Originally Posted by
Lenton58
I don't think any of us here could dispute what you are saying. It's all in the historic record. So what is your point? No one that I can see — least of all me — is advocating any exclusivity, either for historical reasons or contemporary preference vis a vis any contingency. I contend that if there be any extra effort to run on tubulars, I (among many others) still remain committed to remain using them. Reason: for the fun and games of what was/is part of the whole, not the exclusive character of putting rubber on the the road for C&V machines. Please re-read what I said above.
I think I own over some 20 wheel sets. Approximately half are tubular type, and the other clincher. Currently, 75% of my roadable rides are on tubs. Some other projects in the wings are to be matched with clincher rims. Swings and roundabouts: a lot of factors apply, but most of my wheel stock came to me in terms of price and serendipity. As a fan of C&V, a lot of tub rims just piled up. They were tuned and continue to serve me well — sometimes with a bit more effort than might be with clinchers. Moreover, I just I like them!
As far as I interpret things, this thread was intended to either ward off the OP from adapting to tubulars, or more positively, to reassure him/her that tubulars were not something that should incur worry, fear or reticence. Tubs require just another skill to acquire — if one wishes to practice and do it.
"It's about what Scott was saying: it's the satisfaction of doing it the old way — of re-living a former age of cycling."
I apologise, it was Scott who you were quoting regards BITD. My point was clinchers have as much tradition as tubs - they just don't have, and never did have, the performance of a tub.
My 4 best bikes have tubulars and they all 1970s. It would be weird to change them to clinchers but I don't do many miles on them any more.
I do about 7 to 8 thousand miles a year and I just couldn't manage the cost using tubs. My final trip on tubs cost me 300 dollars as I punctured both my front and back. Clinchers would have reduced that cost to a dime.
Admittedly I no longer have to traverse a city center wherein there are all sorts of tub unfriendly debris on the road but I don't try and average 25 mph anymore so for me the low performing clincher makes more sense all round.
Having said that for my Colnago Supers and Eddie Merckx, what modern sealant do you recommend for a tub, how do you get it past the valve and will the sealant hold 120 psi?