Tubulars for commuting
#1
Thread Starter
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Joined: Aug 2012
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From: Twin Cities, MN
Tubulars for commuting
Hi, I was in a bicycle/car accident yesterday and totaled the frame and now building up an older kilo tt frameset that was given to me for free. On the bike that I crash yesterday had Velocity Deep V and for some reason the front wheel is still good and spin true. Some 16yr old girl made a left turn right in front of me and there was no way I could stop in time so I ran right into the side of her car and flew over my handlebar. The headtube and fork is bent but the Deep V is still straight with no hop. Everything will be transfer over to the kilo but I was also given a pair of brand new Ambrosio Formula20 Crono tubular rims. I would like to build these up for the kilo but I'm wondering if this is a good idea for commuting. I've search and I get a lot of mixed reviews so people who has use tubulars for commuting please chime in.
#4
Senior Member
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From: PHL
Bikes: Litespeed Catalyst, IRO Rob Roy, All City Big Block
#7
Grumpy Old Bugga
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Adelaide, AUSTRALIA
Bikes: Hillbrick, Malvern Star Oppy S2, Europa (R.I.P.)
Nah, it appears elsewhere too. While most people shudder to think of commuting on thin tyres that are hard to repair on the side of the road when you puncture, there are people who happily commute on tubulars. I dig too much glass out of my tyres to seriously consider it, but if you've got the wheels and want to try it, why not? The worst that can happen to you is getting fed up with them and even if you only decide it was an interesting experiment but not for you, at least you've done it.
Do it my boy. Go forth in the name of investigation, discovery and dumb masculine adventure. Discover then return here to report ... but don't tell your lady for she will not understand.
Do it my boy. Go forth in the name of investigation, discovery and dumb masculine adventure. Discover then return here to report ... but don't tell your lady for she will not understand.
#10
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Joined: Jul 2009
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From: Ciudad de Vacas, Tejas
Bikes: 34 frames + 80 wheels
These ain't yer grandpa's tubulars:

You can get these in 25mm width and they are bulletproof. Also, tubulars don't get pinch flats the way clinchers do, which eliminates about half of the flats. You can safely run tubulars at much lower pressures than clinchers and they give a much smoother ride on rough pavement.
Just a counter argument to all the anti-tubie ninnies here, most of whom have never used them.

You can get these in 25mm width and they are bulletproof. Also, tubulars don't get pinch flats the way clinchers do, which eliminates about half of the flats. You can safely run tubulars at much lower pressures than clinchers and they give a much smoother ride on rough pavement.
Just a counter argument to all the anti-tubie ninnies here, most of whom have never used them.
#11
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From: Ciudad de Vacas, Tejas
Bikes: 34 frames + 80 wheels
You can get 3 for $50 at Yellow Jersey https://www.yellowjersey.org/tt.html. That is cheaper than most clinchers, and you don't have to buy a separate tube. Another myth debunked.
#12
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From: Twin Cities, MN
Thanks for the reply guys and I'm glad to still be alive after the accident. Anyhow, I think I'm going to try the Tufo tubular clincher tires and build the wheels later on. I'll report back and let you guys know how it goes.
#14
Veteran Racer


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From: Ciudad de Vacas, Tejas
Bikes: 34 frames + 80 wheels
If you're going to stay with clincher rims, then I'd recommend just using traditional clinchers with separate tubes.
#15
Your cog is slipping.



Joined: May 2009
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From: Beverly MA
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#16
You can get 3 for $50 at Yellow Jersey https://www.yellowjersey.org/tt.html.
#17
Sqrl
Joined: Mar 2012
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I use and maintain eight seperate sets of tubular wheels, and I'm firmly in the clinchers camp. There is a place for them, but IMO, that's for racing, and anywhere actually on the track.
And CX.
And CX.
#18
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
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I run a set of tubulars on my fixed. They are great, no issues.
Tubulars take time to glue on, but it lasts a long time.
If you use tape, that's easy. I prefer glue.
I have the YJ tubulars and they are really good. I can't get decent clinchers for that price.
Tubulars take time to glue on, but it lasts a long time.
If you use tape, that's easy. I prefer glue.
I have the YJ tubulars and they are really good. I can't get decent clinchers for that price.
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