Sewups for Vintage Wheels
#1
Full Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: New Hampshire
Posts: 488
Bikes: Pinarello Gavia TSX; Bianchi Intenso
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 167 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 92 Times
in
62 Posts
Sewups for Vintage Wheels
I still have a nice Campagnolo tubular wheelset with Mavic GL330 and Reflex rims. Back in the day, I would use 22mm Continental Sprinters and Giros or Vittoria sewups on these narrow rims.
I've been thinking of putting these back into service with some new rubber but frankly the roads nowadays seem strewn with more threats to these tires than ever before. I am looking at the Conti Sprinter Gatorskins (used to use the regular Sprinters) for durability but wonder about size to be used with these old, narrow rims. I wonder if I go to a wider sewup, say a 25 or 28 (and if they will fit my frame), whether the increased width will afford more torque to the tire rolling off the rim?
I've been thinking of putting these back into service with some new rubber but frankly the roads nowadays seem strewn with more threats to these tires than ever before. I am looking at the Conti Sprinter Gatorskins (used to use the regular Sprinters) for durability but wonder about size to be used with these old, narrow rims. I wonder if I go to a wider sewup, say a 25 or 28 (and if they will fit my frame), whether the increased width will afford more torque to the tire rolling off the rim?
Likes For gkamieneski:
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Bloomington, IN
Posts: 2,949
Bikes: Paramount, Faggin, Ochsner, Ciocc, Basso
Mentioned: 117 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1303 Post(s)
Liked 1,911 Times
in
1,141 Posts
I have started using the Vitoria Giro's and they seem to run just fine. They are measuring about 25mm HTH, MH
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 20,305
Mentioned: 130 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3464 Post(s)
Liked 2,829 Times
in
1,995 Posts
The Giro's I have measure 22-23. Maybe they evolved.
the rim width should be fine for 25 to even 28's.
i have spilt the difference, wider in back, narrower in front. More weight on the rear wheel anyway, and the narrower tire provides sharper steering response.
Besides that, you price tolerance...
the rim width should be fine for 25 to even 28's.
i have spilt the difference, wider in back, narrower in front. More weight on the rear wheel anyway, and the narrower tire provides sharper steering response.
Besides that, you price tolerance...
#4
Ride, Wrench, Swap, Race
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Northern California
Posts: 9,194
Bikes: Cheltenham-Pedersen racer, Boulder F/S Paris-Roubaix, Varsity racer, '52 Christophe, '62 Continental, '92 Merckx, '75 Limongi, '76 Presto, '72 Gitane SC, '71 Schwinn SS, etc.
Mentioned: 132 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1565 Post(s)
Liked 1,296 Times
in
866 Posts
I found these to be a fairly unreliable tire myself, I went through a couple of them and had blisters appear under the tread leading to blow outs.
I ran them at only 100psi for the 22mm size
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 4,704
Bikes: 82 Medici, 2011 Richard Sachs, 2011 Milwaukee Road
Mentioned: 55 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1949 Post(s)
Liked 2,010 Times
in
1,109 Posts
I have used 25mm Sprinter Gatorskins on my GP4s which I think are the same width as our GL330s without problems. I'm pretty sure that I couldn't roll a Continental tire if I tried even without glue. What they say about the ride of Gatorskins is true but they are durable. I have them now and will likely replace with same for long epic mixed surface rides where I want sidewall protection. My GL330 wheelset has 22mm sprinters and they are so much nicer than the 25mm Gatorskins for normal road rides.
__________________
I don't do: disks, tubeless, e-shifting, or bead head nymphs.
I don't do: disks, tubeless, e-shifting, or bead head nymphs.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 4,704
Bikes: 82 Medici, 2011 Richard Sachs, 2011 Milwaukee Road
Mentioned: 55 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1949 Post(s)
Liked 2,010 Times
in
1,109 Posts
AND Reflex was a go-to rim for CX with 32mm tires at low pressures. Don't worry.
Competitive Cyclist has a sale on sprinters right now.
What bike are they going on? My Bikes look sooooo much better with 22s.
Competitive Cyclist has a sale on sprinters right now.
