Tubular vs Low Pressure Clincher Ride Quality
08-20-24, 06:27 PM
#1
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Tubular vs Low Pressure Clincher Ride Quality
My vintage Columbine is limited to a 32mm front and 28mm rear tire. I'd like to run wider tires at lower pressures, but that isn't going to happen.
My question is whether tubulars can be run at a lower pressure than clinchers and how the ride quality compares (Its been 40+ years since I've ridden tubulars and back then it was at 100+ psi).
My question is whether tubulars can be run at a lower pressure than clinchers and how the ride quality compares (Its been 40+ years since I've ridden tubulars and back then it was at 100+ psi).
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08-20-24, 08:25 PM
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Yes, you can run tubulars at lower pressure Part of the reason is that all the air in the tire section is supporting your weight, not just 2/3rds of it. (That air between the flanges is doing nothing when you hit that pothole.) Also the tubular rim does not have the flanges that might have been designed with the intent to pinch innertubes when you hit that pothole. (You can pinch flat with tubulars but it usually takes a solid hit that often dents the rim also.) In fact, most of the time, you can dent a tubular rim in as much as in inch and not flat the tire. I've ridden those rims home doing nothing. Just getting on the bike and riding it. Bump, bump. Pull out the rim puller (that every shop that sold sewups had as did many of us riders) and pull that dent back out.
Pulling out sewup rim dents is best done on the old silver rims before the modern aluminum alloys. 1970s rims could be straightened at will. The GP4, GELs and the like don't take nearly so kindly to being bent and bent back. The later deep rims - forget about it.
Step up your tire adhesion if you are going to run bigger tires and low pressure. High pressure can hold a tire on with little stick between the tire and the rim. The cyclocross racers with 32c tires and very low pressure use very well stuck on tires or they roll off. (This is stuff to go to the thread "Totally Tubular" for. Your average roadie know nothing about tubulars and less about big tubular tires run at low pressure.)
Pulling out sewup rim dents is best done on the old silver rims before the modern aluminum alloys. 1970s rims could be straightened at will. The GP4, GELs and the like don't take nearly so kindly to being bent and bent back. The later deep rims - forget about it.
Step up your tire adhesion if you are going to run bigger tires and low pressure. High pressure can hold a tire on with little stick between the tire and the rim. The cyclocross racers with 32c tires and very low pressure use very well stuck on tires or they roll off. (This is stuff to go to the thread "Totally Tubular" for. Your average roadie know nothing about tubulars and less about big tubular tires run at low pressure.)
08-20-24, 08:34 PM
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I typically run my 28 mm tubulars at 70-75 pounds, about the same as I run my 28 mm clinchers. I used to run the tubulars at higher pressures, but basically, I have just kept lowering the pressure until they are not harsh any longer. Their comfort is about the same as my Herse tires in 28-32 mm widths.
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08-20-24, 10:04 PM
#4
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Yes, you can run tubulars at lower pressure Part of the reason is that all the air in the tire section is supporting your weight, not just 2/3rds of it. (That air between the flanges is doing nothing when you hit that pothole.) Also the tubular rim does not have the flanges that might have been designed with the intent to pinch innertubes when you hit that pothole. (You can pinch flat with tubulars but it usually takes a solid hit that often dents the rim also.) In fact, most of the time, you can dent a tubular rim in as much as in inch and not flat the tire. I've ridden those rims home doing nothing. Just getting on the bike and riding it. Bump, bump. Pull out the rim puller (that every shop that sold sewups had as did many of us riders) and pull that dent back out.
Pulling out sewup rim dents is best done on the old silver rims before the modern aluminum alloys. 1970s rims could be straightened at will. The GP4, GELs and the like don't take nearly so kindly to being bent and bent back. The later deep rims - forget about it.
