Classic & Vintage - Best tubulars for the money? (ie best value?)

Well, as luck would have it, I picked up an old set of Proformance (NOT PERformance) racing wheels. 16 bladed spokes; custom machined hubs; Sun Mistral hoops; very nice... Anyway, the old sew ups are dry rotted, and weren't very nice ones to begin with, and I want to get some new ones, but I've been out of the tubular arena for 25 years or so and have no clue.

Oh, and how do you get a Regina America freewheel off?

There's a "totally tubular" thread, and some others with some good discussions. It really depends on your intended use, but quite a few of us have used the Yellow Jersey 3 for $50 deal. They are what they are, but better than any other tire I've bought for that price.

my current favourite tubular is Gommitalia Espresso. They're not easy to find but worth it in my opinion.
I also like the Veloflex carbons, really nice tire but not very C&V looking.

Marty

for my hard won sheckles, I like the Vittoria Rallye tire about $25 from Nashbar (OH I need to order some) but those wheels sound fancy and you may want something nicer. maybe a lowend UFO

There's a "totally tubular" thread, and some others with some good discussions. It really depends on your intended use, but quite a few of us have used the Yellow Jersey 3 for $50 deal. They are what they are, but better than any other tire I've bought for that price.

+1

for my hard on sheckles I like the Vittoria Rallye tire about $25 from Nashbar (OH I need to order some)

Probikekit has them for $18.99 ea with free shipping.

http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=Y1190

I don't think any of the sub-$25 tubulars have an anti-puncture belt, which means they're like the tires of yore. Most of the cheap types (all I buy) have been pretty much the same, perhaps even made in the same factory in Thailand. I do enjoy them and ride them on my "exercise" runs that are closer to home, but I ride clinchers when heading off to the hills.

http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=Y1190 includes shipping

Agreed. Like everything else (most things anyway), you get what you pay for. When you consider that the tires are what have contact with the road, there's no single element that contributes more to ride quality. I've had the Yellow Jersey cheapos (still keep them for spares) and up a notch to Continental Giros and Vittoria Formula Unos. When the latter got a tumor, I replaced them with some NOS Clement Seta Silks that I was lucky enough to find on eBay. Yes they were expensive, but it makes such a remarkable difference that to me the best value comes down to the best period. For what's readily available, that means something like Dugast or Veloflex Servizio Course which I just recently bought. I've heard the Challenge Criteriums are nice (using Clement molds) and reasonably priced (comparitively), though I have yet to try them.


I don't think any of the sub-$25 tubulars have an anti-puncture belt, which means they're like the tires of yore. Most of the cheap types (all I buy) have been pretty much the same, perhaps even made in the same factory in Thailand. I do enjoy them and ride them on my "exercise" runs that are closer to home, but I ride clinchers when heading off to the hills.

http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=Y1190 includes shipping

I don't think any of the sub-$25 tubulars have an anti-puncture belt, which means they're like the tires of yore. Most of the cheap types (all I buy) have been pretty much the same, perhaps even made in the same factory in Thailand. I do enjoy them and ride them on my "exercise" runs that are closer to home, but I ride clinchers when heading off to the hills.

http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=Y1190 includes shipping

By the ordering of your comment, I can't tell if you're indicating that the Vittoria Rallys *do* have a puncture-resistant tread. I'm literally about to fill out a paypal order for some Yellow Jersey Servizio Corsa's, which obviously don't.

Do the Rally's have the more durable tread? If so, I'm probably going to do a last minute ditch and grab the Rally's from PBK...

Thoughts? Reactions?

By the ordering of your comment, I can't tell if you're indicating that the Vittoria Rallys *do* have a puncture-resistant tread. I'm literally about to fill out a paypal order for some Yellow Jersey Servizio Corsa's, which obviously don't.

Do the Rally's have the more durable tread? If so, I'm probably going to do a last minute ditch and grab the Rally's from PBK...

Thoughts? Reactions?

The Rallys DO NOT have puncture protection. They are almost identical to the Yellow Jersey Servizio Corsas....tread pattern is a little different.

By the ordering of your comment, I can't tell if you're indicating that the Vittoria Rallys *do* have a puncture-resistant tread. I'm literally about to fill out a paypal order for some Yellow Jersey Servizio Corsa's, which obviously don't.

Do the Rally's have the more durable tread? If so, I'm probably going to do a last minute ditch and grab the Rally's from PBK...

Thoughts? Reactions?

I'd say no, but it may be just my bad luck with Rallys; YJ Corsas last longer for me.

