mavic module e2 and modern gumwalls...
 

Does anyone know anything about Mavic Module E2 rims? They seem decent, not sure if I am going to keep them though...

Also, who makes a nice gumwall tire in our modern times? I am looking to retain the 'vintage' look but want some performance as well...

I have one set of Module E rims built up and love them. I run Panaracer Pasellas and am very happy w the performance. There are plenty of higher end gumwalls though. Gran Bois comes to mind.

I found some vittoria open corsa sc tires that look pretty good but they are so darn expensive...

Module E's have been universaly known as very good rims since they came out in the early 80's. Pretty much the good standard back then to match up wth the new high pressure, lightweight folding tires From Specialized (Turbo S, V, R, VS) and Michelin's Bib TS 20's. I used them for many many fast riding miles back in the 80's and never had any problems with them.

Chombi

Module E's and others from that period are relatively difficult to change tires on.

As far as "gumwalls", I think what you meant is "tan sidewall" tires in a "skinwall" configuration.

The reference to "gumwall" relates to the addition of thick rubber over the sidewalls, regardless of color. In the old days, it was real gum rubber, but today's gumwall tires are simply tan or black rubber that is somewhat similar to the rubber in the tread.

The Pasela is the last remaining, common (and low-priced) "tan-skin" sidewall tire.

Gumwalls like Cheng Shins are available in tan also, but have roughly a 150 gram weight penalty per tire along with a lower-density, more coarsely-woven casing which is heavier and typically offers poor puncture protection.
I do recommend the Cheng Shin gumwalls above most others for their sensible tread configuration, clean molding quality and overall quality-control at a still-modest price.

Note that gumwalls have outstanding sidewall protection against weathering and abrasion.

I have no trouble changing tires on Module E2 nor E3.

Veloflex tanwall folding tires on E2s is a thing of beauty.

Me neither, I actually didn't even use tire levers back then to put on the tires, just thumbs and fingers.
It was the Ambrosio Elites that I had a harder time with and had to use levers everytime to install the tires and I think it was the same for many who owned those clincher rims too.

Chombi

I have Module E's with Panaracer Paselas on three bikes, and can attest that these make a great combination. The rims are skinny though, so stick with the 25mm, 1 or 1-1/8" tires.

thing that makes them harder to change tires
is double wall is not much lower in the center than the bead seat.

As compared with Wolber Super-champion 58 , with a depression between bead seats.
to allow slack, on the opposite side of the rim, to pull the tire over the edge..

Can anyone compare Veloflex Masters to a Vittoria Evo SC? Both are in the same price point, but I am kind of concerned about how durable they are. Which would be more puncture resistant?

Fantastic tires.

I ride Master 23s daily and they are the nicest "high performance" clincher I have ever ridden.

Great performance on a wide variety of surfaces.

Heck, I even rode a two mile section of class 5 the other day and they were fine.

No durability issues whatsoever.

Cheap too, if you know where to look. I pay less than $35 when they are on sale.

The Vittorias are a very similar performance clincher made for "enthusiastic" sport riding and I have had no durability issues whatsoever.

I used to pick those up at Velomine for $50, although the price has been sneaking up lately on all tires.

Try looking at an online source called Nonstop Ciclismo. They had them for around $50.

Another tire you should check out is the Deda Tre RC Corsa.

Similar in performance to the other two, at about the same price.

Really, a very nice clincher for the $$$.

...and all of these are appropriate for our C&V bicycles.

Here's a pic of the Veloflex Master 23s on my daily rider.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8028/7...73c6d4b4_o.jpg

Another tire option is the Challenge Criterium, a very high thread count "open tubular" in the same class as the Veloflex and Vittoria EVO's. I've got them on my Paramount, with Module E rims.

http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/p...iked/014-1.jpg

Gomango, where are you getting veloflex for $35?

Westernbikeworks.

I am in the Leader Club which provides a 10 % discount, plus the sale prices have fluctuated in the past year from $38 to $41.

I just watch the emails from them.

Ribble and PBK have had similar prices as well.

Westernbikeworks though usually offers free freight if you hit a modest order threshold.

Yes, another strong option!

They look great on your bicycle I'd wager.

Thanks, gomango. Yeah, they're great tires. I've worn out a couple of pair of the blackwall version of them on my Pinarello, I love the way they ride. I wanted a very high quality 23mm clincher for the Paramount, with tan sidewalls to give it the proper old school look. The Challenge Criteriums definitely fit the bill. :)