What bike are they going on? My Bikes look sooooo much better with 22s.
__________________
I don't do: disks, tubeless, e-shifting, or bead head nymphs.
I don't do: disks, tubeless, e-shifting, or bead head nymphs.
Last edited by Classtime; 01-28-21 at 05:41 PM.
#7
Full Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: New Hampshire
Posts: 488
Bikes: Pinarello Gavia TSX; Bianchi Intenso
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 167 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 92 Times
in
62 Posts
GL330 front, Reflex rear with 8sp Campy Chorus on a Pinarello Gavia TSX. Racing days, mainly used 22mm Sprinters.
Likes For gkamieneski:
#8
Full Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: New Hampshire
Posts: 488
Bikes: Pinarello Gavia TSX; Bianchi Intenso
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 167 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 92 Times
in
62 Posts
I have used 25mm Sprinter Gatorskins on my GP4s which I think are the same width as our GL330s without problems. I'm pretty sure that I couldn't roll a Continental tire if I tried even without glue. What they say about the ride of Gatorskins is true but they are durable. I have them now and will likely replace with same for long epic mixed surface rides where I want sidewall protection. My GL330 wheelset has 22mm sprinters and they are so much nicer than the 25mm Gatorskins for normal road rides.
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 4,704
Bikes: 82 Medici, 2011 Richard Sachs, 2011 Milwaukee Road
Mentioned: 55 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1949 Post(s)
Liked 2,010 Times
in
1,109 Posts
I believe that they have an extra layer under the tread. I think I have punctured just as often with Conti Competitions and Vittoria Corsa whatevers as I have with Gatorskins on the road. On rocky roads where there is no good line or you are in a crowd, sidewall protection is key in my mind and GS have extra. But you pay for that in harsh road rides while you wear them out which I am doing now. I hope to be done with them soon and set these wheels aside while I ride the Sprinters on another wheel set. And post pandemic I'll get a fresh pair of GS for an event or two.
__________________
I don't do: disks, tubeless, e-shifting, or bead head nymphs.
I don't do: disks, tubeless, e-shifting, or bead head nymphs.
#10
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Estonia
Posts: 142
Bikes: HVZ Meteor 1979, HVZ Champion 1962, HVZ SS Moskva80 1981, Dürkopp 1936
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 41 Post(s)
Liked 350 Times
in
70 Posts
My HVZ Meteor track bike came with Tufo tubulars in 21 size. Front one is S3 Lite and rear is the cheaper S33 Pro. I have been using them on the street with no issues for about 6 months, knock on wood. One thing i would note is that the front tire makes a weird sound, rear is quiet.
#11
Full Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: New Hampshire
Posts: 488
Bikes: Pinarello Gavia TSX; Bianchi Intenso
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 167 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 92 Times
in
62 Posts
I have been reading quite a few negative reviews for the Continental Sprinter GS. Seems the ride on the road is harsh and they do not have much if any additional puncture resistance under the tread from the regular sprinters. Sounds like I would be disappointed from my recollections of riding Sprinters, Nuovo Pros, etc.
Maybe it's just my feeling of my local area, but I swear roads here are littered with much more junk and shrapnel than I remember when I used the sewups.
Maybe it's just my feeling of my local area, but I swear roads here are littered with much more junk and shrapnel than I remember when I used the sewups.
#12
Veteran, Pacifist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Seattle area
Posts: 13,328
Bikes: Bikes??? Thought this was social media?!?
Mentioned: 284 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3898 Post(s)
Liked 4,833 Times
in
2,229 Posts
The sticky thread Totally Tubular (recent posts) have any number of recommendations.
Generally speaking, the tires with high thread count (and higher $$$) offer more supple sidewalls for a more compliant ride at high pressure. The Giro should be a heavier (stiffer) sidewall which results in a stiffer ride.
Try the UK sites for prices. Have not been to them since Brexit, but www.merlincycles.com usually has the best product prices for my interests, also www.probikekit.com is good for specials
Generally speaking, the tires with high thread count (and higher $$$) offer more supple sidewalls for a more compliant ride at high pressure. The Giro should be a heavier (stiffer) sidewall which results in a stiffer ride.
