Tubulars: Should I?

gbr236
Posts: 393
Im just about to pull the trigger on some used Easton tubulars (EC90 aero c2009)
Same money would get new direct import carbon clinchers
Heart says tubular but then there is always the puncture risks....
They are a best day only wheel really when its dry and sunny
Would I regret it?
Same money would get new direct import carbon clinchers
Heart says tubular but then there is always the puncture risks....
They are a best day only wheel really when its dry and sunny
Would I regret it?
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Comments
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Isn't the puncture risk the same?0
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For training or racing? Don't think I'd want to train on tubs, pain in the backside if you puncture!0
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Ive heard the puncture risk is less but the effects are oh so much greater.0
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gbr236 wrote:Ive heard the puncture risk is less but the effects are oh so much greater.
What effects? Never noticed any difference myself. If you puncture rip off old tub, fix new pre glued tyre or if using tape non glued tub, inflate then ride. Probably quicker than clinchers as you don't have to hunt for source of flat. Having said that I'd still only use mine for racing rather than training.Norfolk, who nicked all the hills?
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I use tubs all the time, every day, training or racing. On Mavic Ultimate's.
I do have an old set of Rolf Sestriere clinchers, but I just can't be bothered to put them on for the winter.
The tubs are just so comfy to ride on, and I don't like the thought of adding weight and un-aeroness!
And I'm not sure why, but it seems tubs do resist punctures better. I've punctured twice in 8 years.0 -
Pros
its just as quick to change a tub as an inner tube.
Lighter wheels
ride quality
Cons
£15 repair bill every time you puncture.
Suitability of repair depends on size of cut.
When you get home after a puncture you have to take the spare tub off and re glue.
Takes 4 days to put on a new Conti Competition – 3 days to stretch and 1 day to glue.
I have had more punctures using Vittoria Evos than clinchers. Too fragile for everyday use IMO
Contis are tougher but not as nice to ride on and cost around £60 each
Most cheap tubs arent repairable.
I wouldnt bother with tubs again other than on race deep section wheels as Im not sure of the structural integrity of carbon clinchers. With advances in clinchers Im not sure if tubs will be around for much longer.Pegoretti
Colnago
Cervelo
Campagnolo0 -
I'm broadly with the others.
I'd love some deep carbon tubs for racing but I don't think I'd recommend them for day to day use unless you puncture very rarely (although I am thinking of building my self a set in the spring).
In your case if you live somewhere where there isn't a load of flint/glass in the road regularly and you can afford to decide they were a mistake and change to clincers in 6 months (if you have to) then it might well be worth experimenting. You could certainly do worse than EC90's.0 -
I'm all for clinchers. I ride tubs for a few key triathlons each year - so only put in a few hundred miles on the flash wheels - and usually in the summer. I've punctured far more on tubs than I do on clinchers. Including one memorable ride where I flatted twice in the space of a mile. That's £120 of tubs I can't get back. I ride that lane most weekends too - and can't ever remember flatting there.
I'm the opposite of Berni really !
New inner tube - £3. New tub - £20-60
Easy to carry a couple of tubes. Less easy to carry one tub, let alone two.0 -
Cougie - you can get them back - for about £15 a tub, you can send them off and get them fixed. So you'd only be £30 down! In relation to stretching the tubs - you can do that on old clincher (or tub) rims, so you should always have pre-stretched. If you are going for a long ride, a tub under the seat, some tape (if you haven't pre-glued) and some sealant would see you as right as carrying two inners and it is quick to change a tub. Less risk of snake bites. The weight thing is countered by the fact that you are carrying a whole spare. Tub wheels are cheaper (normally) than their clincher counterparts.
I still haven't quite got "comfy" with tubs though. Have that little bit of fear on sharp bends.http://www.georgesfoundation.org
http://100hillsforgeorge.blogspot.com/
http://www.12on12in12.blogspot.co.uk/0 -
mroli wrote:Cougie - you can get them back - for about £15 a tub, you can send them off and get them fixed. So you'd only be £30 down! In relation to stretching the tubs - you can do that on old clincher (or tub) rims, so you should always have pre-stretched. If you are going for a long ride, a tub under the seat, some tape (if you haven't pre-glued) and some sealant would see you as right as carrying two inners and it is quick to change a tub. Less risk of snake bites. The weight thing is countered by the fact that you are carrying a whole spare. Tub wheels are cheaper (normally) than their clincher counterparts.
I still haven't quite got "comfy" with tubs though. Have that little bit of fear on sharp bends.
I would have the same fear knowing YOU have taped them on...
Vittoria tubs don't even need to be stretched... They are so easy to fit...left the forum March 20230 -
clinchers all the way for me too, tubs are too much of a faff imo0
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ugo.santalucia wrote:I would have the same fear knowing YOU have taped them on...
I've done it 3 times now. The first time I was snapping the backing tape, cursing and swearing. The second time was a bit better. The third time it practically put itself on. Of course, whether it is on properly or not....!http://www.georgesfoundation.org
http://100hillsforgeorge.blogspot.com/
http://www.12on12in12.blogspot.co.uk/0 -
mroli wrote:Cougie - you can get them back - for about £15 a tub, you can send them off and get them fixed. So you'd only be £30 down! In relation to stretching the tubs - you can do that on old clincher (or tub) rims, so you should always have pre-stretched. If you are going for a long ride, a tub under the seat, some tape (if you haven't pre-glued) and some sealant would see you as right as carrying two inners and it is quick to change a tub. Less risk of snake bites. The weight thing is countered by the fact that you are carrying a whole spare. Tub wheels are cheaper (normally) than their clincher counterparts.
I still haven't quite got "comfy" with tubs though. Have that little bit of fear on sharp bends.
Not all tubs can be fixed apparently - conti gp4000s can't. :-(
I did used to ride them all the time back in the day - before conventional tyres improved. If you flat in a rainstorm - your tub probably won't stick properly. That was a ginger ride home !
I think Tony Martin won the worlds on normal tyres - so they can't slow you down much compared to tubs.0 -
I carry Tufo tyre sealant and a gas refill when riding tubs.
Not had to use it yet, but I am told the sealant will continue to work for 6 months plus - long after the tyre is worn.Stumpjumper FSR 09/10 Pro Carbon, Genesis Vapour CX20 ('17)Carbon, Rose Xeon CW3000 '14, Raleigh R50
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