tubular tire recommendations
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tubular tire recommendations
I am new to the forum and new to road biking (started last year). I had a friend give me a set of HED wheels that require tubular tires. I mounted some Continental Grand Prix 4000 and I like them. Just wondering what people with more experience would recommend. I don't race so I don't need the "fastest" tire. I am actually interested as much in durability.
I'm 55, ride a 2010 Scott CR1 team bike with 105 on it. Did a metric century last year and hope to do a century this year.
I'm 55, ride a 2010 Scott CR1 team bike with 105 on it. Did a metric century last year and hope to do a century this year.
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Generally, the faster tubulars are better made and more durable. The tubular GP 4000 is a fine race grade tire that has above average puncture resistance. It should give you plenty of miles, but it has a seamless casing that makes it non-repairable. To get extra puncture resistance, I recommend giving them a shot of Tufo tubular tire sealant (your dealer can order it, or you can get it at Excel Sports online). And, of course, always carry a spare, perhaps two on long rides, because you can be sure nobody else with you will have one.
#4
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I would stick with Conti's based on your statement for a few reasons. They are a good bang for the buck, they tend to last longer that other tubes, they have a good puncture resistance and they use butyl tubes so you don't have to pump them up all the time.
For racing the Veloflex's can't be beat but the OP is using these more for training. I wouldn't train on $125 tires and they don't get nearly as many miles.
For racing the Veloflex's can't be beat but the OP is using these more for training. I wouldn't train on $125 tires and they don't get nearly as many miles.
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Generally, the faster tubulars are better made and more durable. The tubular GP 4000 is a fine race grade tire that has above average puncture resistance. It should give you plenty of miles, but it has a seamless casing that makes it non-repairable. To get extra puncture resistance, I recommend giving them a shot of Tufo tubular tire sealant (your dealer can order it, or you can get it at Excel Sports online). And, of course, always carry a spare, perhaps two on long rides, because you can be sure nobody else with you will have one.
I will start to carry a spare. As I understand it, you pull the old tire off, put the new one on without new glue/tape (I installed mine with the Tufo tape - I know, a whole other controversy) inflate and ride gingerly back home to re-attach tire properly.
Do I have that right?
Thanks
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Here's a picture of the bike. I know the tubulars are more expensive but hey, when someone gives you some HED wheels, what you gonna say, "No thanks". Besides, they look good. They were a little funky in a heavy wind yesterday.
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Thanks, very helpful - hadn't heard about the Tufo tire sealant.
I will start to carry a spare. As I understand it, you pull the old tire off, put the new one on without new glue/tape (I installed mine with the Tufo tape - I know, a whole other controversy) inflate and ride gingerly back home to re-attach tire properly.
Do I have that right?
Thanks
I will start to carry a spare. As I understand it, you pull the old tire off, put the new one on without new glue/tape (I installed mine with the Tufo tape - I know, a whole other controversy) inflate and ride gingerly back home to re-attach tire properly.
Do I have that right?
Thanks
#9
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I don't understand? I don't use tape myself but what makes that more like a clincher? I use a sealant called cafe latex. I'm guessing you are concerned about the weight maybe? The thing is, you flat in a race then your race is over. I'd rather ride a slightly heavier tire that seals itself, and this has happened for me in a race too. Plus someone gave him these wheels (damn dude you got nice friends) and he's going to be out training and riding for fitness. I think a sealant is perfect for that.
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I don't understand? I don't use tape myself but what makes that more like a clincher? I use a sealant called cafe latex. I'm guessing you are concerned about the weight maybe? The thing is, you flat in a race then your race is over. I'd rather ride a slightly heavier tire that seals itself, and this has happened for me in a race too. Plus someone gave him these wheels (damn dude you got nice friends) and he's going to be out training and riding for fitness. I think a sealant is perfect for that.
#12
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Well that was mighty nice of him. Here's to a long productive life for your friend
#13
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In general, Conti uses butyl tubes, so tufo sealant won't work (it is basically liquid latex, used to seal Tufo's unique latex sealed tubulars). I would suggest Stans, which one of my teammates uses in his conti tubulars with success (survived two potentially race-ending punctures due to the Stans).
Have no idea about the tape, but I've heard it makes install quick and easy and re-install a b!!ch. Glue is really not that hard to work with.
EDIT: back on topic... my choice for tubulars is Conti sprinters. Cheaper and more durable than other tubulars but still a race tire, and it grips in corners really well.
Have no idea about the tape, but I've heard it makes install quick and easy and re-install a b!!ch. Glue is really not that hard to work with.
EDIT: back on topic... my choice for tubulars is Conti sprinters. Cheaper and more durable than other tubulars but still a race tire, and it grips in corners really well.
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Cat 2 Track, Cat 3 Road.
"If you’re new enough [to racing] that you would ask such question, then i would hazard a guess that if you just made up a workout that sounded hard to do, and did it, you’d probably get faster." --the tiniest sprinter
Cat 2 Track, Cat 3 Road.
