OK maybe need is too strong a word, but I realise that mine are a little on the heavy side, also with deep rims the tyres are almost impossible to get off, and I need to be able to do that in a race, also after crashing in the wet a few months ago I would like some decent tyres, don't want to spend more than 200 squid and they mustn't be too sensitive to bumps, also don't tell my dad he'd go mad if he knew how much I am spending.
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That's the catch-they're rather old and they're sprint rims and a non-cassette hub!
The front's a Campag Super Record hub and the first rim Campag did, Record Strada I think.
They've still got a pair of Vittoria CX tubs on them.
Any takers?
Shimano 105 if you want a great looking, incredibly strong training/racing wheel. I've done 2000 miles on a pair and they are still as good as new.
Decent tyres will set you back around £40 a pair. Grand Prix Continentals have been good for me.
Here's Ribble link with info about them...
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/products.php?category=rim&action=viewdetails&id=4&id2=10
Regards
George
I intend to keep the Fondriest purely for racing- but knowing the state of the roads they shouldn't be too flimsy.
hehe, im not a bike nerd at all. i just ride/race them.....dont know mechanics at all - i always take to get checked out at shop!. I still don't know the gear system correctly!
but saying that i recommend getting a decent pair of wheels. if you can manage to sort yourself out with two bikes for next season (one for training and one for racing) then get some top notch wheels for the racer. those spinergyx on ebay are great. ive speeded up quite a bit using them i think, they cut like a knife (and sound good too :O/)
if you kept the same bike, you could put a spinergy-x on the back and cosmos on the front for training (replacing the cosmos with spinergy for racing).
cant comment on best clinchers really. use axiel pro's for my trainer but my racing bike takes verstappen tubulars. £30, but go up to 300psi and more or less puncture proof.
Elite Ironman, Ultra Trail Runner
the jammy git even has a carbon dark-chrome/grey frame! <jealous>
Elite Ironman, Ultra Trail Runner
Elite Ironman, Ultra Trail Runner
My second worst crash was through a tub -
I got a punvture on a big ride so pot the spare on which ripped off on a tight corner - very nasty spill
Plus - I'm sh!t at gluing them on
think it's best not to glue them back on. ive been told to carry a spare one that was prev glued to a wheel.
then when you get a puncture you remove the tubular, and just put the spare one straight on. the glue residue left on the wheel frame and the spare is enough to hold the tyre in place. any excess glue will mean risk of slide beloki-stylee!
but you can get good tubulars now that are pretty much puncture proof. my rear had a drawing-pin in it two races ago, right up to the neck. but didnt puncture due to strong latex lining inside. guess you get what you pay for.
Elite Ironman, Ultra Trail Runner
what are yours?
Elite Ironman, Ultra Trail Runner
I used to use Vittoria CX to race and trained on whatever their cheaper version was (so long ago I can't remember) hardly ever had a puncture from a CX, but I'd probably use Conti's now.
So you are saying Daz that tubs which I imagine are different from normal inner tube and (get me with my jargon) clincher tyres are more puncture resistant. How can this be? Also I can mend a puncture on a normal inner tube but what do you do with those glue on things- it sounds really difficult.
Also tyres that grip in the wet (round tight corners) can be of a different rubber compound but smooth tread, not like buying off road shoes the deeper the knobbles the better the grip yes ?
Im in the arnt group
Mon - you might want to use tubs in a Race situation 'cos if you puncture there, your tiem will suffer loads anyway. And your high pressures for training. Cosmos aren't that heavy.
You send tubs away typically when they get punctured and people open them up fix them, stitch them and send them back. But punctures are pretty rare in racing.
Advantage of tubs over hi pressures are that if you puncture and they are glued on well, then they'll stay on the rim, and you might avoid a crash. Hig pressures will easily roll off if you puncture in a corner.
And cutting brake blocks down ? The man is a basket case. How many milliseconds of time does he think that's worth ? And ask him the same question when he tries braking on a wet junction. Brakes are not to be messed with.
You can fix tubs but it takes an evening - or it takes me an evening anyway - or you can send them off to the guy that advertises in Cycling Weekly and pay him six pounds to do it - worth it if you are paying 30 pounds plus. If you are worried about them slipping off the rim when you fit a spare on a ride you can always carry some tub tape with you - or use a previously glued tub - although if you ride carefully they will get you home with neither. The advantage of tubs is lighter rim, higher pressures (if that is an advantage) and some people reckon they are rounder. They are also less likely to come off the rim in a puncture so are a bit safer(some say anyway).
Just read Cougies post - basically everything he says.
If you are looking for high end second hand stuff the British Cycling website classifieds has stuff.
One other thing is if you puncture a tub and are just a few miles from ther end of the race then you can ride on it! There is enough material to get round at a (obv) slower pace but without risk of coming off or damaging the wheels.
Oh and if wet, whether you choose tubs or clinchers, just a case of reducing tyre pressure to increase rolling resistance and provide better grip......i think thats right(?)
So Monique, you decided what you are going to do? hehe
Tim, my back is a 'verstappen'(?) but the front is a vittoria cx like yours.
Elite Ironman, Ultra Trail Runner
Thanks for all the help though- I will shop around for wheels although I bonded with Joey today so like him with all his little imperfections.
Glad to hear you and Joey are getting on so well Mon !
tim, you were right about the brand name of my front tyre....verstappen just seemed to come to mind! too much formula1!
Elite Ironman, Ultra Trail Runner