Classic & Vintage - What's my best bet for a cheap tubular wheel-set?

Ebay? I want to pick up a cheap set just to try them out before I spend good money on a nicer set, possibly just to find out I don't like them.

All the stuff about flats has me concerned, because I'm not the type to like to have to ride around like I'm on eggshells. I typically like to be able to just ride over large raised cracks and stuff, so I want to make sure I'm not a candidate for this frequent flat problem.

cracks aren't what will give you problems, sharp road debris will. If you can avoid that you should be ok.

I'm building up my first set of tubulars shortly...I got a stack of about a dozen rims for $2 at the swap meet. Maybe make a post on your local CL in search of Tubular rims. Seems there's a lot of people who have them and dont want them.

Try a WTB post on the Serotta forum - those guys buy and sell wheels all the time. The last set I grabbed from there were Campagnolo Chorus hubs laced to Mavic Reflex rims, for $215 delivered. And the tires were included.

http://forums.serotta.com/forumdisplay.php?f=6&page=1&sort=lastpost&order=&pp=35&daysprune=30

ebay - Nice tubular wheelsets go for $100-150 shipped. I actually got a pair for $45 delivered. Just make sure you have the right spacing for the rear hub.

Great set here
http://cgi.ebay.com/Suntour-Superbe-Tubular-wheel-set-Mavic-GP4-Freewheel-/260689734968?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cb251ad38

What spacing are you looking for? I have some 5 speed and 6 speed wheel sets kicking around. If you're going with a modern 10 speed spacing, hit eBay or Serotta.

Old take offs stored in the back of your local bike shop. Ebay. I picked up a set of Ultegra 6500 hubs laced to Campy Barcelona rims for $100 shipped all the way across the country. If you can find something close, it makes things even cheaper. I can barely buy those hubs for what I got the whole wheel set for.

I wish it was easier for me to post items to america. Wheels sets are costly for me to ship, 33 euros to post around europe (45 usd) so I tend not to sell them on ebay. As a result I have a large pile of spare sets that I dont use

too bad you don't live closer I would lend you a set.

as BBM points out you hub type spacing may drive price. if you need a 8spd+ cassette to match your bike they will be more. older freewheel types are pretty easy to come by.

I think they're a dime a dozen, if you're patient. If I had a pair, I'd be selling them cheap. :lol:

Ask around your local older bike shops, they might have some old take-offs lying around in their back storage area. That's how I got my first set. If you're lucky they might have some better brand ones. The one I found at an LBS was a Chrous hubbed 32H Mavic GL330 set that according to the shop owner was exchanged for clinchers by the original owner after getting a flat a few miles into a first ride. It was really part of the owner's display of classic stuff around his shop. Fortunately, I was able to convince him the wheels will be better off on the road than hanging for many more years on his ceiling. After that first set, I'm now so hooked on tubulars that I'm about to build up my 4th tubular wheelset from NOS hubs and rims!

Chombi

Cheap and tubulars should never be used in the same sentence. Roger

As for spacing, I was thinking of throwing a 5/6 speed on now. I do plan to space it out for 8speed Shimano eventually, but not yet if it'll be cheaper. As for bike shops, that's actually one downfall of living in a Major bike city. The bike shops sell Everything, nothing is given away just because it's been sitting in a back room for years, and everything is at it's premium price here.

As for cheap and tubulars in the same sentence, like I said, it's just so I can try them out before spending a lot to possibly find out I don't like them. I actually want to do my first wheel build this winter, and I'm not quite willing to spend $250+ to build a set of wheels, not like them, and not be able to resell them for more than $50.

BBM, I'll go ahead and see if I can find something local to keep things as cheap as possible. If I don't find anything, I'll send you a message about whatever you have laying around (unless you're looking to get rid of them to get them out of your way or something, in which case PM me what you'd want for them shipped to Madison.).

