Track Tyres, Indoor and Out

People running expensive paper thin tyres? When was the last time someone punctured a clincher at an indoor velodrome, anyway?

^ Please don't tempt fate!

It's usually an issue with the inner at high pressure, rather than the tyre casing itself though. I've had expensive tubs go BANG just rolling around after putting 170psi in. No visible damage to the tyre after.

Conti sprinter tubs indoors? Yay or Nay? I have stuck a set on some borrowed wheels so was thinking of using them for track this winter

Conti sprinter tubs indoors? Yay or Nay?

The Sprinter (and Competition) are popularly used as "training tyres". The standard Sprinter is still probably the best "low cost" road tyre one can buy. The newer ones with "Black Chili" have good grip.

Would they be faster/better than the Tufo S33 that I have at the moment or would it be worth just getting a proper track tub?

Would they be faster/better than the Tufo S33 that I have at the moment or would it be worth just getting a proper track tub?

Tufo S33 Specials are ill-suited to wooden track as they use, I think, Silica and not carbon black as reinforcement filler. S33 Pros? Nah. Cheaper (~21 EURO each) but also a class below Sprinter (~32 EURO). I'd personally use the Sprinter on the street and reserve for the velodrome a lighter more supple tyre.

Will probably just keep them for when I get a set of Road tub wheels. And get a proper track tub

Tufo tubs are awful no?

They're pretty cack. They were the only thing we had in the shop when I was gluing my new wheels to ride the following week. I will probably get some Vitt Pistas or something similar

Tufo tubs are awful no?

They are not awful. Some are really OK.. Among road enthusiasts the Elite Jet and S3 are very popular reserve tyres as they are very light. Many years ago I gave my wife some S33 Specials as tubular trainers-- her first tubular tyres. She flatted the front pretty fast but rode the rear until it got retired in honour--- the rubber was worn down to the cords and it was still going strong.

Evos at £45.99 + 10% off first order with code FIRST10UK

http://www.probikekit.co.uk/bicycle-tyres/vittoria-pista-evo-cs-tubular-track-tyre/10776985.html

Good shout

We're in the track subforum. I don't know anyone with good things to say about them for track use.

Tufo S3 pro are pretty good on the track. I've used them a lot at Manchester with no issues. Also the S33s get a mention in the list on the Manchester track bike specs.

Blatant plug, I'm selling my trainer track navigator wheelset at the moment in the classifieds.

I have no track experience, but was a little surprised yesterday when my bike got rejected at an indoor velodrome introduction session because of Continental GP4000SII clincher tyres. Was this justified or was the instructor overly strict?

Did they specify it was the type of tire and not dirt or wear? Did they look like they had been ridden outside?Which velodrome?

Did they specify it was the type of tire

Yep, it was specifically the tyre. Or in better words: it wasn't one of the tyres they allow. The tyres were perfectly clean and in excellent condition.

It was at a Dutch velodrome. Was just disappointed I couldn't ride my Panasonic on the track!

Continental GP4000SII clincher tyres. Was this justified or was the instructor overly strict?

If they accept clincher tyres and it was just about "GP4000sII" tyres then I'd question their judgement. Those tyres are "black chili" and have good traction. Many tracks, however, don't accept clinchers and have very strict rules on tubulars and especially their mounting--- demanding glue and some even rejecting standard road mastics. It is all about safety. In the balance: better a bit too strict then a bit too lenient!

Many tracks, however, don't accept clinchers

Clinchers were allowed, just not these clincher apparently. I think the instructor was just being overly strict for no apparent reason. But their place, their rules I guess!

And I agree with you last statement and the sentiment. Thanks for your informative comment.

many tracks, however, don't accept clinchers

You keep saying this, but I don't know of any. Can you name them, please?

I've used both Conti GP4000S and Schwalbe Ultremo clinchers at London, Newport and Calshot with no issues from staff.

The wheels don't go on the road and I do clean the tyres anyway

Sorry if this is a bit off topic but has anyone glued their tubs with Vittoria Magic Mastik?

Not yet. Just bought some, but haven't got round to using it yet.

Not sure about that stuff for track. Think I would rather go through the faff of normal mastik to avoid any chance of tyres rolling off. #luddite