Step up your tire adhesion if you are going to run bigger tires and low pressure. High pressure can hold a tire on with little stick between the tire and the rim. The cyclocross racers with 32c tires and very low pressure use very well stuck on tires or they roll off. (This is stuff to go to the thread "Totally Tubular" for. Your average roadie know nothing about tubulars and less about big tubular tires run at low pressure.)
Pulling out sewup rim dents is best done on the old silver rims before the modern aluminum alloys. 1970s rims could be straightened at will. The GP4, GELs and the like don't take nearly so kindly to being bent and bent back. The later deep rims - forget about it.
Step up your tire adhesion if you are going to run bigger tires and low pressure. High pressure can hold a tire on with little stick between the tire and the rim. The cyclocross racers with 32c tires and very low pressure use very well stuck on tires or they roll off. (This is stuff to go to the thread "Totally Tubular" for. Your average roadie know nothing about tubulars and less about big tubular tires run at low pressure.)
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08-21-24, 12:33 AM
#5
Yes, you can run tubulars at lower pressures. As mentioned above, tubular tires contain more useful air volume than equivalent sized clinchers, as the space between the braking tracks in clinchers (including tubeless) does nothing in terms of cushioning the ride. Dead air.
But the bigger reason is that it is almost impossible to pinch flat tubulars, so you can run them at irresponsibly low pressures. The sharp pinch-flat causing 'hooks' on clincher rims which are required to keep the tires on, are dispensed with. In contrast, the tubular rim profile is smooth - hence pinch flats are almost eliminated. I know I know, you can pinch flat a tubular, and I've done it, but it requires an impact that destroys the rim, kills the tire, and knocks your fillings out.
Aside: in clinchers, tire air pressure pushes the 'hooks' apart laterally, hence the reason for max. pressure ratings on clincher setups. I've seen clincher rims blown apart down the middle of the rim. In contrast, tubular rims are isolated from inflation pressures, so you can run tubular tires at irresponsibly high pressures. Useful on the track or smooth pavement in time trial settings.
Between the higher relative strength of tubular rims, the lighter weight, pinch flat resistance, and far better safety during sudden deflations tubulars are the preferred choice in every application from track to road to 'cross to even MTB racing. But, tough sell for the industry because they are unsellable to the bread and butter demographic: weekend warriors with gold cards. And those who really really need them for competitive reasons (elite racers) get their shwag for free.
But the bigger reason is that it is almost impossible to pinch flat tubulars, so you can run them at irresponsibly low pressures. The sharp pinch-flat causing 'hooks' on clincher rims which are required to keep the tires on, are dispensed with. In contrast, the tubular rim profile is smooth - hence pinch flats are almost eliminated. I know I know, you can pinch flat a tubular, and I've done it, but it requires an impact that destroys the rim, kills the tire, and knocks your fillings out.
Aside: in clinchers, tire air pressure pushes the 'hooks' apart laterally, hence the reason for max. pressure ratings on clincher setups. I've seen clincher rims blown apart down the middle of the rim. In contrast, tubular rims are isolated from inflation pressures, so you can run tubular tires at irresponsibly high pressures. Useful on the track or smooth pavement in time trial settings.
Between the higher relative strength of tubular rims, the lighter weight, pinch flat resistance, and far better safety during sudden deflations tubulars are the preferred choice in every application from track to road to 'cross to even MTB racing. But, tough sell for the industry because they are unsellable to the bread and butter demographic: weekend warriors with gold cards. And those who really really need them for competitive reasons (elite racers) get their shwag for free.
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08-21-24, 05:49 AM
#6
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08-21-24, 07:22 AM
#7
Just put on some 28mm clinchers and drop pressure a bit. Unless you are heavy or ride broken roads 50-60 psi is fine and much more comfortable than 90-100 psi. Imo and experience the fear of pinch flats is vastly overblown.