"•Kevlar(R) fibers are mixed in with the tread compound, creating a long-lasting puncture-resistant barrier even on the sides of the tire"

http://www.rei.com/product/628540


"Vittoria's Rally tubular is an affordably priced training tire for those of us who can't bear to ride clinchers. The 220 TPI nylon casing is reinforced with kevlar for longevity and puncture resistance. "

http://www.artscyclery.com/descpage-VTRLYTT.html

"•Kevlar(R) fibers are mixed in with the tread compound, creating a long-lasting puncture-resistant barrier even on the sides of the tire"

http://www.rei.com/product/628540


"Vittoria's Rally tubular is an affordably priced training tire for those of us who can't bear to ride clinchers. The 220 TPI nylon casing is reinforced with kevlar for longevity and puncture resistance. "

http://www.artscyclery.com/descpage-VTRLYTT.html

Boom goes the dynamite.

Thanks for that, cb400bill!

If you want to spend some more $, I've really enjoyed my Vittoria Corsa EVO-CXs, even if their not the same as they used to be.



Oh, and the second question, remove the outer cover to reveal the splined insides.

I too have just revisited tubulars after 25+ years. I bought a bike with the set on. They happen to be the Vittoria Rallye only in 21 instead of the more popular 23's. Love tubulars. Anyway, they are inexpensive and they also are not always round - meaning when you spin the wheel, the tread has bumps in them. I don't notice it when riding but others might. see the first sentence. Its been about that long since I have ridden anything bicycle.

I don't remember what I rode back in the day but it was silk and today you have to pay a pretty penny for any silk. I haven't tried the YJ yet, I picked up some other tubulars to run through before I am in the market.

I've thought about setting up clincher wheels, in fact have all the material, but just can't imagine going back. Maybe I need a few flats on the tubulars first!

"•Kevlar(R) fibers are mixed in with the tread compound, creating a long-lasting puncture-resistant barrier even on the sides of the tire"

http://www.rei.com/product/628540


"Vittoria's Rally tubular is an affordably priced training tire for those of us who can't bear to ride clinchers. The 220 TPI nylon casing is reinforced with kevlar for longevity and puncture resistance. "

http://www.artscyclery.com/descpage-VTRLYTT.html
+1 on the Rallies being a puncture resistant tire. I started riding them this year and so far, no punctures. I can even tell how much substantial the construction of the Rally's carcass is when I compare it to my slightly more expensive Schwalbe Milanos. A bit heavier and stiffer, so there must be some extra plies with kevlar at the tread. I can even see the finer sidewall thread construction which leads me to believe that it has a higher thread count than the Milanos, that gives it its good ride qualities.
I agree that the Rallies are one of the best bang for the buck tubular in the market presently.

Chombi

+1 on the Rallies being a puncture resistant tire. I started riding them this year and so far, no punctures. I can even tell how much substantial the construction of the Rally's carcass is when I compare it to my slightly more expensive Schwalbe Milanos. A bit heavier and stiffer, so there must be some extra plies with kevlar at the tread. I can even see the finer sidewall thread construction which leads me to believe that it has a higher thread count than the Milanos, that gives it its good ride qualities.
I agree that the Rallies are one of the best bang for the buck tubular in the market presently.

Chombi

Thanks a lot - as a relative newbie to the tubular world, the personal experience and recommendation of C&V'ers is extremely valuable in the decision making process.

Especially since I'll be using the tubulars on streets and not just for training, etc.

BTW, you have a choice of Black or natural colored sidewalls with the Vittoria Rallies too, so you get to pick which one you think look best on your bike.

Chombi

BTW, you have a choice of Black or natural colored sidewalls with the Vittoria Rallies too, so you get to pick which one you think look best on your bike.

I chose the natural color.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FfM_jO4_Tm0/S6d_beW7XYI/AAAAAAAAA0A/qxWsEUOc0HU/Hilary%27s%20Birthday%20Party%202009%20002.jpg

Yep, and I'm definitely going with the natural/gumwall tire. It'll be going on a mid-70's resto project, so I want it to be truly period correct. Thanks for the photo, though! I LOVE the Viscount - very nicely done.

Any recommendations for tubular glue? I've read from one C&V'er that Continental glue is the best, while another recommended 3M FastTac (http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/3MAutomotive/Aftermarket/Products/Product-Catalog/?PC_7_RJH9U5230GE3E02LECFTDQCEK3_nid=GSS22YG7NNgsNGQGZXQ0C5glDSL8V8KL2Nbl) as a non-bike-branded alternative that's just as good as anything you'll find in a LBS.

