Tubulars: Should I?

gbr236
gbr236 Posts: 393
edited November 2012 in Road buying advice
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?

Comments

  • ShutUpLegs
    ShutUpLegs Posts: 3,522
    Isn't the puncture risk the same?
  • Paul 8v
    Paul 8v Posts: 5,458
    For training or racing? Don't think I'd want to train on tubs, pain in the backside if you puncture!
  • gbr236
    gbr236 Posts: 393
    Ive heard the puncture risk is less but the effects are oh so much greater.
  • markos1963
    markos1963 Posts: 3,724
    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.
  • 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.
  • on-yer-bike
    on-yer-bike Posts: 2,974
    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
    Campagnolo
  • 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.
  • cougie
    cougie Posts: 22,512
    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.
  • mroli
    mroli Posts: 3,622
    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.
  • 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... :D

    Vittoria tubs don't even need to be stretched... They are so easy to fit...
    left the forum March 2023
  • giant_man
    giant_man Posts: 6,878
    clinchers all the way for me too, tubs are too much of a faff imo
  • mroli
    mroli Posts: 3,622
    I would have the same fear knowing YOU have taped them on... :D
    That's a good idea - I should make you ride them as part of the wheel building exercise!
    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....! :D
  • cougie
    cougie Posts: 22,512
    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.
  • FSR_XC
    FSR_XC Posts: 2,258
    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

    http://www.visiontrack.com