Sure I will play; I ended up on Tubs for different reasons; I was building a new bike and come across a set of cheap Cosmic Carbone Sl’s tubular wheels I liked – I’d used tubs on an MTB before so was well aware how well they worked in that context and figured why not give them a try! The perceived faff is just that “perceived” gluing up Tubs isn’t particularly difficult and well worth it if you are rolling around on nice ones.For those people that have been thinking of going to tubs from clinchers, and have made the move, especially for things like flatting/fixing and general perceived faff of this over a normal clincher can I ask what you think?
Yes, I went from one set of tubular wheels to three sets in the space of only a few months, not looking back!Are you happy you did?
I will preface my response by saying you have got to look after them, wipe them down after each ride and pull out the bits of flints or glass (if any)… That out of the way I find I tend to puncture a lot LESS than when I had clinchers so the inconvenience is less in that regards, I also carry sealant and CO2 which will fix the problem 8/10 times; given I have done 24,000kms on the “new” bike and called the team car (read wife) only twice I think is testament to how well they work…What’s it like compared to a clincher when you puncture?
Negligible for me but I am rolling 303/404 and 404/404 wheels with 25mm tires in the flatlands of Geeeeelong so I am not too fussed about weight.The weight saving and what most people say is a better ride appeals over the clincher for me. Especially for the hills.
I use tubs all the time for both every day riding and racing I love them and certainly won’t be going back – it is important to learn how to glue them up, look after them and also understand the importance of using good tires.