Cyclocross Racing - Cyclocross Tubular Wheels

Don't want this to come off as an advertisement so I want to make it a little more well rounded. Spurred on by a link on the Chicago Cyclocross Cup site that referenced a Williams Wheels video....don't have the link ready but...

Williams has come out with a cyclocross specific wheelset. They appear to be using Kinlin TB-25 tubular rims laced to Formula hubs using straight gauge spokes 24f2X/28r3X for something like $369.

This sounded almost exactly like a set I was building for myself so I decided to go out and spec some wheelsets that I could offer people. I came up with the following iterations - all using the same Kinlin rim:

Ultegra Hubs 28f/32r - 1673g $299
Novatech Hubs (limited supply) 24f/28 or 32r Shimano or Campy - 1507g $315
White Industries H2 hubs any setup you want but I recommend 24/28 Shimano or Campy black or silver - $449

All are laced with DT Competition (butted) spokes and done in any lacing desired.

I have heard great things about Williams and know that their set represents a great value. I am just tyring to offer up other - different options.

any chance of getting wheels built with reflex rims?

I have to vouch for psimet's build work. Amazing!!! Just got a Kinlin/Alchemy Powertap setup and I really couldn't ask for anything better.

easy to deal with, great price, quick build and super solid wheels (1570 grams w/ powertap!). If I didn't just drop 2k on a Yeti Arc-x build and have 2 big trips planned I would be buying some more wheels.

Any pics of completed wheels?

I was planning on getting a pair of Easton EA70 Xs from Chain Reaction but it would be nice to support an actual person who races instead of some overseas online retailer.

I currently don't have clean access to Mavic's offerings but it is something I could probably piecemeal on 1 or 2 rims as needed - but that pricing would be like my regular custom builds.

I haven't built any sets of these yet. just saw the opportunity. I built a front using a left over Formula hub for myself.

Just found uot that the rim stock is low to non-existant at the supplier currently but they are bringing in as much as they can. I will pursue other avenues as well....

Here's the bad cell phone pic I took for my blog. Doesn't show the wheel well but should help give you an idea....

http://www.psimet.com/images/PsiX01.jpg

damn im in the market for some new wheelsets but i like to have everything the same and am already running reflex

OCD much? ;-)

I, myself, was actually thinking about Velocity Escapes for a tubular build...

damn im in the market for some new wheelsets but i like to have everything the same and am already running reflex

I can get a pair of Reflex's for you and build them. PM me

I updated the link with my powertap and carbon options as well....

I have a pair of wheels with those hubs. They seem pretty nice :)

Any update on rim availability? Other than carbon ... ;) I picked up a pair of tubulars but I'm wondering what you can do for clinchers these days.

I can do just about anything :) - Kinlin's are basically out of stock until the 17th for clinchers. Oct for tubulars. I have my own shipment coming direct from Taiwan as well which should be here early October.

Outside of that I have access to DT, Velocity, H Plus Sons, etc. I only have issues with Mavic

Month later and I have some pictures of my carbon...

http://www.psimet.com/images/Wheels/TubularCross01.jpg

What is the special attraction in cyclocross for tubulars? It seems like the gluing procedure is even more of a PITA given the wet conditions.

Is it that pinch flats on clinchers are more common?

What is the special attraction in cyclocross for tubulars? It seems like the gluing procedure is even more of a PITA given the wet conditions.You glue them at home, well before the race.

What is the special attraction in cyclocross for tubulars? It seems like the gluing procedure is even more of a PITA given the wet conditions.

Is it that pinch flats on clinchers are more common?

You can run them at lower pressures without flatting. They seem more supple on the course as well too, but that could just be in my head.

The gluing isn't that bad. I have had a crash course in gluing this season and I have glued a butt ton of wheels so far. It doesn't take long once you've done a few.

you run lower pressure which gives you better traction and smoother rolling over bumpy grassy terrain.

You glue them at home, well before the race.

I figured that much. It's just that I recall some threads where people were talking about "dutch tape" or some such extra care taken to ensure a good glue job to withstand the wet riding conditions.

You the Belgian tape method where you use glue and tape?

http://cxmagazine.com/taping-gluing-tubulars-belgian

right Belgian tape - I'm sure there's beer involved.

Consider this tutorial as definitive as it gets:
http://www.embrocationmagazine.com/how-to-gluing-cx-tubulars

Yes, it is a PITA. So is waking up at 5:30AM for a set of tabatas before work. So is driving 90 miles to a race. I mean, it's all a PITA, when you think about it. Might as well give it all up.

Lower tire pressures mean significantly less rolling resistance over anything except the smoothest surfaces, with only a minor penalty on pavement. This is a tangible, measureable effect.

Tubulars are much less likely to pinch flat than clinchers, especially at lower pressures. Tubular tire + rim is also lighter than clincher tire + tube + rim. Thus, if you want the best performance with the lowest chance of flatting, you run tubulars. Or possibly tubeless; the jury is still out.

you dont have to use tape to glue cx tubulars.

I don't think it's that much of a pain in the arse and in fact I enjoy it. And of course beer is involved. The trade off for a little bit more work to mount a tire is well worth it though.

hell i enjoy gluing tubulars too and i dont even drink!

I actually make a point of not drinking beer while gluing tires. But I only do a pair of tires per year so it's not such a sacrifice.