08-21-24, 11:23 AM
#8
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I used tubulars on my race bikes when racing, but only clinchers when just riding, because tubulars can be a pita to mount or remove. If you take a road ride with tubulars, you have to carry a spare tire rather than just a much smaller tube to fix a flat. And if you change a tubular on the road it won’t be glued on properly, so you need to be very careful when cornering or braking to prevent the tire rolling off the rim or slipping under braking and shearing the valve stem off the tube. Like others have said 28mm clinchers can be run well under 100 psi, and even lower if you go tubeless. Also, some clinchers are available in 30mm wide, so you might be able to stuff it in the rear of your bike. I’m currently running 28mm front and 30mm rear tubeless clinchers at 50 psi, and the ride is sublime. Of course, I don’t do any curb jumping on this bike, but with normal bumps I don’t come anywhere near impacting the rims.
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08-21-24, 01:42 PM
#9
This is what the big boys and girls use on race day when money is on the line:
bike.shimano.com/en-US/product/component/xtr-m9000/WH-M9000-TU-R12-29.html
The whole wheelset is 1,300 grams. The rims are 275 grams each. The unfortunates who are either not sponsored, or are sponsored by poor teams with inferior tech, they have to go tubeless. But since tubeless are clinchers, and therefore susceptible to pinch flats, they also need sealant. And since clinchers are susceptible to tire blow-off, you have to add foamy pool noodles inside the tire casing. These ridiculous kludges add a bunch of weight and nuisance that could be fully dispense with by riding tubulars.
Another option: relabel these XTR wheels so as to not egregiously violate your sponsorships; and old tradition in the race world. So during the bike roll-outs and promotional events you are showing off your brand new hookless, tubeless etc. tech that is saleable to the weekend warriors, but at the race start, you're actually on carbon tubulars.
08-21-24, 02:01 PM
#10
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Yes, you can run tubulars at lower pressures. As mentioned above, tubular tires contain more useful air volume than equivalent sized clinchers, as the space between the braking tracks in clinchers (including tubeless) does nothing in terms of cushioning the ride. Dead air.
But the bigger reason is that it is almost impossible to pinch flat tubulars, so you can run them at irresponsibly low pressures. The sharp pinch-flat causing 'hooks' on clincher rims which are required to keep the tires on, are dispensed with. In contrast, the tubular rim profile is smooth - hence pinch flats are almost eliminated. I know I know, you can pinch flat a tubular, and I've done it, but it requires an impact that destroys the rim, kills the tire, and knocks your fillings out.
Aside: in clinchers, tire air pressure pushes the 'hooks' apart laterally, hence the reason for max. pressure ratings on clincher setups. I've seen clincher rims blown apart down the middle of the rim. In contrast, tubular rims are isolated from inflation pressures, so you can run tubular tires at irresponsibly high pressures. Useful on the track or smooth pavement in time trial settings.
Between the higher relative strength of tubular rims, the lighter weight, pinch flat resistance, and far better safety during sudden deflations tubulars are the preferred choice in every application from track to road to 'cross to even MTB racing. But, tough sell for the industry because they are unsellable to the bread and butter demographic: weekend warriors with gold cards. And those who really really need them for competitive reasons (elite racers) get their shwag for free.
But the bigger reason is that it is almost impossible to pinch flat tubulars, so you can run them at irresponsibly low pressures. The sharp pinch-flat causing 'hooks' on clincher rims which are required to keep the tires on, are dispensed with. In contrast, the tubular rim profile is smooth - hence pinch flats are almost eliminated. I know I know, you can pinch flat a tubular, and I've done it, but it requires an impact that destroys the rim, kills the tire, and knocks your fillings out.
Aside: in clinchers, tire air pressure pushes the 'hooks' apart laterally, hence the reason for max. pressure ratings on clincher setups. I've seen clincher rims blown apart down the middle of the rim. In contrast, tubular rims are isolated from inflation pressures, so you can run tubular tires at irresponsibly high pressures. Useful on the track or smooth pavement in time trial settings.
