Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area - Tubular recommendations for indoor board/outdoor concrete tracks

Just wanted to get some input from you guys as to the best tubular race only tyre.

I currently race on an outdoor 333m concrete track using Vittoria Corsa Evo CX (21mm) which seem to be fine.

I am planning on racing our (Australian) National Masters Track champs next year on an indoor board 250m track and was thinking of upgrading my race tyres for the event (or a bit before).

What tyre would you guys recommend... keeping in mind I don't really want to go to an "indoor only" tyre.

My main events are Kilo, sprints, Keirin (if they run it). Wheels are Zipp Zedtech 808 front, 900 Disc rear.

Thanks!

JMR

Heading to Perth? Nice! I was planning on going till very recently when I decided I'd rather put the travel costs towards a three week holiday to ride as many of the big climbs in CA, NV, CO and AZ instead...

I would think the Vittoria Evo CX would be your best option as an allround tyre if you want to ride both. I know a few people who ride the Vittoria Pista Evo on both concrete and timber but expect them to wear quickly on the concrete.

If these are special event wheels, I'd go Pista EVO's, they are the fastest. I usually get a season out of a pair riding primarily concrete doing special events only, which means my districts (elite and old guys), the local big race, and both sets of nationals. Probably a couple smaller races too, so maybe 7-8 races. Almost as fast and a bit more durable are the Veloflex Records, VERY nice tires.

Thanks mate... yeah, I have booked my flights.

I was considering going to Perth, then last week I won two bronze medals at the QLD Elite track champs (Kilo and Keirin) so that kind of locked it in for me! :)

JMR

Thanks BP... yes, they are proper race only wheels.

JMR

I'm told that Continental Sonderklasse (Special Class) are very, very nice. A teammate glues them up for Nationals every year. But he doesn't expect them to last very long. Most of my team use Conti Steher as a more-durable weekly race tire (outdoor rough wood). Great tire for the relatively ordinary cost.

Anybody raced with FMB pistas? http://www.fmbtires.com/piste_cotton.htm

On the road I went from Continentals to FMBs and noticed a big improvement. I'm wondering if they are equally good at track tires.

Thanks for the input guys... I think I am going to give the Vittoria Pista Evo CS a go.

Next question, 19mm or 22mm?

:)

JMR

What's the banking on the indoor track and what are you used to?

If you aren't used to riding on a steeper embankment or on 19's, it may get slippery. 19's don't leave much to ride on.

22's for sure, unless you are tiny.

Sorry... can't find any info on how steep the banking is, here are some photos etc. of the indoor track I will be racing on: http://www.venueswest.wa.gov.au/our-venues/speeddome/

Here is what I normally race on:
http://www.qld.cycling.org.au/?MenuID=Chandler_Velodrome%2F20402%2F37511%2F

I weight 80kg (176lb) so not a lightweight.

JMR

You're used to long and shallow, and the Speed Dome looks short and steep(er).

I'd go with 22's.