Conference noted::bicycle

< Note 684.0 by STAR::MCCARTHY >
                       -< high performance CLINCHERS?? >-

I've been running high performance clinchers for years now and I love them.  I 
have over 2200 miles so far this year with 1 flat on 2 sets of wheels.  My 
race wheels are Mavic MA40 with Specialized hubs, 32 spoke.  The Campy Omega 
rims look nice...I'd like to pick up a 28/32 spoke set for race wheels.	I run 
Specialized Turbo R's and Michelin Hi-lite somethings.  Both are slicks.  I 
don't like the Michelin's because they are a much larger tire, both in 
diameter and width, than the Specialized and therefore makes swapping wheels 
more difficult.

I've already done a 5:29 century this year with this setup.  Maybe I'd go 
faster with a lightweight tubular setup (if they didn't flat) but I'm not 
willing to put up with the hassle and what I feel is the uncertainty of 
tubulars.

Kevin

    Sounds like a good combination to me. I've ridden on MAVIC rims
    and specialized turbo R and turbo S's for about 2 1/2 years now
    both training and racing and have had no problems. I did just build
    up a set of tubulars however (GL330's on Campy hubs) because I think
    having both is nice. I've borrowed a friends tubulars in the past
    for a couple of road races and liked the feel on quick accelerations
    and cornering. I'll use mine strickly for racing. People will argue
    until blue in the face about which is better, if I had to choose
    one I stick with clinchers,but like I said, having both is nice.
        Small differences in rolling resistance, rotational mass,etc...
    are often over shadowed by good cycling technique and fitness level. 
    quickly by such things as good cycling technique and fitness level

    
    
    yes.....the earth must be flat....

    I also have Turbo R's and I love them.  They're lightweight and
    responsive.  Drawbacks?  They can be real tough to mount, and I've had
    three flats over the past 2,500 miles of use (No, that mileage is
    not all this year!).  Clinchers are gaining on Tubulars every year,
    becoming lighter and with a definite cost savings.
    Dave
    

    I have the opposite experience than most. My tubulars last a lot
    longer than any set of high performance clinchers, and the rims
    are loads stronger anyhow. It seems I am always picking up some
    sand or something in between the tire and the tube or managing to
    pinch the tube, or have it leak out the side of the tire.
    I like clinchers in the spring and fall, but not when I'm training..
    
    I dont think there is much of a price difference these days with
    a turbo/r costing over $20, and a nice latex tube at about $12
    (I seldom pay more than $15 for a training tubular, and $35 still
    buys a nice tubular)
    
    Robb

I've read all the articals about high performance clinchers vs. tubulars and
they seem to think that the clinchers are about as good.  I have a set of both,
about the best clinchers you can get (dura-ace hubs, Mavic MA40 rims,
Wheelsmith butted spokes, Specialized turbos and latex tubes) and a medium
priced tubulars (Specialized hubs and rims (Saturne), Wheelsmith straight
spokes (32)) with the cheapest tires you can get. 

Which rides better?  The tubulars without a doubt. 

Which do I ride?  The clinchers, always.

I've watched the pro races and when they get a flat they just raise their
hand and the team car comes and gives them a new wheel.  If I had a team
car following me around then I'd ride the tubulars.

In a previous note I had said that I had a pair of tubulars hanging in my
garage that I couldn't even give away.  That way just a figure of speech but I
had a couple people offer to take them for free.  The pool of potential buyers
is quite small since I'm in California, but if you're interested in a set, for
a small price, let me know. 

    
      Hi Joe,
    
      Go for the clinchers,less of a hassel then tubulars,and on long
    rides it's a lot simpler to carry a tube then a tubular.
    
                                       Tom m
    

    re: 684.6
    
    A spare tube won't get you anywhere if you blowout your tire.  You'll
    need to carry a spare tire also.
    
    The rims on tubulars tend to be stronger than clinchers.  If you
    live in areas where there is not much glass, I recommend tubulars.
    The ride is better, the tires hold rubber longer, and they don't
    snake bite as much.
    
    steve (been riding tubulars for 15 years)
    
    

< Note 684.8 by 21001::FULLER >
                                 -< TUBULARS >-

>     A spare tube won't get you anywhere if you blowout your tire.  You'll
>     need to carry a spare tire also.
    
I've never blown out a tire to that degree, tho I'm sure it can happen.  I 
just carry some duct tape wrapped around a tire iron to patch the inside of a 
tire if it is cut badly.  I've also heard you could wrap tape around the 
outside of the tire, including the rim, to temporarily fix serious damage.  
With this method (and tube patch kits) you can fix a number of flats.  Try to 
do that with tubulars...how many do you want to carry.

Kevin

    Just an observation, but it appears that some of the high performance
    clinchers coming out now are only offered in the 700c rim size.
    Something to consider if you are having new wheels built up.
                                                 
    
    DS

    re -.2 
    
    another wild patch for clinchers is to break off the little peice
    of aluminum scrapper in your patch kit that doesn't have any bumps
    on it, sandwich it between two patch's, and glue the whole thing
    to the offending hole in the tire.  (Several such `patch's' lasted around
    1000 miles for me). 
    
    I've had worse luck fixing clincher flats on the road than tubular
    flats.  I've only been double burned by tubulars once (and that
    was because my spare was a poor tubular patch), but I have exploded
    several inner tubes trying to get them ultra narrow tires to
    seat correctly in the rim while sweat is running down my nose.
    
    I suspect the difference between tubular's and clinchers in price
    and performance will eventually become the color the rims come in.
    
    
    Robb

    re .9	Oh, sure...   ...and wrapping tape around the outside
    of the tire AND rim is really going to help your braking too, right ?

    	Lesse, I got this wad of duct tape flying around and I need
    to brake hard, so I put the brake on just after the wad passes the
    brake, then I release it again some 7 ft farther down the road,
    then apply it again just after the wad passes through again, repeat
    til slowed enough or mistake.fatal.
    
    	Reg
    

< Note 684.12 by MENTOR::REG "May Be ('til June 1st)" >
          -< Hand:eye coordination ?  I'm good, but not this good ! >-

Whatsamatter Reg...haven't you heard of 'pumping' your brakes? :^)

I think I'd avoid braking with that wheel.  It would require a gaping hole to 
get me to use that fix, anyway.  Blow both tires that bad and its time to 
walk!
    
Kevin

naw, you don't hafta walk just 'cause you've got duct tape on both rims.
Drag your feet to stop just like your grandfather did.

ed