Yeah -

I've got a 5 speed set off a Viscount that you can have for free, but shipping is probably more than they are worth. They need cleaning/rebuilding/polishing, and personally I'd re-spoke them before I used them myself.

I think I have a decent Japanese 6 speed set up in the rafters - they're not worth a lot, but I can't give them away. Again, shipping would probably be $20-$30.

Check locally and if you strike out, let me know.

I was going to say this is probably the best place to look, but I see that's been covered, already....

Cheap wheels are, well...cheap.

Buy Dura Ace or Record and be done with it, and good rims to lace them to. They will last a couple of lifetimes.

I got a barely used tublar wheelset from my local co-op. They are Nashbars if you can believe that (they were even cheap new).

I think the days are over where you have to ride tubulars like you're riding on eggshells. Please send me your unwanted tubular rims .. Araya's and Ukai's please.


Scott

Cheap wheels are, well...cheap.

Buy Dura Ace or Record and be done with it, and good rims to lace them to. They will last a couple of lifetimes.

Again, just looking for some to try out to see if I like them before I invest $$$ into building a nicer set.

Thanks for the advice, though. I will make sure I get something of quality if I do decide to stick to tubular for my wheel build. Probably Record or something like that since the bike is an Ellis-Briggs, and then maybe find some other fitting parts for the rest of it at a later date in time.

Cheap wheels are, well...cheap.

Buy Dura Ace or Record and be done with it, and good rims to lace them to. They will last a couple of lifetimes.

But it's very possible to find vintage tubular wheelsets on Ebay and elsewhere, with DuraAce or Record hubs, stainless spokes, and quality but vintage Mavic, Fiamme, Nisi, Araya, or Ambrosio tubular rims in excellent but dusty condition. These will be the best that was available in their day, and potentially race-worthy today.

Not cheap, they just won't cost much.

Try the $15 tubular tires from Yellow Jersey. 3speed, I understand your problem with them, but their Servizio Corse tire is a great deal, and might even make up for all that other stuff.

Plus, you'll have to go to maybe $45 per tire to equal them. They are better than the Rallye (at half the price) in my opinion, and they are a real tubular experience.

I think the days are over where you have to ride tubulars like you're riding on eggshells. Please send me your unwanted tubular rims .. Araya's and Ukai's please.


Scott

Personally, I don't think those days ever existed, and I've been involved with tubulars over the past 40 years.

I don't seek bumps, but I don't shy away from them, either. My rims are pretty long-lasting, and are nowhere near new ('cep' for one pair, and they're NOS).

I liked the French brand of rims best.

Mavic
Super Champion, which got renamed to Wolber
Rigida

In that order.

And tubular rims did have a better strength to weight ratio.

Yes, those brands, too!

ebay - Nice tubular wheelsets go for $100-150 shipped. I actually got a pair for $45 delivered. Just make sure you have the right spacing for the rear hub.

Great set here
http://cgi.ebay.com/Suntour-Superbe-Tubular-wheel-set-Mavic-GP4-Freewheel-/260689734968?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cb251ad38

Dang, I should have been watching these. Sold for $56 and I could have picked them up, no shipping.

If you're willing to meet me in Waukesha/Pewaukee and have $50 then you'll go home with a set of wheels with a 5 or 6 speed on the rear. I'll have to look them over, still have old low mileage tires on them which would need fresh glue or new tires.

Sorry I didn't see this sooner, I could have them with me today and could meet in Oconomowoc at lunch.

Edit: this is the thread about the wheels with pics, if the phone link capture works
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?659184-tubular-wheelset-Campy-amp-Ambrosia&highlight=tubular+campy

Try the $15 tubular tires from Yellow Jersey. 3speed, I understand your problem with them, but their Servizio Corse tire is a great deal, and might even make up for all that other stuff.

What he said.

Being in Madison too, I get your issues with YJ.

But their 3/$50 deal on pretty good tubulars (3/$45 with Bike Fed discount), well, you can't beat that with a stick.

You're in Dairyland, there should be some Matrix around, they had a very nice aero tubular in the 80's.

