Carbon Tubular wheels- which brakes and tubs?

Mefster

I decided to make the most of Planet X extra discount this weekend and get some 50mm carbon rimmed wheels.

I'm aware that it's a little over the top for training rides and sportives but I'm pretty light on wheels, do lots of shorter higher pace riding with limited climbs or descents. At the price for the weight and reviews they seemed a great buy. Without tempting fate, I seldom get punctures so I figure running tubs with sealant shouldn't be too high risk. (you can see I've spent plenty of time rationalising this purchase!)

Having no previous experience with tubs I've order some Continental Sprinter Tubular tyres (28"- I'm assuming that's a 700c equivalent.) as they were not too expensive and had good reviews. Does anyone have any experience of these as a general use, dry weather 'summer' tyre? Would the Gatorskin version be a better choice, or would you recommend a different tubular tyre?

Which sealants would you recommend as a puncture preventative measure? They're seem to be several products available, but I'm aware some have a limited lifespan and I assume you can't clean old sealant out like you can with a tubeless set up.

Finally, I know my wheels come with carbon specific brake blocks, but which do guys recommend? Ideally to fit Shimano cartridge-type holders.

Thanks in advance!

ugo.santalucia

I recommend Vittoria Corsa EVO cx...a bit on the pricey side (55 each on offer), but really fast tyres and pretty resilient too... I've done the belgian cobbles with them, with no sidewall issues, no punctures and no cuts to the thread.
They have latex inner tubes, which means you have to inflate them before every ride. I use them below the recommended 120-150 PSI, at 100-110 they are just fine.

I also have the Gatorskins, but frankly they don't go well on carbon rims... they are more for winter use or general abuse on bad roads

dennisn

Sprinters have seen more than few miles on my wheels with no problems. A good, fairly sturdy tire, at a somewhat reasonable price. I also like Tufo tubulars because they are easier to mount than other tires. I use Tufo tape for all my tubulars and the Tufo sealant works as well as anything although it ONLY works in Tufo tires. I'm a Tufo fan. I use their tubular clinchers and love them.

markos1963

+1 for Sprinters, have used Giros as well but they are heavier and not as nice to ride. No issues with either re. punctures.

danowat

ugo.santalucia wrote:

I recommend Vittoria Corsa EVO cx...a bit on the pricey side (55 each on offer), but really fast tyres and pretty resilient too...

They aren't fast (compared with veloflex etc), however, they aren't that slow, and they are very strong, a rear CX does me 1000 race miles, and my front CX is currently on 1800 race miles.

ugo.santalucia

danowat wrote:

ugo.santalucia wrote:

I recommend Vittoria Corsa EVO cx...a bit on the pricey side (55 each on offer), but really fast tyres and pretty resilient too...

They aren't fast (compared with veloflex etc), however, they aren't that slow, and they are very strong, a rear CX does me 1000 race miles, and my front CX is currently on 1800 race miles.

It's for sure the fastest tyre I have ever had, but my experience with tubs is limited. PROs use them, so they can't be slow...
Funny, as some say they are weak and not durable, but so far I have found them quite resilient

sungod

this is a good, though long long long thread on tubs...

http://weightweenies.starbike.com/forum ... =3&t=72309

in short...

tyres - vittoria corsa evo cx and veloflex carbon are general favourites for higher-end tyres, with the carbon having slightly lower rolling resistance, conti sprinters are popular for training

base tape - consensus is none of the above need any base tape coating removed (if there's one there)

glue - vittoria mastik one

sealant - no, instead carry a can of vittoria pit-stop, use it if/when there's a puncture