General Cycling Discussion - TUFO tires

Anybody have any experience with TUFO tires?

Apparently they don't have tubes, but are pretty tough, have a variety of weights (and save more weight since they don't need tubes or rim tape).

I'm looking for something to replace my Specialized Armadillos with. They have done pretty well against flats, but are darn heavy.

I'm wondering what kind of mileage they might get (my Armadillos have about 4000 miles front and back. I haven't rotated them.

I also wonder how much of a problem they may be if they get a puncture since they don't have tubes. The website mentions a goop type stuff they have (like slime) to plug holes up to 2 mm. I believe that slime is undependable at pressures over 65 or 85 lbs. The TUFO tires can handle very high pressures and I wondered if this goop also works at that pressure. I'd hate to have to replace a whole tire just because of a small hole.

If they are highly resistant to flats and the goop plugs the holes well, they may be worth trying, but I think they cost a pretty fair amount. I haven't found a complete price list yet, but a couple were listed in the $75 range.

Bob

They are more of a racing tire. They won't last like Armadillos.

The sealing is good and works.

How long might I expect them to last? My prior tires (Conti 4-season) lasted 2800 on the rear. I weight about 150. The roads I ride can be rough - lots of patchwork where potholes have been filled.

How would you compare the puncture resistance to Armadillos?

Thanks,

Bob

Hmm, that's tough. I have never had a puncture problem. I've had a puncture but it sealed itself while I rode.

2000 miles sounds optimistic depending on the tire you buy. The cheaper, harder compound would last longer.

I can't compare to Armadillos, never rode those.

Tufos are basically tubulars with a bead that makes them clincher compatible. They are geared for racers.

Very high TPI counts and great tread but the tradeoff is quicker wear.

I'm having trouble finding prices for models I might consider (actually, I'm not even sure which ones I should consider!). I've seen reviews give prices covering a wide range. I don't know if, for example, I could justify $85 for a tire even it if was as good at avoiding flats as the Armadillos and lasted 2000 miles!

Do you know any of the prices for any models?

Bob

S22 is a good training tire. I think these go for considerably less- around $35-$40

go to tufonorthamerica.com to read about the tires. They have good descriptions and info

I've ridden 2 different tufo tubulars. The s3 180 gram in black on the back of my lowracer. Got a little over 1900 miles on it. I tried a red one next and got just over 2000 miles before changing it. I got one flat but the tufo sealent fixed it. I put some of the sealent in the tire when new, but had not put in any since. I got the flat around 1700 miles on the black one. For a racing tire, they are plenty durable. The black tire was 18mm wide. the red tire was 22 mm wide. I'm going to use tufo this summer also. Great tire.

I've ridden 2 different tufo tubulars. The s3 180 gram in black on the back of my lowracer. Got a little over 1900 miles on it. I tried a red one next and got just over 2000 miles before changing it. I got one flat but the tufo sealent fixed it. I put some of the sealent in the tire when new, but had not put in any since. I got the flat around 1700 miles on the black one. For a racing tire, they are plenty durable. The black tire was 18mm wide. the red tire was 22 mm wide. I'm going to use tufo this summer also. Great tire.

Those aren't the tubular clincher version, are they? That is what I'm looking for, though I expect it wouldn't make much difference in how they hold up. I have no idea, other than some increased weight for the clincher version, if there are other differences - such as how well they stay on the wheel!

Something I've been wondering about with this sealant. I used slime on my first bike, but the tires had an 85 lb limit on pressure. I tried it on my new bike with 700x25 tires pumped up to 120. The slime would not hold. I did get 50 miles before it let go once, but usually it went pretty quick. Since then many people have told me that slime isn't good for over 80 lbs or so.

So, this stuff that Tufo has intrigues me because I think all their tires are rated for 115 lbs or more - even over 200 lbs. So what's the deal? Is their sealant just much better (and maybe would work well with any tires)?

Bob

Those aren't the tubular clincher version, are they? That is what I'm looking for, though I expect it wouldn't make much difference in how they hold up. I have no idea, other than some increased weight for the clincher version, if there are other differences - such as how well they stay on the wheel!

Something I've been wondering about with this sealant. I used slime on my first bike, but the tires had an 85 lb limit on pressure. I tried it on my new bike with 700x25 tires pumped up to 120. The slime would not hold. I did get 50 miles before it let go once, but usually it went pretty quick. Since then many people have told me that slime isn't good for over 80 lbs or so.

So, this stuff that Tufo has intrigues me because I think all their tires are rated for 115 lbs or more - even over 200 lbs. So what's the deal? Is their sealant just much better (and maybe would work well with any tires)?

Bob

I use the tubular version. not the tubular clincher version. The sealant should work the same in any tubular tire. Won't do much for clincher tires with regular tubes.

The sealant should work the same in any tubular tire. Won't do much for clincher tires with regular tubes.

Why is that? I'm guessing it has something to do with plugging a hole in a relatively thick tire tread as opposed to a thin tube, but I want to make sure.

Bob