Track Tyres

Ok, thanks. I just wanted to check here in case someone had previous experience with them indoors.

I was always going to rub them down and clean them with white vinegar. But, yeah I think ultimately it would be best for peace of mind to contact LVV again and double check.

Anyone any experience of archetype clincher rims on the track? More specifically what tyres? I believe the outside diiameter of the rim is 23mm (internal 19) and wondered if running 23mm tyres on such rims on the track was ok.

No experience, but https://www.kstoerz.com/freespoke/rim/410 says they are 17.5mm internal width. That should be absolutely fine for 23mm tyres, but you could always double-check with H Plus Son.

I got rid of my Mavic Ellipse wheels because the internal diameter was only 15mm. They made my 23mm Challenge Pista clinchers look bulbous and the crap aerodynamics kept playing on my mind. I replaced them with Parcours rims with a 19mm inner width. Rode them for three seasons with those 23mm tyres. (I didn't think to check ETRTO recommendations beforehand. At the time, ETRTO tables were saying to use 15mm max, but that's outdated info now.)

BTW I recommend Challenge Pista for track use if you want to spend some £s. They roll really well and have a great profile, unlike many which are flat-formed.

Can’t imagine why they wouldn’t be fine.

I’ve seen A119s on tandems and sprinters using them as training wheels as they’re a bit more robust than the likes of an open pro, they’re 24mm external.

Some of the HED deep sections and discs are pretty wide too (though probably tubs).

Thanks @lesterama and @M_V was also going to ask about the Challenge Pistas as well so nice to know they are a recommend

Another attempt of resurrection. When I rode (an outdoor) track 10 years ago the trend was tyres as narrow as possible. Out of interest, are riders using slightly wider tyres like on the road?

Slightly wider than 20 years ago but not as much change as road.

Most on 23s for training/general riding, some people putting 19s on race wheels but a lot will just stick to 23s on them too.

Occasionally see people on 25s or 28s but only really because the cheap Vittoria Rubino Slicks were in stock in those sizes after the 23s sold out.

Thanks both!

I don't think there's much science to it. You'd probably be faster on 25s or 28s at lumpy old Preston Park. Maybe at Herne Hill, too; it was smoother in the late '90s - less weather-resistant, though). But lightweight track tyres tend only to go up to 23c.

Anyone got any experience with FMB Pista cotton clinchers?

Seems as good a place to ask as any: good starter tyre for velodrome riding? Just finished by level 2 accred at Glasgow and I'd love to actually ride my Pre Cursa at its spiritual home! @M_V hoping you can advise on the specifics for Glasgow?

Hey, pretty much anything that the tyre manufacturer says is for velodrome use.

Do not pay attention to what a retailer, especially velodrome shop, tell you is suitable!

I’m presuming we are talking clinchers so off the top of my head you’ll be looking at Conti GP SuperSonics, Vittoria Pista, Challenger Pista. None of which are particularly cheap unfortunately and keep the receipt if you buy Vittorias as there’s been a few batches that have cracked and delaminated pretty quickly but they seem to be decent about warrantying them.

Thank you! Yeah the Control Pista was the other I had recommended so looks like quite the investment. Obviously the bike buyers brain then says "well if you're dropping that much on tyres, try and find a 2nd hand wheelset".

FWIW I havee a couple of sets of Vittoria Pistas and I think they are excellent. I've had experience of no brand clinchers on Bordeaux hire bikes which were sketchy and I've ridden with a couple people at Derby who've used various Vittoria corsas both tubular and clincher and ended up abandoning them and swapping out for Pistas.
One thing I have come to realise is the one area where you don't want to skimp is tyres.

Yeah sadly, gone are the days off the £10 Vittoria Zaffiro Slicks.

Tub wheels would mean you could use Tufo tyres which are a) cheaper than Vittoria pista clinchers and b) long lasting.

As @EcuriePeril says, tyres are definitely worth spending from the pov of safety and also they’ll make a good difference to how the bike feels to ride.