Just asking because I'm trying to avoid first timer mistakes, you know...

Thanks.

I was a first time tubular guy last year when I redid that Viscount. I bought the Continental glue and it worked great for me. I'll be soon installing another set of the Rally tires on my Legnano and using the Continental glue again.

By the ordering of your comment, I can't tell if you're indicating that the Vittoria Rallys *do* have a puncture-resistant tread. I'm literally about to fill out a paypal order for some Yellow Jersey Servizio Corsa's, which obviously don't.

Do the Rally's have the more durable tread? If so, I'm probably going to do a last minute ditch and grab the Rally's from PBK...

Thoughts? Reactions?

The Vittoria Rallyes do not have a puncture protection belt. The casing label says "kevlar", but that means they've treated the rubber with a sort of chopped Kevlar fiber to improve the rubber qualities.

I like the 23 mm Rallyes a lot. I haven't tried the 21s.

wow lots of debate. for me, as stated previously, I am sticking with the Rally. at one time I thought they made them in x27 but I can only seem to find the x21 or 23s. I never tried the schwabble someone mentioned but I do like the tan sidewall on the Rally

the worst tire I recall for flats was a Vittoria Formula one. you had to buy them in and carry pairs when riding them. *giggle*


what is the best way to order from yellow jersey? mail w/MO Mail w/check (30+days) or email with charge/debit card?

I just installed my first tubulars a couple of weeks ago and through the recommendation of a vintage bike shop owner I used Tufo extreme tape. Thought it was expensive but EASY and mess free. Would use it again many times over!

my current favourite tubular is Gommitalia Espresso. They're not easy to find but worth it in my opinion.
I also like the Veloflex carbons, really nice tire but not very C&V looking.

Marty

Try the Veloflex Criteriums. They have the tan side-wall, very C&V. And with the Euro tanking, you can find them for about $65 each.

what is the best way to order from yellow jersey? mail w/MO Mail w/check (30+days) or email with charge/debit card?

I emailed them saying I was interested in purchasing a pair, and asked that they write up a PayPal transaction. They prepared it and sent me a link, which (if I decided to purchase) would send the payment to their PayPal account.

They're incredibly fast with the emails, and very good about follow up and communication.

Yellow Jersey keeps my card on file and I just send an email and two days later, they are on my doorstep in CA.

I've tried the Rally tires, but they all flatted pretty fast and were bumpy...more bumpy then the YJ specials.

I've recently tried a red Panaracer with a real kevlar belt. It's I think $42 from YJ, and so far so good. It's one of the oldest tires I'm riding now (crosses fingers...) Not bumpy at all. I just bought a second one so I can finally have matching tires. It also has the advantage of staying clean. The Servio Corsas get dirty real fast.

I also patch the Servio Corsas, to double their life. That's a big money saver. The occasional really slow leak I use slime, that is also working good.

Damn glass.

Probikekit has them for $18.99 ea with free shipping.

http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=Y1190

is that 18.99 UK dollars? that is 26.28 USD, but if shipping is free HHmmmm

No, that's $18.99 in US dollars. Be sure to click the US emblem up top to convert currency and remove VAT

Edit: the link took me right to US price this time. Last time I had to click the flag.

And, if you use Coupon Code USA15, you save an additional 15%.

"•Kevlar(R) fibers are mixed in with the tread compound, creating a long-lasting puncture-resistant barrier even on the sides of the tire"

http://www.rei.com/product/628540


"Vittoria's Rally tubular is an affordably priced training tire for those of us who can't bear to ride clinchers. The 220 TPI nylon casing is reinforced with kevlar for longevity and puncture resistance. "

http://www.artscyclery.com/descpage-VTRLYTT.html

See http://www.vittoria.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=242&Itemid=209

The Rally's don't have a puncture belt - the red things that all the more expensive tires in the picture have. As for fibers in the rubber, you can't see them which means that they are very very small (microfibers) and won't in any way impede a stress riser caused by a sharp, puncture-causing thingy. I think that most of the cheap tubulars sold under different brands are made by the same factory in Thailand, and the "Kevlar 3D Compound", is functionally meaningless. My wife and I have ridden Rallys, YJ SCs, and Conti Giros and they're pretty much the same tire, so I buy whatever's cheap and that is usually Rallys at PBK.

No it's USD.

Edit: Sorry, post is now irrelevant - I posted before seeing other responses.

