I am considering this. What would you recomend for a training tubular wheelset ?
I train and race 2 bikes. One has a set of clincher HED3 and the other has a set of tubular HED3. I’m too darn lazy to change the wheels out. If I ride the Zipp 2001 it has the clinchers. If I opt for the Softride Rocket SE7 it has the tubulars. I’ll change the tubular wheels to which ever bike I decide to race on race day.
I have a few other wheels and they are all tubulars, ie - Campy disc, J-disc front. I have a set of CXP21’s that are clinchers but I NEVER use them, they just hang on the wall.
All my wheels are tubulars. Sold all my clinchers on ebay.
One option would be to try the “tubular clinchers” from Tufo which are tubular tires that fit on a clincher wheel. I just got a set to try - I wasn’t sure if I’d like them but they are actually pretty good.
Joel
In the great tubular vs clincher debate it was stated that tubulars get less punctures, would that make them a better training tyre ? The advantage of using them in training would be getting practice changing flats. I’ve still never had to change one, it worries me a bit. I could get some tubular rims for nothing, the bike shop can;t give the old stock away.
OK. So what would be a good training wheelset for both my road bike and Tri bike. Right now I have :
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A set of open pro/ultegra 32 spokes clinchers. Use them when it rains ot it is wet (rare in CA).
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A set of Mavic Ksyrium SSCs. Use them mostly on my road bike
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A set of 404 tubulars. Use them to race only and a few rides before each races
I would be like to have a pair of tubulars that I would use for training on my tri bike without having to switch to my Ksyriums. Something semi aero would be good.
"So what would be a good training wheelset "
How much money do you want to spend for training wheels? If you want to do what I did and go the Second Hand Racing route on ebay I’d suggest a set of Mavic GL330’s. They are bombproof and among the best tubular box rims ever made by anyone. Mine came with Dura-Ace hubs and were about a hundred bucks for the set on ebay. They’re quite light and I can also throw my CH Aero cover on the rear and have an instant disc.
I was hoping to find some semi aero tubular rims (equivalent to velocity deep V) but it does not seem to exist… American classic is making a set but is uses a velocity box rim. I think Dave Thomas speeddream can also use the same rim and built a nice set but still aroud $600. I guess Ksyriums tubular would be another option.
- Lionel
I’m training on tubulars and racing on clinchers, SIN! LOL
I train on Reflex rims durace hubs.Ebay $ 125. with tires used. I like tufo S33 special tires black on black. they do very well on rough roads and are round and non lumpy at the presta valve. I always carry a spair and hand pump. I would never ride home on a flat . I does not sound like fun.
"tubbies they arn't just for racing anymore"
You want the Velocity Pro Elite. Same Profile as the Deep V, except they’re tubular rather than clincher (the Pro elites also are a little lighter in color and have a machined braking surface; profile is the same though). Nice rims. I don’t know if Velocity still makes them. I picked some up from Nashbar about a year ago but never got around to building them up. I have either two or four of them sitting in my garage that I might be willing to part with.
It would probably be easier for all involved if you found a retailler who had them because rims are a pain to ship. If you can’t find a store selling them and you’re running 650s, PM me and I might be able to help you out. I think Velocity made 700s as well but I’m not sure about that and 650s are what I have.
I buy Tufo Jets off ebay for about $50 a pop but you can get them cheaper still. I train on my race bike with race set up all but the wheels, I have a Mavic IO up front and at $3000 I dont want to trash it by hitting a pothole. I like to train with wheels as close to race set up as this really helps my bike handling on tough, techniical windy courses, so I bought a cheap Spin Tri spoke and ‘heavy’ Hed Disk also off ebay. I use a camelback however in training with a couple of litres of fluid, plenty for the entire ride, so on race day the bike feels really fast.
Cheers AndyA