Between the higher relative strength of tubular rims, the lighter weight, pinch flat resistance, and far better safety during sudden deflations tubulars are the preferred choice in every application from track to road to 'cross to even MTB racing. But, tough sell for the industry because they are unsellable to the bread and butter demographic: weekend warriors with gold cards. And those who really really need them for competitive reasons (elite racers) get their shwag for free.
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08-21-24, 02:03 PM
#11
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08-21-24, 03:13 PM
#12
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This is what the big boys and girls use on race day when money is on the line:
bike.shimano.com/en-US/product/component/xtr-m9000/WH-M9000-TU-R12-29.html
bike.shimano.com/en-US/product/component/xtr-m9000/WH-M9000-TU-R12-29.html
Oh, and I guess Tom Pidcock isn't a "big boy," either, since he rode these tubeless clinchers when winning the gold medal at the Olympics MTB race. And as explained in the article, the women's MTB gold medalist rode the same wheels. So she's not a "big girl." Another link.
If those champions aren't on tubulars, then just who are these "big boys" you're talking about?
Last edited by Koyote; 08-21-24 at 03:22 PM.
08-21-24, 05:38 PM
#13
Another useless drive-by 'contribution' by a over-frequent poster whose idea of performance cycling is limited to picking up cans and bottles at the side of the road with a milk crate bike.
This is what the big boys and girls use on race day when money is on the line:
bike.shimano.com/en-US/product/component/xtr-m9000/WH-M9000-TU-R12-29.html
The whole wheelset is 1,300 grams. The rims are 275 grams each. The unfortunates who are either not sponsored, or are sponsored by poor teams with inferior tech, they have to go tubeless. But since tubeless are clinchers, and therefore susceptible to pinch flats, they also need sealant. And since clinchers are susceptible to tire blow-off, you have to add foamy pool noodles inside the tire casing. These ridiculous kludges add a bunch of weight and nuisance that could be fully dispense with by riding tubulars.
Another option: relabel these XTR wheels so as to not egregiously violate your sponsorships; and old tradition in the race world. So during the bike roll-outs and promotional events you are showing off your brand new hookless, tubeless etc. tech that is saleable to the weekend warriors, but at the race start, you're actually on carbon tubulars.
This is what the big boys and girls use on race day when money is on the line:
bike.shimano.com/en-US/product/component/xtr-m9000/WH-M9000-TU-R12-29.html
The whole wheelset is 1,300 grams. The rims are 275 grams each. The unfortunates who are either not sponsored, or are sponsored by poor teams with inferior tech, they have to go tubeless. But since tubeless are clinchers, and therefore susceptible to pinch flats, they also need sealant. And since clinchers are susceptible to tire blow-off, you have to add foamy pool noodles inside the tire casing. These ridiculous kludges add a bunch of weight and nuisance that could be fully dispense with by riding tubulars.
Another option: relabel these XTR wheels so as to not egregiously violate your sponsorships; and old tradition in the race world. So during the bike roll-outs and promotional events you are showing off your brand new hookless, tubeless etc. tech that is saleable to the weekend warriors, but at the race start, you're actually on carbon tubulars.
Do you seriously show up at your local XC races with tubulars? You must look really pro lol
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08-21-24, 05:47 PM
#14
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Yes, you can run tubulars at lower pressures. As mentioned above, tubular tires contain more useful air volume than equivalent sized clinchers, as the space between the braking tracks in clinchers (including tubeless) does nothing in terms of cushioning the ride. Dead air.
But the bigger reason is that it is almost impossible to pinch flat tubulars, so you can run them at irresponsibly low pressures. The sharp pinch-flat causing 'hooks' on clincher rims which are required to keep the tires on, are dispensed with. In contrast, the tubular rim profile is smooth - hence pinch flats are almost eliminated. I know I know, you can pinch flat a tubular, and I've done it, but it requires an impact that destroys the rim, kills the tire, and knocks your fillings out.
