rpenmanparker 

I had to change a tubular tire this morning due to a leak near the valve stem. Likely a tear in the stupid latex tube. But never mind that.

There is plenty of tread left on this $80 tire. Vittoria Corsa CX. They aren't made anymore, and I can't find any more sources of really cheap NOS in the 25mm width, so the replacement would likely be one of the new G+ Corsas for about that price. Being much smarter than when I last rode tubulars in the mid-80s, I will not attempt to repair it myself, especially since it will require a complete tube change.

I have sent it to Tire Alert for a pro replacement of the tube. $30 with free return shipping for their 48mm stem butyl tube. I can't feel the difference with latex anyway, and I despise the rapid air loss and tendency to tear at the valve, so butyl it is.

Stay tuned to this channel for an update.

By the way, despite the tire being very well attached to the rim, this time the Tufo gluing tape came off the rim perfectly cleanly stuck to the tire. And then the gluing tape came off the tire base tape cleanly in two strips. Sweet. Not that it matters re: the base tape since Tire Alert replaces the base tape along with the tube. But that clean rim, that is something.

scott967

I got a slow leak on my Veloflex Arenberg rear Thurs. Was able to nurse it home about 5 miles. So for the first time, I pulled the valve and poured in half a bottle (1 fl oz more or less) of Bontrager TLR sealant. Replaced the valve, pumped, and spun the wheel a few times (I actually did this off the bike so it would spin without the load of the chain). Left and came back the next day. It seems like now the tire holds air better than when it was new. Put 50 miles on it yesterday, no problems.

scott s.
.

rpenmanparker 

Tire is in the mail to Tire Alert.

PepeM

I have two tubulars that I took off some wheels I bought that I might send to have the basetape replaced, but I am thinking I'll just wait until I damage a few more (which might take a long while, hopefully) and then send a bunch all together.

texaspandj

Hmm, I discovered a slow leak on my continental competition 19, a replacement would be about 90 bucks or so and wouldn't match mine. This came just in time.
Have you ever used Tire Alert before?

WhyFi

Do I have to pay for the whole seat if I'm only sitting on the edge of it?

PepeM

ftfy.

Psimet2001 

What is it we're waiting for? Tire alert is a well known entity.

Those Corsa CX are nice but the G+ is really a much better tire. FYI

I honestly used to pile up all of the tubulars I had that were perfectly fine but just needed new base tape or a new tube. Was always planning on sending them to tire alert but just stopped and eventually threw them all out. Hell there's actually a pile of 15 sitting next to me as I type this.

I guess the model can make sense for end users. For me - at the volume that I work with and at the wholesale and OEM pricing I work with on the tires new....fixing them just doesn't add up.

Back to the point of the thread though - it's akin to having a clincher setup and ordering a new tube for it online...then all of us waiting for you to get your new inner tube only to report on how tube like it is. IMHO

rpenmanparker 

No. First time.

topflightpro

Yeah, I've used them several times. Usually I send an email out to my team and the local racing listserv to see if anyone else wants to consolidate the order, as he offers bulk discounts.

primov8

Tire Alert is a great option especially when there is plenty of tread left on the tires. I had Tire Alert replace the base tape on a set of Schwalbe Ultremos and they came back perfectly done. My cousin had his tubulars (road & cross) repaired and even had black base tape installed because it was available at the time.

rpenmanparker 

Rob, no argument with your assessment, but let's put the whole thing into perspective: I'M RETIRED!

Regarding the G+ tubulars, sure they are better. But buying one would cost a lot more, my tire is almost new, it matches the other one, AND this is, after all, a hobby thing. I know how badly I used to sew up a repaired tubular. I am interested in how well these guys do it. As a chemist, everything is an experiment to me.

And another thing. I am pretty sure that all of the failures I have had with Corsa CXs (3) have been the same, torn tubes at the valve stem. I am interested to see if the butyl tube holds up any better in an otherwise identical setup.

rpenmanparker 

Wait, you mean there is a charge for seats? Who knew?

rpenmanparker 

I am continually amazed by all the folks who think the only fun that can be derived from a bicycle is from riding it. That's a major fraction left on the table. Please forgive me, but I feel I must quote our esteemed president when I say, "Sad."

WhyFi

You forgot the quotes around "esteemed." Sad.

Psimet2001 

Yeah the cost thing is where it gets me. I can't discuss the pricing publically but like I said - the price for me to get stuff fixed at tire alert is close enough to what I pay for a new tire that the time to collect and send makes it an almost break even where in one situation I have a repaired tire that could have some sort of flaw or a new tire that I can actually sell.

It has pained me to throw out corsa's that had like 4 laps on them total. I used to even take them to the swap meets and sell them for pennies but even that isn't worth the effort anymore. Everyone has a bro deal letting them buy new ones for about what I am paying.

Between the two the G+ is suuuuuuuuper supple. The new compound is stellar and seems to wear better as well. Like I said the riders who got them this year are raving about them. "Hey that tire? That was great. Order like 6 of them for me."

Reminds me....I have like another 3 hours of gluing to do today as well. #crossiscoming #ineedsleep

Psimet2001 

waters60

Years ago I rode on Corsas but they became obscenely expensive. I switched to Rallys and find little difference. I get 1500-2000 miles from them. At $ 17.00 each when they die I just chuck them.

https://www.wiggle.com/vittoria-rally-tubular-tire/?lang=us&curr=USD&dest=18&sku=5360081238&utm_source=google&utm_term&utm_campaign=US_PLA_Zero+Margin2 &utm_medium=base&utm_content=mkwid%7CskMRxB5Js_dm%7Cpcrid%7C155344115160%7Cpkw%7C%7Cpmt%7C%7Cprd%7C5 360081238us

woodcraft

This is exciting!

We can watch the 'tire patching' video while we wait.

https://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-me...few-tires.html

indyfabz

Another 35 seconds of my life wasted.


Edit: make that 45. 10 second to correct the typo in my OP.

DiabloScott

I've never used Tire Alert before, but I ride Vittoria Pave and they're not making them anymore, so when I run out of my stock, I'll be sending them all the fixable ones.

RPK79

:

f4rrest

What's the back story on their choice of business name?

Were they high?

rpenmanparker 

Hey, I'm trying here. Everybody is being so damn polite.

woodcraft

I've been riding those as well.

Just got some Continental Sprinters 25mm from PBK ($39ea).

Have some in 23mm that have been super durable, & hold air like crazy.