See http://www.vittoria.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=242&Itemid=209

The Rally's don't have a puncture belt - the red things that all the more expensive tires in the picture have. As for fibers in the rubber, you can't see them which means that they are very very small (microfibers) and won't in any way impede a stress riser caused by a sharp, puncture-causing thingy. I think that most of the cheap tubulars sold under different brands are made by the same factory in Thailand, and the "Kevlar 3D Compound", is functionally meaningless. My wife and I have ridden Rallys, YJ SCs, and Conti Giros and they're pretty much the same tire, so I buy whatever's cheap and that is usually Rallys at PBK.
I guess the Kevlar in the Rally tires are just in there for "Kevlar flavoring"! Maybe they're just the kevlar sweepings from the EVO production line floor and someone had an idea on how to dispose of them??:rolleyes::D
Anyway, I still have had good pucture resistancs with the rallies so far. Maybe the tread portion is just thicker.....

Chombi

The glue is still drying on my first Vittoria Rally but I used some Zaffiros for a while in a pretty glassy area, and they were fine. Maybe there is something to that 3D compound.

Posters on other threads have good things to say about Vittoria Pit Stop sealant.

I guess the Kevlar in the Rally tires are just in there for "Kevlar flavoring"! Maybe they're just the kevlar sweepings from the EVO production line floor and someone had an idea on how to dispose of them??:rolleyes::D
Anyway, I still have had good pucture resistancs with the rallies so far. Maybe the tread portion is just thicker.....

Chombi

Maybe, I just know what I read on the Vittoria site after trying to understand their alphabet soup. I haven't had a flat on a Rallye yet. I've had one on a Yellow Jersey, and a non-puncture valve stem failure on a Tufo, within the past few years. Years back I had a bunch of punctures on Conti Giros and a few on Sprinters. No more Giros for me (greasy and fattening, too!).

Car tires made some big improvements with the addition of microfibers, why not bikes? But I don't think puncture was part of it for the Rallye.

I'll take my Kevlar flavored with salt, thank you!

No, that's $18.99 in US dollars. Be sure to click the US emblem up top to convert currency and remove VAT

Edit: the link took me right to US price this time. Last time I had to click the flag.


And, if you use Coupon Code USA15, you save an additional 15%.

OK I'll have to look over the site again. I saw one thing inparticular that I want and was very cheap. you gents have no problems with them?


I don't recall anyone actually saying the Rally had the kevlar belt, I thought they said kevlar was woven into the casing

I still think they are great tires for money. after you can destroy a $70 clincher on a peice of road debris just as quick.

OK I just finished my order at probikekit and WOW! it just doesn't seem right, 5 tires, 3 tubes of glue and 6 Campi seat pillar binders all for $104 US? just 4 tires at Nashbar would cost that and the seatpost are listed at $15 - 17 here and never in stock. not a bad deal provided the QE 2 gets them here before Halloween LOL

No budget tubular is worth your money. The tires from Yellow Jersey are worthless. They don't mount straight, the tread wears fast and punctures easy. The Vittoria Ralley is a better tire but it's still lumpy.

There are no good cheap tubulars.

What is the general opinion of Continental Sprinters?

What is the general opinion of Continental Sprinters?


they are nice tires but too pricy for me and I do not like that dark brownish sidewall.

No budget tubular is worth your money. The tires from Yellow Jersey are worthless. They don't mount straight, the tread wears fast and punctures easy. The Vittoria Ralley is a better tire but it's still lumpy.

There are no good cheap tubulars.

We've had this discussion many times in the past, but you really should qualify such blanket statements with "in my experience." My experience with both tires is much better than that. I don't have any explanation as to why they have done better for me.

I don't recall anyone actually saying the Rally had the kevlar belt, I thought they said kevlar was woven into the casing



You could be right. I recommend just reading the Vittoria website, where they explain all their technical details. You don't have to rely on what I or anyone else here say.

No budget tubular is worth your money. The tires from Yellow Jersey are worthless. They don't mount straight, the tread wears fast and punctures easy. The Vittoria Ralley is a better tire but it's still lumpy.

There are no good cheap tubulars.
Depends on what you personally gauge as good. For most of us non-competetive riders, the Rallies are more than adequate. Yes, one or two you might get will have a slightly misalignment of it's tread, the base tape overlap IS a little lumpy on some of them, but not enough to cause a bump in the ride you can feel, It's heavier than most, if not all mid-priced tubulars.....but dang, these Rallies with all its little warts, bumps and super cheap price still ride soooo much nicer than my Vittoria Diamante Pros.

Chombi

For Me, my Rallys ride just fine. YMMV

I feel no lumps and they mounted quite straight. I hope I like the set I have coming for my current project as much as the last set.

