Campagnolo Boras or Fulcrum Carbons. I wish that Zipp would pay as much attention to the quality and durability of their product in comparison to their marketing budget!

snedden9485

There is a set of DA C50s on ebay over here that may be a good price. I think these could be a good option, i have heard good reviews about them.

Im still half tempted by the clinchers, only for the fact that i will be able to race on them more often (eg club races). The main reason i wouldnt race on the tubs in anything but big races is the cost of tyres if i flat. The majority of the races arent super hilly, but the lower weight and lower rolling resistance would be nice. What to do

If i was cashed up, i would get some tubbies for open races and some low profile dura ace carbon clinchers for club racing

Camion

If you get near new or off ebay, make sure you get a receipt.

I bought a pair of Mavic Cosmic Carbone Ultimates (retail GBP2.3k) for GBP 1k from ebay and after a year a spoke cracked, this cant be fixed and as I have no proof of purchase, I'm screwed and have to buy a new rear wheel.

Lesson learned, Mavic are cnuts and don't buy expensive gear off ebay that could possibly break.

Anonymous

I just fitted tubs for the first ever time on my new wheels.

I have to say I was quite surprised, it was bloody easy!!

I used tape and the tyres seem very firmly fixed indeed with no mess at all.

I am aware of what some people say the limitations of tape are but for what I'm using them for it'll be fine!

I actually enjoyed fitting them too...

James_London

Go with tubs, definitely. And you might as well ride them in club races too (the cost of tubs won't amount to another set of clinchers for club racing for quite a while).

Any of the wheels you mention are good and personally I'd say the weight difference is worth paying a little for. If you get Zipps, consider the 404s or 808s (unless you're <70kg and handling might be a consideration). As mentioned, Bora Ultra 2s (or the cheaper upcoming Bora One) or Fulcrum Racing Speed XLRs are excellent too in this price range.

@Camion - Generally eBay is fine but that is bad luck on the CCUs. If you've got a front CCU going spare drop me a PM! Seriously.

@Napoleon D - Tape is the way forward! Rapha Condor use Tufo Extreme and I figure they're going to be cornering a lot harder on it than you or me. There are really no limitations you need to be worried about and changing a taped tub is very quick and easy. I hope you taped on a nice set of Corsa CX IIs though and not Continental garden hoses :-)

dennisn

NapoleonD wrote:

I just fitted tubs for the first ever time on my new wheels.

I have to say I was quite surprised, it was bloody easy!!

I used tape and the tyres seem very firmly fixed indeed with no mess at all.

I am aware of what some people say the limitations of tape are but for what I'm using them for it'll be fine!

I actually enjoyed fitting them too...

Just out of curiosity what do some people say? And do they know what they are talking about? Lots of people slam tubulars but none of the reasons seem to hold much water.
Stuff like too much trouble and clinchers are better are not reasons. Oops, starting to rant.

Anonymous

Dennis, I've just gone round the block. I'm now a tub convert. The ride is just sublime! I even reckon it will be just as easy if not easier to change a tyre!

I've just heard on t'internet forums that cement is stronger than tape and the tyres can roll off easier on the tape but tbh, the tape feels rock solid. I don't know if they know what they are talking about.

The tyres evn seem to sound great when rolling along

Eeeeh, I'm all excited!

dennisn

NapoleonD wrote:

Dennis, I've just gone round the block. I'm now a tub convert. The ride is just sublime! I even reckon it will be just as easy if not easier to change a tyre!

I've just heard on t'internet forums that cement is stronger than tape and the tyres can roll off easier on the tape but tbh, the tape feels rock solid. I don't know if they know what they are talking about.

The tyres evn seem to sound great when rolling along

Eeeeh, I'm all excited!

I've used tape for some time now and without any problems. Although the tapes glue does tend to seep out a bit, over time, right at the edge of the rim, tire, and tape interface.
At least for me it does. Could be because I'm a fat *ss and heavy enough to cause it to squeeze out.

Camion

I use Tufo extreme, its pricey but now I don't puncture once a week (moved out of London) its fine. As for tub coming off, try putting a tub on with no glue, pump to 160psi and try getting the bugger off! I wouldn't recommend cornering at 50mph with no tape though to test this

I even use the cheaper Jantex now in the pink box as it covers 2 wheels and is still alot cheaper than Tufo normal or extreme.

Sorry, front Carbone Ultimate not for sale, picking up a 2nd hand rear Corima 3 spoke for £230 this evening I found on the 'bay. At least no possibility of broken spokes there! And at that price, not too fussed if it lasts a year or so.

Best tub i found is the Conti sprinter Gatorskin, its sliced all over but still going strong with no embedded bits of debris. Looks good, grips well and rolls nicely.

I take a Vittoria Rally (£10 Ribble) out with me in case I puncture. The tape on there will be enough to get me home at lowish speed.

APIII

For you tape users out there, is it really a nightmare to get the tape off when you change a tub? That's the main thing that's put me off thus far. With glue, you just reactivate it with a bit of white spirit and slap a new coat on, but what do you do with tape?

James_London

I had the same concern initially but it's not been an issue at all. If anything you have a cleaner surface on removal of tape than with glue.

Slightly depends on the rim but with carbon rims the tape comes off cleanly leaving a perfectly clean surface for the next taping job. With Tufo Extreme the 'tape' which has glue on either side normally remains on the rim when you remove the tyre and will come off with all the residue in once piece if you pull it off slowly and steadily after removing the tubular. Warming slightly with a hairdryer can help if you're having trouble.

It really is a 10 minute job to apply new tape, centre and stick the new tubular on once you've done it a few times. Adhesion at the edges is better with Continental tubulars (depending on the rim bed) than Vittoria but Contis ride like garden hoses and I have had not issues with Vittoria tubs which are a little pointier in the middle of the base tape.