Track Tyres, Indoor and Out

Been told that Conti tubs aren't the roundest or the straightest. I've tried fitting Olympics for someone and they were a right pain in the cunt, too tight and not stretchy.

I've not had that problem with conti tubs, but then I've only used posh ones, sonderklasse are nice, but ime vittoria are nicer.

Speaking of which, I have some of the new corsa sc in 25's, should I try these on my track wheels or stick to my evo cx 23?

I asked at the guys in Cycle Surgery at the velodrome if they had any grippy track tubulars and they suggested the Continental Sonderklasse (the only tubs they had)... Anyone in here use them? The price suggest that they are really good, but I don't want to end up too have spent too much if there are cheaper and better options...

They won't last long for a training tyre.

They won't last long for a training tyre.

Ok, their slickness made me think of that...
anyone tried Dugast or Veloflex?

You'll get a massive difference in opinion on any forum.

I took advice from the riders that ride the tracks I ride, also the same weight (rider) and similar type of training (sprint or endurance).

You'll get a massive difference in opinion on any forum.

I took advice from the riders that ride the tracks I ride, also the same weight (rider) and similar type of training (sprint or endurance).

I'm not sure any forum will contest the quality of Dugast, or even vel

Oflex. Never tried dugast, but I have ridden veloflex criteriums on the track and they are sound when warmed up.

veloflex is good to me

Cycle Surgery recommending Sonderklasse! Nice tyre but that's like a car dealer recommending you by a Ferrari ffs!

I've installed some Conti sprinters at the moment, despite what people says about their rolling resistance, their grip is outstanding... Let's now see how long they'll live.

Olympics are, like all Conti tyres, a pain in the A* to mount but they work great. The Olympics are, I think, the absolute best track tyre you can get. They are light, incredibly round, roll wonderfully and are robust. They are just too darn expensive.. and due to fabrication problems they are now made of nylon instead of cotton.. and once that little old lady stops sewing....

OK.. I'll contest Dugast.. If you want to go the retro-tyre route I'd go to FMB instead.. they are as good as the Dugast tyres were when they were at their best... Dugast is still probably a good choice for cross but on the road they've had better days...

Just read the thread and thought I'd wade in with a quick opinion poll...

If you were buying one set of tubs for a winter training and racing at Lee Valley and then a summer of Weds nights at HHV (presuming the tubs last the winter), which single pair would you go for to cover both bases?

Alternatively, if a single pair of tubs (punctures withstanding) are only likely to last a single winter at Lee Valley (let's say 4-5 actual track hours per week for 22 weeks) then which ones would you recommend?

(Endurance riding)

Vittoria Pista CS are a decent mix of performance and cost.

Thanks Dan. Anyone else got a suggestion to throw into the mix?

Nope, but a second vote for Pista CSs, particularly as Chain Reaction are doing them for £20 a pop. They were even cheaper a couple of weeks back.

A third on the Pista CS at £20 each. Have ridden them at both HHV and LVVP and they do what they are supposed to. IIRC the next one up the Vittoria line are 2x the cost or more, only you can decide if the extra spend is worth it for your need (anecdotally I have heard the more expensive Vittorias are a little delicate for the outdoor track).

£20 each?! Where's my wallet...

I've heard that the fancier pista tyres are lovely but wear quite fast - whereas the CS's seem to have fairly good mileage.

CX's are also an option if you can afford it - probably offer more puncture protection for outdoor tracks. Herne Hill certainly gets quite gritty post-CX races.

In August they were £17.99 each. I bought three. Should have got more.

That is crazy money

4x Pista CSs on their way. Thanks for the advice fellas.

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http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/TYVIDIPP/vittoria-diamante-pro-pista-700c-folding-tyre

No puncture protection at all, but should fit the bill? Plenty in stock of 23s

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