74 Professional - tubular tire recommendations
10-24-18, 08:34 AM
#26
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10-24-18, 08:44 AM
#27
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I have a pair and have no complaints. As I noted below though, they do get mixed reviews. Maybe uneven QC. Also, although I do like them, I cannot offer a comparison with other high quality choices. I do know they are much nicer than the 3/$50 Yellow Jersey tires I had before.
10-24-18, 09:42 AM
#28
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I'll find out I guess. But, at $18 a tire, I'll at least get to practice gluing my first set for very cheap, and if they suck I can buy a better pair and already have some experiencing gluing.
10-24-18, 11:29 AM
#29
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I have a pair and have no complaints. As I noted below though, they do get mixed reviews. Maybe uneven QC. Also, although I do like them, I cannot offer a comparison with other high quality choices. I do know they are much nicer than the 3/$50 Yellow Jersey tires I had before.
10-25-18, 01:06 AM
#30
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10-25-18, 10:46 AM
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Just a few comments and personal opinions/observations...I don't care for the harsh ride and mounting difficulty of Continental tubulars...especially the Gatorskins..
.Challenge tubulars are all over the map WRT quality control. When they are good, they are among the best riding. On the other hand they very often have problems with lumpiness and very often suffer from tread and basetape lamination after a moderate amount of use.
Vittoria tubulars are generally good. Recently the models have changed frequently as if they were a fashion item, so it's sometimes hard to get the same tire that you used and liked....
FMB. I want to like FMB They have a great range, handmade in France and ride great when new. However.....They frequently suffer from tred and basetape delamination problems. This has been going on for years and is completely unacceptable-especially for such a premium product.
Veloflex. The king of tubulars. They have a limited range, but it pretty well covers most road uses. They mount straight, never lumpy, are reasonably long-lasting and puncture proof. They have a great supple ride ad are fast. Easily my favorites. They are not cheap, but are pretty reasonable when purchased from various UK suppliers...
.Challenge tubulars are all over the map WRT quality control. When they are good, they are among the best riding. On the other hand they very often have problems with lumpiness and very often suffer from tread and basetape lamination after a moderate amount of use.
Vittoria tubulars are generally good. Recently the models have changed frequently as if they were a fashion item, so it's sometimes hard to get the same tire that you used and liked....
FMB. I want to like FMB They have a great range, handmade in France and ride great when new. However.....They frequently suffer from tred and basetape delamination problems. This has been going on for years and is completely unacceptable-especially for such a premium product.
Veloflex. The king of tubulars. They have a limited range, but it pretty well covers most road uses. They mount straight, never lumpy, are reasonably long-lasting and puncture proof. They have a great supple ride ad are fast. Easily my favorites. They are not cheap, but are pretty reasonable when purchased from various UK suppliers...
10-25-18, 12:23 PM
#32
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sweet bike!
I've got a copper International and a Raleigh Team in team colors, and still have the urge to pick up a Pro in the blue mink & silver paint scheme... <sigh>. Raleigh's marketing was certainly effective in my case!
as far as tubulars go, I've got some Conti Sprinters on my Olmo. Nice tires, well made, durable, but not especially thrilling. Not so fond of the black sidewalls either. I think I need to try some that Lynn suggested.
slightly jealous Steve in Peoria
(who's got a 24 1/2" Pro that needs a new home??)
I've got a copper International and a Raleigh Team in team colors, and still have the urge to pick up a Pro in the blue mink & silver paint scheme... <sigh>. Raleigh's marketing was certainly effective in my case!
as far as tubulars go, I've got some Conti Sprinters on my Olmo. Nice tires, well made, durable, but not especially thrilling. Not so fond of the black sidewalls either. I think I need to try some that Lynn suggested.
slightly jealous Steve in Peoria
(who's got a 24 1/2" Pro that needs a new home??)
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10-25-18, 04:13 PM
#33
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FMB. I want to like FMB They have a great range, handmade in France and ride great when new. However.....They frequently suffer from tred and basetape delamination problems. This has been going on for years and is completely unacceptable-especially for such a premium product.
10-25-18, 04:38 PM
#34
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When I rode the Criteriums years ago, I would agree. Maybe 2K out of the rear, but they were thin at 1.5. I imagine their Records are worse.
I switched to their PRs and haven't looked back. An easy 3K on the rear without worries about a large blow-out due to thin tread.
I switched to their PRs and haven't looked back. An easy 3K on the rear without worries about a large blow-out due to thin tread.
10-25-18, 09:16 PM
#35
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That bike totally deserves FMBs.
PARIS ROUBAIX
PARIS ROUBAIX
$110 a piece though, ouch. I’m tempted...
Looks like there is a deal on Veloflex Roubaix right now, only the all black option though.
Last edited by Raleigh74; 10-25-18 at 09:47 PM.
10-25-18, 11:10 PM
#36
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$110 a piece though, ouch. I’m tempted...
Looks like there is a deal on Veloflex Roubaix right now, only the all black option though.
10-25-18, 11:33 PM
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$110 a piece though, ouch. I’m tempted...
Looks like there is a deal on Veloflex Roubaix right now, only the all black option though.
10-26-18, 06:07 AM
#38
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My personal experience ended 2 years ago at which Time I was finished with them. I have a friend who just ditched a pair last month...I'm not aware of him having a stash of aging tires so I would guess that the problem continues today at least on an intermittent basis...
10-26-18, 06:12 AM
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I should clarify...by "limited range" I meant that they don't offer cyclocross tires or tires suitable for heavy gravel roads, etc.....I find that the mileage that I get out of Veloflex tires is at least equal to the competition....
10-26-18, 07:03 AM
#40
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I'm thinking of trying the Veloflex next. For rocky 200k event tires, would the Roubaix or Arenberg offer sidewall protection that approximates a Sprinter Gatorskin?
10-26-18, 08:47 AM
#41
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No.
10-27-18, 03:17 PM
#42
What??? Only 2 wheels?
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Ummm, I've been riding Veloflex Criteriums, been quite happy. Also used Vittoria Corsa somethingorother. Hard to tell the difference on the road.
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12-06-18, 09:58 PM
#43
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I just purchased these since they were recommended here and on sale:
https://www.merlincycles.com/en-us/v...re-102404.html
It looks like most Veloflex tires are on sale there now.
https://www.merlincycles.com/en-us/v...re-102404.html
It looks like most Veloflex tires are on sale there now.