Aside: in clinchers, tire air pressure pushes the 'hooks' apart laterally, hence the reason for max. pressure ratings on clincher setups. I've seen clincher rims blown apart down the middle of the rim. In contrast, tubular rims are isolated from inflation pressures, so you can run tubular tires at irresponsibly high pressures. Useful on the track or smooth pavement in time trial settings.
Between the higher relative strength of tubular rims, the lighter weight, pinch flat resistance, and far better safety during sudden deflations tubulars are the preferred choice in every application from track to road to 'cross to even MTB racing. But, tough sell for the industry because they are unsellable to the bread and butter demographic: weekend warriors with gold cards. And those who really really need them for competitive reasons (elite racers) get their shwag for free.
But the bigger reason is that it is almost impossible to pinch flat tubulars, so you can run them at irresponsibly low pressures. The sharp pinch-flat causing 'hooks' on clincher rims which are required to keep the tires on, are dispensed with. In contrast, the tubular rim profile is smooth - hence pinch flats are almost eliminated. I know I know, you can pinch flat a tubular, and I've done it, but it requires an impact that destroys the rim, kills the tire, and knocks your fillings out.
Aside: in clinchers, tire air pressure pushes the 'hooks' apart laterally, hence the reason for max. pressure ratings on clincher setups. I've seen clincher rims blown apart down the middle of the rim. In contrast, tubular rims are isolated from inflation pressures, so you can run tubular tires at irresponsibly high pressures. Useful on the track or smooth pavement in time trial settings.
Between the higher relative strength of tubular rims, the lighter weight, pinch flat resistance, and far better safety during sudden deflations tubulars are the preferred choice in every application from track to road to 'cross to even MTB racing. But, tough sell for the industry because they are unsellable to the bread and butter demographic: weekend warriors with gold cards. And those who really really need them for competitive reasons (elite racers) get their shwag for free.
Has anyone here ever used a tubular mtb tire, or even seen one?
Tubulars were definitely a thing for Cross. I no longer race cross, so. I can’t opine regarding the current use of tubulars in cross,but I think it’s declining .dead ass certain it’s almost non existent at a recreational level n mountain bikes.
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08-21-24, 07:32 PM
#15
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Yes, you can run tubulars at lower pressures. As mentioned above, tubular tires contain more useful air volume than equivalent sized clinchers, as the space between the braking tracks in clinchers (including tubeless) does nothing in terms of cushioning the ride. Dead air.
But the bigger reason is that it is almost impossible to pinch flat tubulars, so you can run them at irresponsibly low pressures. The sharp pinch-flat causing 'hooks' on clincher rims which are required to keep the tires on, are dispensed with. In contrast, the tubular rim profile is smooth - hence pinch flats are almost eliminated. I know I know, you can pinch flat a tubular, and I've done it, but it requires an impact that destroys the rim, kills the tire, and knocks your fillings out.
Aside: in clinchers, tire air pressure pushes the 'hooks' apart laterally, hence the reason for max. pressure ratings on clincher setups. I've seen clincher rims blown apart down the middle of the rim. In contrast, tubular rims are isolated from inflation pressures, so you can run tubular tires at irresponsibly high pressures. Useful on the track or smooth pavement in time trial settings.
Between the higher relative strength of tubular rims, the lighter weight, pinch flat resistance, and far better safety during sudden deflations tubulars are the preferred choice in every application from track to road to 'cross to even MTB racing. But, tough sell for the industry because they are unsellable to the bread and butter demographic: weekend warriors with gold cards. And those who really really need them for competitive reasons (elite racers) get their shwag for free.
But the bigger reason is that it is almost impossible to pinch flat tubulars, so you can run them at irresponsibly low pressures. The sharp pinch-flat causing 'hooks' on clincher rims which are required to keep the tires on, are dispensed with. In contrast, the tubular rim profile is smooth - hence pinch flats are almost eliminated. I know I know, you can pinch flat a tubular, and I've done it, but it requires an impact that destroys the rim, kills the tire, and knocks your fillings out.
