CLINCHER V TUBULAR

[Kristian]

Hi Guys, I’m surprised that no one has started this string.  I have seen this one around a bit but it really is an issue for me as I have been using both tubular and clincher.  I really want a new set of wheels and some of the wheels I do like come only in tubular.  I was using some Edge Air cutters which are tubular and I don’t know, maybe I’m doing it all wrong but I found tubular to be a drama to change on the side of the road.  I know there is tape you can use instead of glue but…Someone please convince me because at the moment I’m fine with changing a tube roadside but carrying a spare tubular might be too much in a race, is it?

I was on a full IM ride 180km a month ago with a group in Shanghai and about 58 km out of town I got a puncher.  I carried a spare but the valve was broken so I took the front wheel off and got a cab home.  After looking at the math, each tubular was about US$50 plus the cab and then I had to go to the shop and get another tubular.  The whole thing was an expensive nightmare so I brought a very cheap pair of Shimano clincher wheels and I have been training on those.  So far a couple of punchers and the wheels are pretty heavy but other then that this cheap, low end option does me for training.  I have the good IM Michelin tires on them and they work fine.

I’m 2 seconds away from buying a new set of carbon; either 3 or 4 spoke wheels for racing.  I like to hear from some Pro’s who race and what they use.  For me it is about confidence.  I need to know if I get a flat I can just pull over, drop a little time but not have any drama with glue, tape etc.  Love to hear from you guys.  Thanks Kristian

[vinnie]

Hi there again Kristian,

I admit I am not the most techical tri-geek at all, I have no idea on what is faster and has a lower rolling resistance or which pressure is the best and yada yada yada, but what I do is to train on clinchers, actually a bomb-proof tyre that won´t get flat easily, it doesn´t matter if its super heavy combo of wheel and tyre. AND get a racing wheelset, with lighter and fast tyres. Tubular V Clinchers, there are pros and cons, for you, you would be better with a clincher racing wheelset, your questions is your answer, if you are confident you can change a clincher without problems, go for it, there are some sweet clincher wheels out there.

Or once you figure out how to easily change a tubbie, its suppose to be faster to change, Reinaldo Colucci had a flat at IronmanBrazil and took him less than 5 minutes to do everything. Or maybe, ask Normann Stadler how easy it was in Hawaii 2005, do you remember him trying to get his tubbies out of the rim with a stick? He couldn´t pull that tubbie for nothing in this world, so don´t worry, the guy is a 2x world champion and haven´t figured out the tubbie thing, you are not alone, that´s for sure.!

Vinnie

[Kristian]

That's funny and thanks again Vinnie.  You know sometimes I think I focus on the small things but I ride and train in Shanghai China.  I got rid of the XXX Lite tires for Shanghai and got the street tires they use on rickshaws, no s..t.  If you can imagine the types of vehicles that grace the streets and roads of this City, some of the homemade vehicles with nails and bits of cr.p everywhere.  I was almost getting a flat each ride where I live.  It was crazy!!!.  I went to the local guy on the corner and in my best Chinese I said HELP!!! and he sold me tires and tubes that were like tractor wheels but they are tough.  I still get flats but nowhere near as much as I have moved onto the IM Mich training tires but you could build a boat out of the tubes, they are seriously tough.  I really don't want to get one in a race but that's life right and part of the experience.  The only things is I want to make sure I am confident and thanks for that info.  I'll most likely stick with the Clinchers.  I too aren't too techie or worry much about weight, a few hundred grams V a flat, I'll take the weight ;-)  Thanks mate and see you sometime soon.  Kristian