I did something really stupid and bought an all carbon tubular wheelset. I've never bought, ridden, or mounted tubular tires before. I've tried searching on here and got a lot of results - too many actually - and now I'm more confused than ever. A lot of people recommend the Vittoria Corsa EVO CX from Probikekit but just as many people said they suck and are flat prone. A lot of people recommended Conti's but then again a lot of people said the don't mount well and are a harsh, bumpy ride. Some people recommend glue while other's tape. Some recommend Tufo tires saying they corner and feel great while others have told me to stay away from them. One guy had his Tufo tire roll off in a crit corner. Some people have recommended sealants while other have said they don't work. I'm really confused at this point!
1) I'd like to use these wheels as my regular wheelset that will probably get anywhere from 70 to 150 miles per week. So, if I get a flat while out on the road I need an easy way to change it. Is this possible?
2) I do some racing, mostly crits, but also the occasional road race. I live in the desert where it's hot and ride on dry roads. I'd like a tire that grips well and has little rolling resistance for racing.
3) Do I want to glue or tape? If glue what brand specifically? If tape what tape specifically? Do I use a sealant and, again, which one specifically?
4) Tire size. Most of the tubular tires I've seen online are 21mm. I've always ridden 23mm clinchers. Would I want to go with 21 or 23?
5) Pricing. I'm not paying more than $50 per tire. Just not gonna happen so PBK is looking very attractive at the moment.
Ok.
1. I think there's no problem with living on tubulars as long as you can beprepared for flats, however many you usually have. That means being able to carry spares and a pump. Pre-gluing should be fine.
2. Can't help you regarding desert, but if you can use Tufo tape (not sure its a good idea for carbon), use the extreme, it has better tolerance for high temp.
3. Lately I read a piece from RoadBikeRider that said you should keep tire and glue brands the same, that the companies may have formulated them as a system. I haven't seen any such problems but I'm not a high-stress rider. It also said FastTack (never used it) is in new formulations, that have lower odor and hazard, and do not mate well with tubulars any more.
4. There are 23 mm tires, Vittoria Rallyes for $20-$20 each. I like a wider tire, too.
5. I like the Rally. I have a few higher end tires, but most of my riding is done on basic ones. $30 list, less $$ where you can find it. If you see the 23 mm ones buy some extra.