Aside: in clinchers, tire air pressure pushes the 'hooks' apart laterally, hence the reason for max. pressure ratings on clincher setups. I've seen clincher rims blown apart down the middle of the rim. In contrast, tubular rims are isolated from inflation pressures, so you can run tubular tires at irresponsibly high pressures. Useful on the track or smooth pavement in time trial settings.
Between the higher relative strength of tubular rims, the lighter weight, pinch flat resistance, and far better safety during sudden deflations tubulars are the preferred choice in every application from track to road to 'cross to even MTB racing. But, tough sell for the industry because they are unsellable to the bread and butter demographic: weekend warriors with gold cards. And those who really really need them for competitive reasons (elite racers) get their shwag for free.
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08-22-24, 07:02 AM
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Tubeless is the way to go IMO after 5 yrs on them with zero flats. And, lower pressure with more comfort.
08-22-24, 09:42 AM
#17
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Tubulars are still amazing and yes one of the key points is that you can ride them at terribly low pressures. That's why they still and always will dominate in cyclocross. To quote Sven Nys when we asked him, "I start at 1 bar and adjust down from there". That's 14.4 psi for those playing along at home. I was in the elite pits way back in the frozen rut days of Verona Nationals Championships and Katie Compton came running by doing a bike exchange with Mark and yelled, "9!!". For a while I thought this was some like playbook code with them but then when I saw him go grab a pump and adjust the pressure down I knew she meant 9psi.
I don't care what anyone says tubeless will never be able to stay on the rim in a 33mm wide cross tire at that pressure while maintaining the ultimate suppleness needed to conform to the course.
BUT....on the mtb tubular thing: fun to watch people argue. My $0.02 - this is the road forum not mtb and yes I get I just talked cross so I will also throw some mtb in here. About a decade ago Challenge ties (USA) approached us regarding our purpose built cyclocross tubular rim. They saw it as an opportunity to bring the MTB TUBULAR TIRES that they were running with the pros in Europe into the US market using our rim as a solution. "You'd be surprised how many pros in europe mtb are running tubulars". They sent a sample tire for mounting. I ended up mounting one eventually but the leadership in Challenge USA turned over a bunch in that era and I never heard back from them. so yeah - they WERE using tubulars in top mtb racing in Europe about a decade ago. I would be immensely surprised if they still were using them now. So...everyone is right.
I don't care what anyone says tubeless will never be able to stay on the rim in a 33mm wide cross tire at that pressure while maintaining the ultimate suppleness needed to conform to the course.
BUT....on the mtb tubular thing: fun to watch people argue. My $0.02 - this is the road forum not mtb and yes I get I just talked cross so I will also throw some mtb in here. About a decade ago Challenge ties (USA) approached us regarding our purpose built cyclocross tubular rim. They saw it as an opportunity to bring the MTB TUBULAR TIRES that they were running with the pros in Europe into the US market using our rim as a solution. "You'd be surprised how many pros in europe mtb are running tubulars". They sent a sample tire for mounting. I ended up mounting one eventually but the leadership in Challenge USA turned over a bunch in that era and I never heard back from them. so yeah - they WERE using tubulars in top mtb racing in Europe about a decade ago. I would be immensely surprised if they still were using them now. So...everyone is right.
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08-22-24, 11:07 AM
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08-22-24, 12:32 PM
#19
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Before buying into the usual anti tech screeds, you may want to ask why tubulars have been abandoned in the sport. Even in the last holdout of CX it’s 50/50 at best for tubulars, With almost all of the privateers using tubeless.
I can’t imagine any scenario in which anyone outside of cross racing would be running a 33 mm tire at 9 or 14 psi.
An interesting perspective would be, if tubulars were introduced to the market today. Would anybody adopt that technology? They are a pain to mount, expensive, almost impossible to repair once damaged, cumbersome to carry a spare, roadside flat repairs are a bodge and it is extremely inconvenient if want to change tires on a wheelset. Their adoption would be the same as it is now, effectively zero.
