Clichers or Tubulars?

[The Dutch Giant]

Fact : Tubulars are lighter than clinchers plus innertubes and you can run them at lower pressure, providing better grip and traction.

But what I want to know is: HOW much does it help? I currently use Michelin Muds, I believe some of the best-gripping clinchers around.
Can any of you try to express the advantage of good tubulars, over a full 60 mins race?

I need to know this, to decide to go for the expensive tubs, at least for one wheelset, or better stay with what I understand. Because what I've read, tubs are a real pain to mount.

[Rich]

Hi there,

I must admit, I use clinchers on my cross bike, but have heard that tubs provide a better ride, albeit expensive, and as you say, a pain in the butt to mount.

There's a good cross site called http://www.cyclo-cross.com that may be able to advise you to any cross queries..

I hope to ride cross in Holland next season, could you recommend any races to attend?

Cheers

Rich

[The Dutch Giant]

Hehe, thx for the url, but that's exactly where I found your message to go HERE...

Well, it depends on what kind of rider you are, which races to recommend. And, I haven't done much races yet, just some local events and our Elite Nationals, some debut....

I myself need races with high average speeds, that's where I'm stronger. No thick mud for me.

I'm looking at doing as most Super Prestige races as possible, I like the comparison with the world top, makes it easy to monitor my improvement. Just see how low it takes the likes of Groenendaal en Vervecken to lap me. And if it should be my day, my weather and my track, try and get a UCI-point, essential to get good starting positions in summer, MTB'ing. Will be hard, only the first 15 or so get points. And Worldcups I'm not eligible for, at least not in the near future... :-(