I assume all the big boys are riding tubulars... ?

From what I can tell they look to be about 700x20. ?

I assume all the big boys are riding tubulars... ?

From what I can tell they look to be about 700x20. ?

Most are on tubulars with the appropriate deep section carbon wheel (Mavic CCU, Shimano C50s, Lightweights or Boras). A few are riding low profile wheels for the high mountains.

There were select teams that were using aluminum wheels with clinchers during the first week, but almost all teams and riders have switched to a carbon tubular wheel.

I don't know whether they ride tubular tires or not. I really don't know. But, in a pro race I worked in the early 90's, all riders, including Lance Armstrong were riding clinchers. 700 x 25 -- remember, it's a road race and they are riding over regular roads. I was a little surprised at a heavier tire, but it makes sense to me. Why risk a puncture with more delicate tires?

I can't compare benefits of one type over the other. However, team mechanics have a lot of work to do every afternoon and evening to fuss with the bikes. I can't see how they could do all they need to do and fuss with tubulars.

I don't know whether they ride tubular tires or not. I really don't know. But, in a pro race I worked in the early 90's, all riders, including Lance Armstrong were riding clinchers. 700 x 25 -- remember, it's a road race and they are riding over regular roads. I was a little surprised at a heavier tire, but it makes sense to me. Why risk a puncture with more delicate tires?

I can't compare benefits of one type over the other. However, team mechanics have a lot of work to do every afternoon and evening to fuss with the bikes. I can't see how they could do all they need to do and fuss with tubulars.

Very true.

All of the Vittoria sponsored teams were using the 24mm Pave tires instead of the usual Open Corsa KS's or CX's for the first week.

I don't know whether they ride tubular tires or not. I really don't know. But, in a pro race I worked in the early 90's, all riders, including Lance Armstrong were riding clinchers. 700 x 25 -- remember, it's a road race and they are riding over regular roads. I was a little surprised at a heavier tire, but it makes sense to me. Why risk a puncture with more delicate tires?

I can't compare benefits of one type over the other. However, team mechanics have a lot of work to do every afternoon and evening to fuss with the bikes. I can't see how they could do all they need to do and fuss with tubulars.

???

I can't speak about your experience in the 90s but,

Tubular tires are less likely to flat than clinchers. Compound is compound and can be used on either type of tire, tubulars are very unlikely to get pinch flats.

Tubulars are arguably safer. When they flat, they are more likely to stay on the rim and gives you a minimal ability to steer.

Tubulars are not a fuss. I find them as easy to use as clinchers, I use them on my commuter. My experience with tubulars is limited compared to pro mechanics, I can't imagine them finding tubulars more difficult than me.

I'll stop now, this arguement is best for the road forum. ;)

Tubulars are not a fuss. I find them as easy to use as clinchers, I use them on my commuter. My experience with tubulars is limited compared to pro mechanics, I can't imagine them finding tubulars more difficult than me.


Lol as easy as clinchers enjoy that koolaid, mechanics are paid for the fuss though.

Lol as easy as clinchers enjoy that koolaid, mechanics are paid for the fuss though.

Yeah, OK, how about not that much more of a fuss than clinchers :)? Definately more expensive than clinchers.

I remember from LA's last tour, OLN or Discovery did a segment on the little Belgian? man who had aged Lance's tubulars though the years. He gave no information on the size of the tubulars, but the tour of his basement was fascinating.



BTW, he claimed Lance had no punctures on his tubulars and the supply was running out, so Lance had no choice but to quit .

BTW, he claimed Lance had no punctures on his tubulars and the supply was running out, so Lance had no choice but to quit .

quit because they ran out of tubulars ?

i doubt it...

quit because they ran out of tubelars ?

i doubt it...

It was a joke.

And the guy is Julian DeVries.

He used to age the tubulars in his basement. Only Lance rode the tubulars that Julian handled. Lance never flatted in a Tour.

It's magic if you know what you are doing.

A rider in today's stage (Tuesday 22/07) ran off the road and busted his bike up. The front tire must have been a tubular since it was still inflated and flopping around.

Lance has flatted in the TDF. I remember him getting a wheel changed and stretching his back on the side of the road maybe his last year or a year before that. So I don't believe the no flat story.

I assume all the big boys are riding tubulars... ?




Most. Not all.

Lance has flatted in the TDF. I remember him getting a wheel changed and stretching his back on the side of the road maybe his last year or a year before that. So I don't believe the no flat story.

Hummm stretching his back? Was it at the bottom of a hill? My thought is he was changing gears...

On another note..is anyone using tubeless this year? I have a friend that races for the Trek Mtb team and he and the team races nothing but tubless.

It seems like the next best thing. :)