Are tubular tyres any good?

just about to get a tubular wheel and i was wondering if anyone had any advice on them. Are they good for London roads? Are they better than wheels with standard inner tubes? when you get a puncture, are they easy to fix? any information would be helpful.

If you have to ask these types of question then they are not for you.

Tubulars are great for racing on but in all other uses clinchers are superior.

London's roads are paved with gold, so a suppler casing works well.

tubs are not ideal for london roads. They are good for racing on the track.
I am about to try my first repair, i've seen tramps do it - it took a while and its not the sort of thing you want to try and sort enroute to point b.

That's one enterprising tramp Jacqui - does he advertise?

Also, have a look at the "Tubular Tyres?" thread.

see below:

https://www.londonfgss.com/thread690.html

https://www.londonfgss.com/thread1528.html

^Wisdom from the sages.

If you don't skid, then... perhaps? Get a track pump, some Gatorskins, Tufo latex sealant, Tufo extreme tape, and a spare tub, and avoid the gutters.

Andyp is right, but you learn by trying.

Historical Fact:

Tubular tyres (commonly called "Tubs") were first used in bath-tub racing. Hence the name.

Far better in bath-tubs, than on roads. Can be used on cycle tracks also. But that's probably silly. Use it in the bath.

Historical Fact:

Tubular tyres (commonly called "Tubs") were first used in bath-tub racing. Hence the name.

.

here's an even earlier example pre-tubs, they invented the rubber tubulars to stop the metal rim wheels from wash-out going around the corners.

That's one enterprising tramp Jacqui - does he advertise?

hahaha... not that type of tranp andy! i meant Mike.

I've been tempted by any number of carbon bling rims on the bay before- but they are cheap for a reason!

Tublulars are great if you have a bunch of mechanics following you in a bright yellow car with "Mavic" written all over it, stuffed full of spare wheels.

Not so great if you have only your bag over your shoulder.

In short- to fix a puncture with a clincher you just need to swap the tube, with a tub you need to remove the entire tyre/tube sealed unit, re-glue or tape the new tyre/tube unit to the rim (and it must be pre-stretched), then inflate it to 160 PSI with your mini-pump.

I run clinchers personally, even on the road bike.

Done a lot of miles in London on Conti Competition with Vectran. No punctures in 6 months, but I still carry a spare in case.

And you have the yellow Mavic car mech's on speed dial?

Blue striped Conti Passat with Garmin!

bontrager hardcase tyres and lightweight tubes are 99% as good as tubs. well i'm a fat bastard and the're ok for me!

Hmm - I don't think I'd want to be racing on a pair of Bontrager hardcases. Commuting for sure, but definitely not racing.

If you really want to emulate tubs with clinchers, try Velotex Record Tyres (130gms each) and latex inner tubes. The total is lighter than most tubulars.

Racing? sorry I thought Mick was asking about johnnies. (condoms)

130g.. ouch! You'd need to make up that weight carrying 14 spare tubes though :)

A few years ago, I had glorious campag wheels with tubs. A truly Rolls Royce ride, but one puncture and rim tape that would not hold, meant the end of a beatiful relationship. Track? Yes. Road? Not if you want to get home some time this month.

My open corsa with latex tubes were pretty good, but not the same feel as my challenge tubs. They are amazing, did some real fast twisty descents in the week (too much coffee) and they just inspire confidence and make you push hard in the bends.

tubular clincher FTW.

Shut up about tubular clinchers FFS.

:-P

I skid tubulars, I'm thinking of a cocaine habit as a cheaper hobby, that's better for my health.

yes i skid with my tubs and i think i might aswell turn to coke, its cheaper, im on my third tyre in a week...

Mine also make a crazy loud skreeeching noise. That's a bit embarrassing in built-up areas.
Have you had any experience of the tyres moving or rolling off the rim? I (touch wood) haven't.