Anyone ride on tubular tyres

I thought the new Mercian would look better & go better on sprint rims

but I am not sure about what to do about flat tyres

nor whether I should go for tape or glue

does anyone have any experience of these ...?

t

I'm running tubs on the bike i'm using at the mo - only cos thats what was on it when i got it from ebay! i havent tried to repair one - just carry a spare and use tape - pretty quick to change and i havent noticed any more punctures than clinchers.....then again, i havent been using it long!
I'm thinking of using it for a herne hill induction session, but a bit worried that tape isint good enough on the track - anyone got any thoughts?? also, 46:17 any good for a first track sesh?

See this thread: http://www.londonfgss.com/discussion/538/tubs/

tape is fine for HH...just make sure they're pumped up nice...

have those sprints got a braking surface?

I'd go for tape. My bike came with sprints when I bought it and I used them with tape for many years before eventually switching to clinchers a while after I moved to London (too much bloody glass in the road). You just have to get the knack of pulling the backing off the tape from under the tyre without twisting the tyre out of position. Never tried glue but it sounds like a PITA.

btw, what rims are those? are they mavic gel 280s by any chance?

winston tape is fine for HH...just make sure they're pumped up nice...

have those sprints got a braking surface?

I dunno, does it matter...? I already ride rims without a braking surface

I've recently taped a pair of Clement tubs onto my Super Champion wheels. It's the first time I've ever used tubs and was weary. I used Jantex Velox tape. I'm sure it's easier than glue but there were a few issues getting the tyre straight and getting the backing tape off in one piece. A few moans and groans and an achy wrist but overall it wasn't too bad and they looked great. 3 days in and a flat front tyre on the way home from Sundays stage 1 excursion in Hyde park. Fortunately I could pump it up enough to get home. Don't have a spare and was dreading the fixing, sewing bit but was prepared to learn for the cause. Then I discovered this:

Thought I'd give it a go....
WORKED!!!! Couldn't believe it. Not sure if in the long run it will damage the inner tube but hey, it worked.
Not a fan of CFC's though so next time it's the eco one from wiggle.

The puncture wasn't big so it worked well. I'll get another can and an extra tub for next time. More shit to carry but the wheels look great. Breaking isn't so easy though.

just curious....it's important I guess if you want to use brakes.....some track rims don't have a braking surface...or cross section.

they don't look like my gel280s

winston just curious....it's important I guess if you want to use brakes.....some track rims don't have a braking surface...or cross section.

they don't look like my gel280s

I bought these rims because they will look the part on the Mercian I am building

I don't want to fit a brake

But I probably will have to fit a safety brake

I must admit it never occured to me that the rims might not be suitable to use with a brake

So how can I tell if I can use them or not

and if they don't have a cross section or braking surface

what is the worse that can happen, a bent rim...?

I have never used sprint rims before is this going to be a problem...?

http://www.worldclasscycles.com/tufo_sealant.htm

Looks like it might be useful

It'll just be harder to break as there won't be a lot of friction between the rim and pads. Shouldn't be a major problem. You'll be able to slow down well enough but there won't be the ability to brake so suddenly.

I think the Tufo stuff is restricted to their own tubs.

I think the Tufo sealant only works with latex inner tubers (or butyl, whatever Tufo & Conti's use).

FWIW, I've run with tubs for last year or so with relativly little trouble (famous last words)
I used Tufo Extreme Tape and it was very easy to use.

Todd It'll just be harder to break as there won't be a lot of friction between the rim and pads. Shouldn't be a major problem. You'll be able to slow down well enough but there won't be the ability to brake so suddenly.

I ride on some velocity rims without a braking surface which works fine in traffic -I don't do long down hill decents - and I ain't taking the Mercian out in the rain if I can help it - cheers Todd

I might try out 'extreme tape' and 'sealant' on some conti tyres then hang a tub bag 'old school style' from the rear saddle

the-smiling-buddha I might try out 'extreme tape' and 'sealant' on some conti tyres then hang a tub bag 'old school style' from the rear saddle

Nice! Was thinking something along those lines too. I think you can get different type holders too...?

the-smiling-buddha

I don't do long down hill decents - and I ain't taking the Mercian out in the rain if I can help it

I thought it was going to be for long day rides? You going to be long, flat rides with a guarantee of no rain? I think that brakeless riding is ok for flattish, shortish journeys, but not having a brake or decent braking ability will really limit you on longer rides.

If you want a classic looking box rim then there are some that look nice and are clincher. I would suggest Mavic Open Pro in silver with the labels taken off.

and also brakeless with tubs? skid skid bang..

you said it!

some olde track specific rims, as well as not having a braking surface do not even have a flat sidewall...appearing in cross section more lile the edge of a surfboard....so there is almost nowhere for the pad to grip....yours look a bit like that...my gel280s have only about 5mm of flat on the sidewall...

My Gel280s also look like a brake pad would go through the wall in about 20 seconds! I'm sure they were used on road bikes back in the day but I wouldn't fancy it.

I googled it you can find road bikes out there with 'super champion competition' rims
I don't know if there is more than one model of 'competition' rims though
when I get them I'll post some better photos in the Mercian build thread
and we can all have a ponder, eh
thanks for the input