If you're willing to meet...

I might well take you up on that one. Just let me search around locally a little more first. The only thing about it is once I add in the $20 for gas to go pick them up, I might be able to find something in Madison comparable for the $50 or so.

If you don't have any other plans for them, I'll get back to you soon.

3speed, I misread your post and I was focused on tubular tires before. Sounds like you are looking to build up a wheelset. I have a pair of brand new Mavic Reflex tubular rims, 32h, here in Madison. PM me if you're interested ...

Well, I got a response to my WTB add on CL. A pair of Ukai rims laced to Sunshine high flange hubs for $25. Says they're true. Sounds like a good deal to me, but I just wanted to check with you guys first. What do you think?

Sekaijin, I'm not quite sure what direction I'm going in yet when I do build a set. I should know that soon, though. I'll let you know after I check the rims out and figure out what I want to go for. Thanks either way.

Well, I got a response to my WTB add on CL. A pair of Ukai rims laced to Sunshine high flange hubs for $25. Says they're true. Sounds like a good deal to me, but I just wanted to check with you guys first. What do you think?

Sekaijin, I'm not quite sure what direction I'm going in yet when I do build a set. I should know that soon, though. I'll let you know after I check the rims out and figure out what I want to go for. Thanks either way.

If those Sunshine hubs are in decent shape, they're worth the $25 all by themselves.

You're in Dairyland, there should be some Matrix around, they had a very nice aero tubular in the 80's.

My De Rosa came with Matrix ISO tubulars, were these good rims back in the day? I figure they must be okay since the guy had them laced to C-Record hubs and on a De Rosa...

My De Rosa came with Matrix ISO tubulars, were these good rims back in the day? I figure they must be okay since the guy had them laced to C-Record hubs and on a De Rosa...

Matrix was the Trek house brand.

My De Rosa came with Matrix ISO tubulars, were these good rims back in the day? I figure they must be okay since the guy had them laced to C-Record hubs and on a De Rosa...

I can't say they were light nor had any significant racing palmares, but I have a set of wheels with those, and they just keep going. Sturdy! The brake faces are a little odd - most brakes don't have shoes on spherical mounts, and won't allow the shoes to rotate. One wonders if they were designed for track or TT, but then why did Trek release them?

Still, strong rims.

Well, I got a response to my WTB add on CL. A pair of Ukai rims laced to Sunshine high flange hubs for $25. Says they're true. Sounds like a good deal to me, but I just wanted to check with you guys first. What do you think?

Sekaijin, I'm not quite sure what direction I'm going in yet when I do build a set. I should know that soon, though. I'll let you know after I check the rims out and figure out what I want to go for. Thanks either way.

Do it. You can replace a lot of rims or bearings for the $$ you're saving.

The $25 deal sounds like a good deal.

I can't say they were light nor had any significant racing palmares, but I have a set of wheels with those, and they just keep going. Sturdy! The brake faces are a little odd - most brakes don't have shoes on spherical mounts, and won't allow the shoes to rotate. One wonders if they were designed for track or TT, but then why did Trek release them?

Still, strong rims.

Yeah, I was wondering the same thing, the braking surface is really useless. The pads wear in to that shape eventually but it is a PITA. But yes, very strong and I enjoyed the ride they provided.

Ok, so I got the wheel-set, which are perfectly true and in great condition. The guy was an older gentleman(showed me a bike he said he bought himself for his 60th b-day) and he said he probably only put a few hundred miles on the wheels. I'm somewhat inclined to believe him. They're not scratched up at all, perfectly true, and role nice and smooth.

They also have some basically new, though obviously old, Clement Condor tires on them. Surprisingly the tires aren't cracked, and have been holding the 80psi I put in them seemingly fine. So I was wondering, should I go ahead and get some use out of these? I was thinking I may as well as long as there's no safety hazard involved with riding really old tubulars. The rubber does feel like maybe it's not as soft as it may have once been, but still flexible.

