Two questions regarding Zipp tubular race wheels

Triathlon Forum
1

I am borrowing a friend’s Zipp wheelset (tubular – 404 front, 808 rear) for an upcoming race. Two questions:

  1. Do I have to get special break pads for the carbon rims, or can I just use the basic Shimano ones that I always use for my aluminum rims?

  2. I will be carrying a spare tubular tire. Will I need a valve extender for the spare, or can I take the valve extender off the flat tire? If so, how easy is it to exchange valve extenders during a race?

Thanks,
David

2
  1. NO. NONONONONO!

Just no, OK?

  1. You will need an extender for the spare. Switching valve extenders will probably just result in you not being able to get up to the right pressure.
3

so…you might be better to get special brake pads to be on the safe side but i most of the time used my shimano dura ace pads and they work well on zipp. i used them for race like ironman where you never really break… for something more technical, get the special pads.

for the second question, you dont need another extenstion at all. Just take the one from the flat and put it tight on the new tubular… i dont know what the other poster is refering too but there is absolutly no need for another extender. Aco2 cartiridge under pressure will bring the tire at a good 120. there is no need for more than that.

4

To be honest, I don’t speak from experience, just from other people’s findings. so Johnyo is a slightly more reliable source!

5
  1. The problem with using brake pads that are used on aluminum rims is that they pick up small pieces of metal and they can quickly scour a carbon rim surface. Since your borrowing them it would be best to get some carbon pads or at the very least a brand new set that hasn’t been used on an aluminum rim yet.

2)This one is totally personal preference. If your going for time, its faster to not have to change your extender. If you don’t care, then by all means you can just change it over but make sure you have a small piece of plumbers tape to seal the threads.

6

Good advice from jonnyo but…depends on extender type. if your friend uses Zipp extenders then no problem but I use the tufo style that really need pliers to put on or take off.

Kevin

7

Just clean up your break pads by picking out any metal bits and then filing them down a little with a metal file or emery board. If you do that they will be fine with the carbon braking surface. Takes maybe 5-10 minutes at the most.

8

I realy don’t understand the question about valve extender. Using a $$$$ bike, with $$ tubulars, spending yearly $$$$ and hours on triathlon. Why don’t spend $, buy and install that extra valve expender - avoiding one extra factor that MIGHT make problems in an important race. With a boiled head due a puncture in a race - what can go wrong - will go wrong.