"If you’re new enough [to racing] that you would ask such question, then i would hazard a guess that if you just made up a workout that sounded hard to do, and did it, you’d probably get faster." --the tiniest sprinter
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In general, Conti uses butyl tubes, so tufo sealant won't work (it is basically liquid latex, used to seal Tufo's unique latex sealed tubulars). I would suggest Stans, which one of my teammates uses in his conti tubulars with success (survived two potentially race-ending punctures due to the Stans).
Have no idea about the tape, but I've heard it makes install quick and easy and re-install a b!!ch. Glue is really not that hard to work with.
EDIT: back on topic... my choice for tubulars is Conti sprinters. Cheaper and more durable than other tubulars but still a race tire, and it grips in corners really well.
Have no idea about the tape, but I've heard it makes install quick and easy and re-install a b!!ch. Glue is really not that hard to work with.
EDIT: back on topic... my choice for tubulars is Conti sprinters. Cheaper and more durable than other tubulars but still a race tire, and it grips in corners really well.
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Are all Conti's seamless? I've got some 88mm rims with no center channel and putting the Vittoria Corsa Evo CX IIs, which have a seam, on them a major pain. Thanks.
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A question or two about the Stans;
Do you just mix it up and just inject it into the tire?
Does it come with an injector thang?
Does it mess up your valves?
Do you just mix it up and just inject it into the tire?
Does it come with an injector thang?
Does it mess up your valves?
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so I understand... some rims have a groove own the center of the tire bed to accommodate the tire seam?
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Schwalbe Duranos are seamless. I have these on my race wheels and have been very pleased.
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Last edited by kleinboogie; 04-11-11 at 01:37 PM.
#20
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As far as I know, the only seamless Conti is the GP4000. All the others have sewup seams.
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Cat 2 Track, Cat 3 Road.
"If you’re new enough [to racing] that you would ask such question, then i would hazard a guess that if you just made up a workout that sounded hard to do, and did it, you’d probably get faster." --the tiniest sprinter
Cat 2 Track, Cat 3 Road.
"If you’re new enough [to racing] that you would ask such question, then i would hazard a guess that if you just made up a workout that sounded hard to do, and did it, you’d probably get faster." --the tiniest sprinter
#21
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Yes. Here's two wheels I have. The back 38mm has the groove while the front 88mm doesn't. When I put the Vittorias on the 88mm and fully inflating, there's a 1mm gap along the edge at places. It will actually rock side-to-side. First pass at glueing one was a disaster, didn't seal. Recommendation from someone who glues a heck of a lot more tires than I do says to either build up the glue or use seamless tires on the grooveless rims. Keep in mind these are China direct. I don't know what the name brands are like for diameter, shape and groove/no-groove.
[IMG]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_YDOMcZTZLrU/TXrDIwF11tI/AAAAAAAADvc/yfU_o_Re_A0/IMG_0807.JPG[/I MG]
[IMG]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_YDOMcZTZLrU/TXrDIwF11tI/AAAAAAAADvc/yfU_o_Re_A0/IMG_0807.JPG[/I MG]
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Cat 2 Track, Cat 3 Road.
"If you’re new enough [to racing] that you would ask such question, then i would hazard a guess that if you just made up a workout that sounded hard to do, and did it, you’d probably get faster." --the tiniest sprinter
Cat 2 Track, Cat 3 Road.
"If you’re new enough [to racing] that you would ask such question, then i would hazard a guess that if you just made up a workout that sounded hard to do, and did it, you’d probably get faster." --the tiniest sprinter
#22
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Have no idea how to use Stans. Just know what my teammate told me. I assume you mix everything just like you would for sealing a tubeless tire. I don't know what he used for an injector, but I am know he has tires with removable valve cores and I assume he took the valve cores out before injecting the Stans.
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Cat 2 Track, Cat 3 Road.
"If you’re new enough [to racing] that you would ask such question, then i would hazard a guess that if you just made up a workout that sounded hard to do, and did it, you’d probably get faster." --the tiniest sprinter
Cat 2 Track, Cat 3 Road.
"If you’re new enough [to racing] that you would ask such question, then i would hazard a guess that if you just made up a workout that sounded hard to do, and did it, you’d probably get faster." --the tiniest sprinter
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Might have to do with rim width. Are they the standard 19mm width, or the newer 22-ish mm width? I just built up a set of basic track tubulars a week or so ago; I'll be putting Conti Stayers on them, which have a seam (no channel on the rim). I'll let you know how it goes. I did this once before; seemed to work okay. But maybe I just wasn't very attentive the first time around.
Last edited by kleinboogie; 04-11-11 at 02:07 PM. Reason: spelling
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https://www.amazon.com/Stans-AS05-2oz...2552517&sr=8-1
I believe you have to remove the core.
GL
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Thanks, I hadn't consider them. I'd like to stay with Latex so I can either carry a spare tire or a can of pit stop which I guess is something like the Ultremo HT or TT for just TT races? Too many choices.