I have a set of 202’s used for uphill bike racing or TTs…almost never for training other than a test ride. One of my big races this year is cycle to the sun (Haleakala). I lent my 202’s to a friend for a race a few weeks ago, and he flatted on the way to packet pickup…sigh. I have Vittoria Corsa Evo CX tires which seem to be the fastest tire…but low puncture resistance.
I’m not up to speed on the latest and greatest in the tubular world, so just wondering if there is a “GP4000S” (referring to the clincher version) of tubular tires that offers great all around properties. I’m shying away from Continental tubulars since they don’t use latex inner tubes but would be open to the idea if there is data to suggest that it doesn’t matter.
Again…these are for racing only…generally on good roads, but I don’t plan to race with a spare either. And FWIW, pit stop did not work on the flat…not even close.
If I had to do it all over again, I would probably build up a new lightweight aluminum clincher set and save myself some headache…but a new tubular tire is cheaper for the time being. Any advice appreciated.
Well a 202 is more of a light climbing wheel than anything very aero, especially if it isn’t a FireCrest. It is really hard to beat the Vittoria for a race tire and to be honest I have never had problems with flats. They aren’t Armadillos, but they have a low Crr, decent flat protection, and a great feel.
Maybe the only tubular that would be worth trying would be the new Schwable triathlon tire. They have a good Crr, but nobody has reported on how they ride, durability, grip, flat resistance,… I can only assume that their aero design works as advertised.
I used to think that Corsa evo’s were bad with flats, I just got back from Maui and did about 1200 km on a corsa evo that I pulled off my girlfriends race wheel from last year.
I fully expected to flat but it has about 1700km on it and 1200 of that on the rear. I am home and it is still good.
I did the east Maui loop with 10 miles of gravel and really the worst pavement known to man. No flats.
Having said that I was fully expecting to flat so I was pretty careful for rocks glass etc, I think picking your line a bit goes a long way towards tire durability.
Hello
I ve had Corsa Evo Cx for year but was upset with the punctures
I switched for Veloflex Carbon. They re just perfect. Low crr, few punctures, easier to put on
Never looked back
I’ve also found the Corsa Evo CX quite durable. I’ve got a set on my racing clinchers for two years now - not a single flat despite logging probably 800km of racing and about as much again in key sessions with the deep wheels.
Do you happen to know the difference between these 2 tubulars? Is one of them more puncture proof? They both weigh the same but there is a $10 price difference between them. I want to buy a set soon
Do you happen to know the difference between these 2 tubulars? Is one of them more puncture proof? They both weigh the same but there is a $10 price difference between them. I want to buy a set soon
One says “IRONMAN” and the other doesn’t?
I kid.
I think similar compound but the IM version has grooves that allegedly help the aerodynamics but no tests done yet from anyone I’ve come across.
They both ride sweet.
ONE has a more typical road racing tread - diamond pattern.
I just mounted a set of Schwalbe Ironman Tubulars this week. They mount relatively easily. I’ve gotten a single ride on them. Seemed fine. No perceptible difference for me from my Conti Competitions.
I did get a slight bit of hop at the stem, but I’m hoping this will work out. Doesn’t seem to affect the ride. (Probably operator error.) =(
Same - I’ve ridden Vittoria EVO CX’s(clincher) as my everyday tire on my training wheels, all year on our typically lousy roads and even some gravel and dirt, and had the usual number of flats that I get in a year (1 - 2). This on a tire that many say is “susceptible to flats”
Generally regarding flats:
flats happen
But to mitigate them as best possible:
Check inflation before every ride
After every ride check tires for embedded glass or cuts.
Use top of the line rim tape
Obviously ensure tubes and tires are installed properly
Using the much larger sample size of “The entire austin racing community” the Vittoria EVO CX flats real easy.
=)
If your local roads are smooth and clean of course they will be fine.
Same - I’ve ridden Vittoria EVO CX’s(clincher) as my everyday tire on my training wheels, all year on our typically lousy roads and even some gravel and dirt, and had the usual number of flats that I get in a year (1 - 2). This on a tire that many say is “susceptible to flats”
Generally regarding flats:
flats happen
But to mitigate them as best possible:
Check inflation before every ride
After every ride check tires for embedded glass or cuts.
Use top of the line rim tape
Obviously ensure tubes and tires are installed properly
I picked up some Schwalbe Ironman’s for my Easton EC90TTs. They currently have only a 10mi TT under their belts, but I will be sure to report back once this full season on tri’s, du’s, and TT’s develops.
The roads I race on are fine…which has me still leaning towards another Corsa Evo CX. It’s everything else that sucks. Which is also why I was a little disappointed to hear my tire went flat when my friend road it to packet pickup for the race I let him borrow the wheels for. The roads he was riding on suck. Lots of glass and other debris. But then again, the guy doesn’t have a car. He probably took it on a test run, had everything ready to go…and really didn’t have much choice. Oh well…
Just wanted to make sure there wasn’t a latest and greatest option. FWIW, I’ve raced on the Corsa Evo CX tubular and clincher most of the last 3 years and didn’t flat…knock on wood. I have switched to the GP4000S on my 404 clinchers though.
Using the much larger sample size of “The entire austin racing community” the Vittoria EVO CX flats real easy.
=)
If your local roads are smooth and clean of course they will be fine.
Same - I’ve ridden Vittoria EVO CX’s(clincher) as my everyday tire on my training wheels, all year on our typically lousy roads and even some gravel and dirt, and had the usual number of flats that I get in a year (1 - 2). This on a tire that many say is “susceptible to flats”
Generally regarding flats:
flats happen
But to mitigate them as best possible:
Check inflation before every ride
After every ride check tires for embedded glass or cuts.
Use top of the line rim tape
Obviously ensure tubes and tires are installed properly
I’ve been using Conti Podium TT on climb wheels & TT wheelsets. Very low rolling resistance; it uses an ultra thin butyl tube; tread is decently sturdy for what it is- a race day only tire.