I can’t imagine any scenario in which anyone outside of cross racing would be running a 33 mm tire at 9 or 14 psi.
An interesting perspective would be, if tubulars were introduced to the market today. Would anybody adopt that technology? They are a pain to mount, expensive, almost impossible to repair once damaged, cumbersome to carry a spare, roadside flat repairs are a bodge and it is extremely inconvenient if want to change tires on a wheelset. Their adoption would be the same as it is now, effectively zero.
Last edited by Atlas Shrugged; 08-22-24 at 02:47 PM.
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08-22-24, 02:33 PM
#20
Senior Member
The pressure calculator at Zipp.com suggests far lower pressure for a 28mm tubeless tire on a 25mm IW hookless rim than a 28mm tubular on a 17mm rim.
08-22-24, 02:51 PM
#21
Steel is real
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More bike conspiracy theory nonsense, true to form. If the World Cup XC racers are all secretly using tubulars, then they are doing a great job of hiding it from all the UHD cameras pointing at them.
Do you seriously show up at your local XC races with tubulars? You must look really pro lol
Do you seriously show up at your local XC races with tubulars? You must look really pro lol
08-22-24, 02:53 PM
#22
Steel is real
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Or you can go tubeless, which also won’t pinch flat, and is the direction that the vast majority of pro cyclists have gone, and virtually 100% of recreational cyclists, (as compared to tubulars.)
Has anyone here ever used a tubular mtb tire, or even seen one?
Tubulars were definitely a thing for Cross. I no longer race cross, so. I can’t opine regarding the current use of tubulars in cross,but I think it’s declining .dead ass certain it’s almost non existent at a recreational level n mountain bikes.
Has anyone here ever used a tubular mtb tire, or even seen one?
Tubulars were definitely a thing for Cross. I no longer race cross, so. I can’t opine regarding the current use of tubulars in cross,but I think it’s declining .dead ass certain it’s almost non existent at a recreational level n mountain bikes.
08-22-24, 03:10 PM
#23
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Before buying into the usual anti tech screeds, you may want to ask why tubulars have been abandoned in the sport. Even in the last holdout of CX it’s 50/50 at best for tubulars, With almost all of the privateers using tubeless.
I can’t imagine any scenario in which anyone outside of cross racing would be running a 33 mm tire at 9 or 14 psi.
An interesting perspective would be, if tubulars were introduced to the market today. Would anybody adopt that technology? They are a pain to mount, expensive, almost impossible to repair once damaged, cumbersome to carry a spare, roadside flat repairs are a bodge and it is extremely inconvenient if want to change tires on a wheelset. Their adoption would be the same as it is now, effectively zero.
I can’t imagine any scenario in which anyone outside of cross racing would be running a 33 mm tire at 9 or 14 psi.
An interesting perspective would be, if tubulars were introduced to the market today. Would anybody adopt that technology? They are a pain to mount, expensive, almost impossible to repair once damaged, cumbersome to carry a spare, roadside flat repairs are a bodge and it is extremely inconvenient if want to change tires on a wheelset. Their adoption would be the same as it is now, effectively zero.
08-22-24, 03:26 PM
#24
Senior Member
That year I was able too watch Eddie win the men's road race. Yeah. Track and road were here the same year
Last edited by alcjphil; 08-22-24 at 05:26 PM.
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08-22-24, 05:30 PM
#25
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This reminds me about watching training during the 1974 world championships. The track had been set up in the football stadium at L'Universitie de Montreal because the velodrome being built for the 1976 Olympics wasn't finished. The stadium was open, anyone could walk in. I rode over with a friend and we walked right in and took some very good seats. I was watching one guy who was at the top of the banking when we heard what sounded like a pistol shot and that rider plummited down into the infield. It is possible for tubulars to deflate suddenly, have had it happen to me, but never at the top of the banking of a velodrome.
