Cyclocross - tubular wheels?

I was wanting to try out tubular tires this season... but am unsure how to go about it. I don't want to spend the serious money for some carbon wheels. However, I feel like the ksyriums I race on now are probably better wheels than a lot of the cheaper alloy tubular wheels out there. For those of you who ride on them, would I enjoy the benefits of tubulars on a cross course enough to make up for "downgrading" my wheelset?

yes without a doubt.

just grab some cheap ones of ebay. you can routinely find tubular wheels with cross tires already on them for under $400.

I don't think you will be downgrading. Tubular wheel sets are made for racing so even the cheaper ones are just as good or better then your K's. Depending on your rig you can get some great deals on tubulars especially this time of year. When I was running a single barcon in friction mode I scored old Campy Record 8/9 speed wheels for 200 bucks and they were great. Even if you are running 10 speed STI you'd be surprised whats out there. IMO No need for the carbon deep dish wheels unless you can easily afford it and you race in deep mud all the time.

Do it.

http://www.bicyclewheelwarehouse.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=142

does that site offer individual wheels or just sets?

The real, major benefit of tubulars for cross is running low pressures with much lower risk of pinch-flatting.

Here is the only place I have seen the benefit of lower pressures quantified:
http://www.bicicletta.co.za/Downloadable%20docs/Rolling%20Resistance%20Eng%20illustrated.pdf
Note that "meadow" and "gravel" are mislabeled in graph 3 on page 7. That graph shows that you pay a very minor penalty by running low PSI on pavement, but have significantly less rolling resistance on bumpy surfaces.

Do it.

http://www.bicyclewheelwarehouse.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=142

thanks...i just spent money for no good reason...

lol