+1 on the Yellow Jersey Servizio Corsas at 3/$50. Sure there are better tires, but the question was value, best tire for the money. I have tried more expensive tires and they did not last enough longer, ride enough better, or weigh enough less to deliver a better value equation.

The Servizio Corsa is a pretty good tire at a great price. I have not tried the Vitttoria Rallys, I just go to YJ since it's local to me. I ride a Servizio Corsa maybe 800 miles (depends) then rotate it out to be a spare. I also put Tufo sealant in them which adds some flat protection.

Also, +1 on emailing Yellow Jersey for service. The website is, um, what it is, but the owner Andy Muzi is usually at the computer and answers emails promptly.

OK I just finished my order at probikekit and WOW! it just doesn't seem right, 5 tires, 3 tubes of glue and 6 Campi seat pillar binders all for $104 US? just 4 tires at Nashbar would cost that and the seatpost are listed at $15 - 17 here and never in stock. not a bad deal provided the QE 2 gets them here before Halloween LOL

Bianchigirl - Thanks very much for the tip on the seat post binders. I just bought 5 (along with 5 tires). Thanks! FYI, the UK site wouldn't accept my debit card, but took a credit card without a problem. Something to keep in mind if anyone else has problems.

Just like to squeeze in a tubular related question here. How much is enough glue on the rim and tire anyway. when instructions like the one on the small Continental glue tubes call out for two coats on the base tape and one on the rim (or was it the other way around??). I always end up using about one and a half small tubes of the Continental glue when I do a pair of wheels. Is this typical with everyone? The tires seem to be on the rims nice and solid, but am I using too much or too little glue? I'm still a noobie with tubulars, having just started riding them this year and would really like to know.
BTW, I found out that nothing beat your index finger when applying the glue. It's easier to control the glue spread and avoid making a mess and the stuff cleans off my hands real easy too with just some mineral spirits.

Chombi

^ I've come around to using less. I just put glue on some new rims/used tires, and used about 3/4 of a small tube of the Vittoria glue. (same size as a small tube of Conti glue? dunno) I used to use more but I've cut back because I don't like to have it glop out the sides, and I 've never had a problem with a tire not sticking or rolling off the rim.

+1 on the index finger application method, though I wear vinyl or latex gloves for this. I put the wheel on the bike, put the bike in the stand, put a drop of glue between each spoke hole, spin the wheel, and apply index finger to smear the glue.

^ I've come around to using less. I just put glue on some new rims/used tires, and used about 3/4 of a small tube of the Vittoria glue. (same size as a small tube of Conti glue? dunno) I used to use more but I've cut back because I don't like to have it glop out the sides, and I 've never had a problem with a tire not sticking or rolling off the rim.

+1 on the index finger application method, though I wear vinyl or latex gloves for this. I put the wheel on the bike, put the bike in the stand, put a drop of glue between each spoke hole, spin the wheel, and apply index finger to smear the glue.
I do almost exactly the same thing with dabbing the glue between psoke holes then smearing it with my finger all the way around. What I end up using the most glue on is the base tape on the tire which seems to absorb much of the glue at first application. I first tried using nitrile gloves but I did not have much feel and control when I first did the smearing so I gave up using gloves all together. I'll try to be more concious of how much glue I'm using on the base tape next time. Maybe I was putting too much on.

Chombi

Bianchigirl - Thanks very much for the tip on the seat post binders. I just bought 5 (along with 5 tires). Thanks! FYI, the UK site wouldn't accept my debit card, but took a credit card without a problem. Something to keep in mind if anyone else has problems.

They will take your debit card, just don't click on the drop-down debit card. That's a UK thing, not a US one. Run it as a credit card. Works fine.

And I either use a cheap flux-brush, or a baggie over the finger.

Bianchigirl - Thanks very much for the tip on the seat post binders. I just bought 5 (along with 5 tires). Thanks! FYI, the UK site wouldn't accept my debit card, but took a credit card without a problem. Something to keep in mind if anyone else has problems.


They will take your debit card, just don't click on the drop-down debit card. That's a UK thing, not a US one. Run it as a credit card. Works fine.

And I either use a cheap flux-brush, or a baggie over the finger.

the third time I tried to order I click the US flag icon on the home page then the order went smoothly. I paid with my debit card too

how much glue is subjective IMHO. the more glue on the rim the less you need as new glue reactivates the old. I never put glue on a tire first, never used anything but the tube 'nozzle' (except when using the bulk can in the shop) to apply/spread the glue, unless I had a mess.