Originally Posted by semroc (Post 21526236)

It's 25mm. 80psi, in back 78 in front. Sweet ride.

Originally Posted by semroc (Post 21526236)

It's 25mm. 80psi, in back 78 in front. Sweet ride.

Originally Posted by squirtdad (Post 21526466)

measured mine at 25mm (ruller and caliper....what can is say) at 130psi

Originally Posted by obuckler (Post 21526198)

I believe in magic!

Comparing a tire’s effect on ride quality is admittedly subjective. But one thing I compare (beyond how I think it feels) is this: while riding I keep an eye on my front tire’s leading edge. I watch how much vibration it exhibits.

Clinchers vs tubular or even a hard tire vs a supple tire all show different degrees of bounce or chatter which is easily seen. This is not entirely objective but it is at least observable.

My supple Corsa G+’s barely move. Other tires chatter.

It would be interesting to see if others notice any correlation of tire quality to ride quality this way.

Other factors in play here: the wheel build (rim type, spoke number/gauge/butted or not, etc.) and tire size/inflation are probably the biggest two.

My wheel builds are all 36 spoke 3 cross and butted spokes (15/16/15 or 1.8/1.6/1.8). For all my tubulars I ride the rear at the lowest psi recommendation and the front 5-10 psi lower. Today on 25mm tires that meant a bit over 100 rear and a bit over 90 front.

Originally Posted by obrentharris (Post 21527958)

seedsbelize I just went out to the garage and tried mounting a tubular to a rim without using my index finger. It was more difficult but not insurmountable. My method is to insert the valve into its hole, then with the wheel vertical, valve and hole at the top, I grip the tire on either side of the valve with my two hands and stretch it onto the rim working from top to bottom. Gripping and stretching without use of the index finger was awkward for me. The tire I used has been previously mounted to a rim, so not as difficult as some brand new tires. My suspicion is that, just performing your normal daily tasks, you will learn to compensate with your other fingers but I'm no occupational therapist.
Brent

Originally Posted by seedsbelize (Post 21527877)

A question for the group. I bought a pair of tubular rims a year or so ago, and a set of Record hubs is awaiting me in Ohio.
A couple months ago I suffered an injury to my left index finger and, just this week learned it will never again be fully functional. As in the flexor tendon waited too long to be repaired. Doctor error.
Can I consider mounting tubulars in this condition? It wouldn't be the end of the world.
TIA

Originally Posted by Trevsears (Post 21528445)

Hi, does anyone have experience of repairing loose base tape on old tubulars ?
I picked up a 1970s Motobecane 10-speed at a junk yard and want to clean it up for occasional short trips around where I live.

The old tubulars were flat of course after years of being abandoned somewhere, but I pumped them up to 100 psi and they held pressure without an issue.
When I took them off the rims they came right off because the glue was long gone, but some of the base tape is not so well connected to the tyre.
I want to keep the bike as original as possible and not spend much money on it, so if I could avoid buying 2 new tubulars I’d like to try to fix them up.

Originally Posted by seedsbelize (Post 21527877)

A question for the group. I bought a pair of tubular rims a year or so ago, and a set of Record hubs is awaiting me in Ohio.
A couple months ago I suffered an injury to my left index finger and, just this week learned it will never again be fully functional. As in the flexor tendon waited too long to be repaired. Doctor error.
Can I consider mounting tubulars in this condition? It wouldn't be the end of the world.
TIA

Originally Posted by DiabloScott (Post 21525072)

Seeet! Does it measure a true 25mm or a little wide? Actually I was looking at 28mm because that's a hard max for the Merckx.

Originally Posted by Trevsears (Post 21528445)

Hi, does anyone have experience of repairing loose base tape on old tubulars ?
I picked up a 1970s Motobecane 10-speed at a junk yard and want to clean it up for occasional short trips around where I live.

The old tubulars were flat of course after years of being abandoned somewhere, but I pumped them up to 100 psi and they held pressure without an issue.
When I took them off the rims they came right off because the glue was long gone, but some of the base tape is not so well connected to the tyre.
I want to keep the bike as original as possible and not spend much money on it, so if I could avoid buying 2 new tubulars I’d like to try to fix them up.

Originally Posted by Wileyone (Post 21528758)

I just mounted a set of Veloflex Vlaanderen 27mm on my s.

Originally Posted by DiabloScott (Post 21528951)

definitely on my short list of possibles... true to size?

Originally Posted by CV-6 (Post 21528762)

$16 each for new base tape. If you spring for that, you may as well spend another $20 to get the tubes replaced. Personally, I would buy new tires.

Originally Posted by CV-6 (Post 21529318)

Two sets. 26.5 and 27.1mm

Originally Posted by DiabloScott (Post 21528951)

definitely on my short list of possibles... true to size?

Originally Posted by 79pmooney (Post 21528100)

Also, keep your eyes and ears open to what tires (and to a lesser extent rims) mount easiest, This isn't like clinchers where too easy and you risk blow-offs. Once the glue is set, tightness doesn't matter.

I was just thinking that you could have a slightly smaller "rim" (maybe a clincher 26" rim). cut it in half, hand the tire from the top half hung on a hook, fit the bottom half onto the bottom of th etubular, and hand a (say 15#) weight from it. Let it sit in a dark closet a few months.

Caution, the above has had all the rational thought and review that was left over in my little brain while being primarily occupied with typing. But pre-stretching tubulars has been done for probably more than the past century, Not a new or untested. concept

Ben

Originally Posted by DiabloScott (Post 21528951)

definitely on my short list of possibles... true to size?

Originally Posted by L134 (Post 21530083)

Best I can tell from Veloflex site, Vlaanderens are no longer in production. 🙁

Originally Posted by CV-6 (Post 21530623)

I believe you are correct. Which explains some of the really good prices in the last few months. Check around and you may find some. Lordgun.com had some as I am writing this.

Originally Posted by L134 (Post 21530083)

Best I can tell from Veloflex site, Vlaanderens are no longer in production. 🙁

Originally Posted by smontanaro (Post 21530763)

Is there an obvious replacement? The only one I see which might be a replacement is the Pro Tour 28mm.

Originally Posted by squirtdad (Post 21530871)

I'm one of those guys who read instructions.....but Vittoria has confused me. on my new can of mastik it says put a coat on the rim and on the tire tape and then wait a day, putting another coat on the rim only, wait 3 to 5 minutes and mount the tire. the instructions that came with my vittoria tires say put glue on the tire and wait 30 to 60 minutes Then put glue on the rim and mount the tire. fairly different only consistent instruction is to wait 24hours before riding

thoughts and/or what have you done?

Originally Posted by squirtdad (Post 21530871)

... only consistent instruction is to wait 24hours before riding

thoughts and/or what have you done?