View Poll Results: Flat tubular:
Repair (open, patch, re-sew)
16
50.00%
Discard and replace
16
50.00%
Voters: 32. You may not vote on this poll
Tubular users:
11-03-08, 11:34 PM
#1
i ride a bicycle
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Tubular users:
When you flat a tubular tire, do you repair it (i.e. open it up, patch tube, and re-sew) or just toss it? I'm aware that fixing a flatted tubular is pretty much a PITA compared to relacing a tube in a clincher set-up, and I've heard that many folk discard flatted tubulars and just install a new tire.
For the sake of this question, I'm not considering Vittoria Pitstop a fix, as I understand that it is more of a temporary solution rather than a permanent fix, and somewhat unreliable at that - correct me if I'm wrong.
To my frugal (read: cheap) nature, this astounds me; I can't imagine buying new tires each time I flatted. Yes, even considering that I know tubies supposedly get fewer flats.
What do you do?
Mac
For the sake of this question, I'm not considering Vittoria Pitstop a fix, as I understand that it is more of a temporary solution rather than a permanent fix, and somewhat unreliable at that - correct me if I'm wrong.
To my frugal (read: cheap) nature, this astounds me; I can't imagine buying new tires each time I flatted. Yes, even considering that I know tubies supposedly get fewer flats.
What do you do?
Mac
11-03-08, 11:56 PM
#2
Batüwü Creakcreak
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I just pick option C.
Clinchers. Tubulars are nice, but there are enough good clincher race tires available that you really don't need tubies, even for races.
Clinchers. Tubulars are nice, but there are enough good clincher race tires available that you really don't need tubies, even for races.
11-04-08, 12:03 AM
#3
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I agree the clincher tire has come a long ways. But for me, I'm a DIY kind of guy so I would try to fix the tire, but I'm lucky enough to have never had a flat yet......
11-04-08, 12:19 AM
#4
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For me it would depend on how new the tubie was. If it only had a few hundred miles, was worn evenly, and just got a puncture, I would get it fixed. If it was more worn, I'd trash it.
11-04-08, 12:45 AM
#5
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if you ride high quality tubulars, they don't flat easily when they are new...unless your ride through a glass field. I have a couple of tires that are over 3 years old that are worn, but they are still good enough to carry as a spare...you gotta love conti competitions! if I do flatten a good tire, I use https://www.tirealert.com/
11-04-08, 08:44 AM
#6
shedding fat
I use the link above also. I wait until I have 2 or more ties that need repair and I send them in for repairs.
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Arguing with ignorant people is an exercise in futility. They will bring you down to their level and once there they will beat you with their overwhelming experience.
Arguing with ignorant people is an exercise in futility. They will bring you down to their level and once there they will beat you with their overwhelming experience.
11-04-08, 08:47 AM
#7
out walking the earth
11-04-08, 08:55 AM
#8
pan y agua
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Good modern tubulars don't flat that much. For the most part I just use tubulars to race, and often wear them out, without flatting them. So buying on average fewer than one new tire a year isn't significant in the grand scheme of things.
11-04-08, 11:07 AM
#9
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I'll have to consider the repair option some day. For now working in a shop I just throw them away. I pay half of retail or less and I don't puncture that often anyway.
11-04-08, 01:50 PM
#13
i ride a bicycle
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Wow, I had no idea there was a tubular repair service out there, that seems like a really good option. Maybe one day I will get a really nice set of light tubular wheels to use for special occasions (races), but not until I graduate (again) and have a little more discretionary money to spend.
Mac
Mac
11-04-08, 01:53 PM
#14
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Another vote for TireAlert. However, I wished Ron would use different base tape. While his repairs are solid, when taking the tire off the wheel, the base tape stays stuck to the wheels rather than coming off with the tire. Just a PITA to get glue and base tape off the wheel to prep for next tire.
Anyway, still a great option rather than throwing away a good tire with plenty of tread.
Anyway, still a great option rather than throwing away a good tire with plenty of tread.
11-04-08, 02:21 PM
#15
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Patching doesn't always work on clincher tubes, either.
11-04-08, 02:35 PM
#16
Mitcholo
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And I've only had one flat on tubulars (with less than 15 miles!). I replaced it and it's carcass is being used for other stuff.
11-04-08, 02:37 PM
#17
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11-04-08, 02:39 PM
#18
No matches
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I didn't know that tubulars flatted so much less than clinchers. Why is this? Is the tubular thicker or more puncture resistant or something? Obviously it won't pinch flat, but don't you usually flat from glass/debris anyway and not from pinch flats?
I'm also planning to get a nice tubular wheelset for racing once I graduate and actually have money.
I'm also planning to get a nice tubular wheelset for racing once I graduate and actually have money.
11-04-08, 03:07 PM
#19
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They don't flat so much less than clinchers. They are somewhat less prone to pinch flats because of the shape of the rim, so people who ride roads with lots of pot holes (and don't know how to avoid them) might benefit. But there's nothing else about them that makes them less prone to other causes of flats - in general since they're usually higher end race tires they have thinner tread and are more prone to punctures and cuts.
Last edited by DiabloScott; 11-05-08 at 12:42 AM.
