Rideperfect
12-10-08, 07:57 PM
I was always under the impression tubulars were run to achieve higher pressure, otherwise they may have less rolling resistance, but expensive and a PIA to remove/install. Why do people run them in cyclocross?
Cyclocross Racing - Tubulars
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USAZorro
12-10-08, 09:00 PM
I was always under the impression tubulars were run to achieve higher pressure, otherwise they may have less rolling resistance, but expensive and a PIA to remove/install. Why do people run them in cyclocross?
This is going to get moved - probably to cyclocross, but I'll give my understanding.
Tubulars are much less likely to pinch flat - something that is more likely to happen in rough terrain than on the road.
Higher volume tires require less pressure, tubular tires aren't any different than clinchers in that regard.
This is going to get moved - probably to cyclocross, but I'll give my understanding.
Tubulars are much less likely to pinch flat - something that is more likely to happen in rough terrain than on the road.
Higher volume tires require less pressure, tubular tires aren't any different than clinchers in that regard.
Rideperfect
12-10-08, 11:10 PM
That makes sense to me. Thanx
acorn_user
12-11-08, 07:52 AM
The reasons they are used for cross and for road riding are pretty different. For road riding, their primary advantages are that you can run high pressures without being murdered by your tyres, and that you can ride them with a flat (this is a bonus if you are racing).
Some of these reasons cross over (hoho). The supple sidewalls that allow you run high pressures comfortably allow cross riders to cope with nasty bumps. Cross courses are often consistently bumpy, so you need to soak up the bumps to be fast. This is where pressure comes in. Because you cannot pinch flat a tubular, you can afford to run really low pressures (under 30psi). If you did this with a clincher, you would drastically increase your chances of flatting or flaying the tyre (both have happened to me).
In cross, low pressure = fast. Of course, being able to ride a flat tyre to the pits could be an advantage too.
Btw, this refers to racing. Some tubs are apparently a bit fragile for training or leisure riding.
Some of these reasons cross over (hoho). The supple sidewalls that allow you run high pressures comfortably allow cross riders to cope with nasty bumps. Cross courses are often consistently bumpy, so you need to soak up the bumps to be fast. This is where pressure comes in. Because you cannot pinch flat a tubular, you can afford to run really low pressures (under 30psi). If you did this with a clincher, you would drastically increase your chances of flatting or flaying the tyre (both have happened to me).
In cross, low pressure = fast. Of course, being able to ride a flat tyre to the pits could be an advantage too.
Btw, this refers to racing. Some tubs are apparently a bit fragile for training or leisure riding.
Rideperfect
12-11-08, 07:59 AM
Excellent explanation. I competed in the USGP in Portland last weekend. This is my first cross season. Learned a lot and got hooked.
flargle
12-11-08, 09:21 AM
The supple sidewalls that allow you run high pressures comfortably It's not a matter of comfort but safety. There is a limit to how much pressure a clincher rim can support before breaking:
http://bethelcycle.com/page.cfm?PageID=296
Clinchers require tire pressure that is not too high and not too low. Also, clincher rims are heavier than a comparable tubular rim, because of the extra material needed.
http://bethelcycle.com/page.cfm?PageID=296
Clinchers require tire pressure that is not too high and not too low. Also, clincher rims are heavier than a comparable tubular rim, because of the extra material needed.