I would ride them.

Tom

that is a great question! I have ridden some really old ones this year. sometimes you get alot of use sometimes well not so much. they are worth trying for a few laps around the block.

did you get a spare? that yello jersey susposedly has a good deal on a set of 3

Maybe you should stress test them by riding them at 130 psi and hitting some bumps. Tubulars are supposed to be able to take insane amounts of pressure, not that there's any advantage to riding them that way, but you can if you want.

Congrats! Now, if you do get a flat, you've got a spare tire in your back pocket!

OH one really nice thing about tubulars is even when something does go really wrong you can stay upright
this tire must have been atleast 23 yo and I am not sure how many miles it had on it. but after years of sitting unused I got about 40 miles from it. I went about 20 ft after the tire blew and came off

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=179848&d=1290648262

I do plan to hit up Yellow Jersey for some tires. Like I said, I figure I may as well try these out and get some use out of them if I can, so I'll wait and see how it goes before getting new ones. For now I'm actually not gonna worry about flats. As cold as it is here, I don't plan on going anywhere too far away from town. If I do flat, I'll just carry it or call my girlfriend if I'm too far from home. I don't imagine it's much fun fixing a flat in freezing temps and I'm just doing test rides right now.

OH one really nice thing about tubulars is even when something does go really wrong you can stay upright
this tire must have been atleast 23 yo and I am not sure how many miles it had on it. but after years of sitting unused I got about 40 miles from it. I went about 20 ft after the tire blew and came off.

Awesome. That's good to know. Thanks!

I have had a really sketchy moment with a flat front tire that lost all air immediately. Not a lot of fun.

If you have a spare, fixing a flat is simply ripping the flat off and putting the spare on. Faster than fixing a clincher once you get it down. The volumn of air is less too. Check the air preassure requirments. I would be surprised if it was below 100 PSI.

If I do flat, I'll just carry it or call my girlfriend if I'm too far from home.

Another nice thing about tubulars ( I still call them "sew ups" ...the Horror ) is that you don't need to call your girlfriend.
Take a spare along with you. Easy to carry and you'll be back up and running in about 10 to 15 minutes. Enjoy those new wheels!

I didn't see anything written on the tire except for the name, which is only in one spot on one side. 80 felt pretty good, so that's why I decided on that. If anyone more knowledgeable on old tubulars than me has any advice to air them differently, by all means let me know.

Is "sew up" the older common name and tubular the newer one? That seems like what I'm gathering as I learn about them, but I'm not quite sure.

I didn't see anything written on the tire except for the name, which is only in one spot on one side. 80 felt pretty good, so that's why I decided on that. If anyone more knowledgeable on old tubulars than me has any advice to air them differently, by all means let me know.

Is "sew up" the older common name and tubular the newer one? That seems like what I'm gathering as I learn about them, but I'm not quite sure.

**** "the older, common name" oh, I'm feeling like a relic here, but I know I'm not alone! "sew ups" is what we old fuggers used to call them because we didn't know any better, but were soon scorned for our ignorance by them who informed us that "tubular" is the proper name for them. Which it is. Tubular, eh? ...as they used to say.

In my day (when we walked to school up hill both ways barefoot in the snow), the proper name was tubular and we often referred to them casually as sew ups.

Be sure you stretch a new tubular. Do this by mounting it on a free rim or wheel. Leave it there at least overnight, preferably longer.

And use glue (or that newfangled tape) to put tires on. Let the glue dry overnight. If you change a tire on the road, ride carefully. I've never rolled a tire off, but it does happen.

bianchigirll, what do you mean you stay upright? People fall when they roll a tire off.

Tom

bianchigirll, what do you mean you stay upright? People fall when they roll a tire off.

Tom

I just somehow was able to stay upright and come to a cotrolled stop. maybe cause the tire seperated from the base tape? I do not know. I did see a kid, well idiot actually, ride half a cyclocross with flat tubulars and a few final laps with no tires