Try the UK sites for prices. Have not been to them since Brexit, but www.merlincycles.com usually has the best product prices for my interests, also www.probikekit.com is good for specials
__________________
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Nor Cal
Posts: 6,016
Mentioned: 17 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1814 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 923 Times
in
569 Posts
I haven't used the Sprinter Gatorskins, but have found regular Sprinters to be very resistant to cuts, relative to other tires.
The 25mm ones would be a good choice, IMO.
I've never paid any attention to rim width for tubulars, including for 32mm CX tires. Nobody thought about it when those rims were new,
and there were big tires then e.g. Del Mundo.
The 25mm ones would be a good choice, IMO.
I've never paid any attention to rim width for tubulars, including for 32mm CX tires. Nobody thought about it when those rims were new,
and there were big tires then e.g. Del Mundo.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: San Jose (Willow Glen) Ca
Posts: 9,846
Bikes: Kirk Custom JK Special, '84 Team Miyata,(dura ace old school) 80?? SR Semi-Pro 600 Arabesque
Mentioned: 106 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2338 Post(s)
Liked 2,822 Times
in
1,541 Posts
I have challenge elite pro 25 mm on mavic gl330's no problems but not a lot of miles yet
__________________
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 4,486
Mentioned: 102 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1639 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 829 Times
in
538 Posts
An excellent tubular tire to try out is Vittoria Corsa G's.
Great supple ride and very low rolling resistance even in the narrow 23mm width.
I have them on four of my C&V bikes now and cannot imagine ever considering any lesser tubs than the Corsa G's.
Great supple ride and very low rolling resistance even in the narrow 23mm width.
I have them on four of my C&V bikes now and cannot imagine ever considering any lesser tubs than the Corsa G's.
Last edited by Chombi1; 01-29-21 at 11:25 AM.
Likes For Chombi1:
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Berkeley, CA
Posts: 7,244
Bikes: '72 Cilo Pacer, '72 Gitane Gran Tourisme, '72 Peugeot PX10, '73 Speedwell Ti, '74 Peugeot UE-8, '75 Peugeot PR-10L, '80 Colnago Super, '85 De Rosa Pro, '86 Look Equipe 753, '86 Look KG86, '89 Parkpre Team, '90 Parkpre Team MTB, '90 Merlin
Mentioned: 87 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 834 Post(s)
Liked 2,126 Times
in
555 Posts
You’ll be fine with wider tubulars on those rims. I’m riding mainly 25-28mm on narrow, vintage tubular rims, including one bike with 28mm Veloflex Vlaanderen tubs on GL330s.
Likes For gaucho777:
#17
Newbie
I haven't used the Sprinter Gatorskins, but have found regular Sprinters to be very resistant to cuts, relative to other tires.
The 25mm ones would be a good choice, IMO.
I've never paid any attention to rim width for tubulars, including for 32mm CX tires. Nobody thought about it when those rims were new,
and there were big tires then e.g. Del Mundo.
The 25mm ones would be a good choice, IMO.
I've never paid any attention to rim width for tubulars, including for 32mm CX tires. Nobody thought about it when those rims were new,
and there were big tires then e.g. Del Mundo.
+1 on the regular Conti Sprinters. I used them (22mm) for several years on my Campy Chrono tubulars. Very light, durable and affordable.
Likes For woodcraft:
#19
Veteran, Pacifist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Seattle area
Posts: 13,328
Bikes: Bikes??? Thought this was social media?!?
Mentioned: 284 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3898 Post(s)
Liked 4,833 Times
in
2,229 Posts
Merlincycles had some models of Veloflex on sale in the $55 price range a couple weeks ago.
Highly recommend VeloFlex.
I've got a set of Schwalbe 30mm tough as nails.
Has anyone mentioned liquid latex - i use a very minimal amount - to prevent/stop leaks?
Highly recommend VeloFlex.
I've got a set of Schwalbe 30mm tough as nails.
Has anyone mentioned liquid latex - i use a very minimal amount - to prevent/stop leaks?
__________________
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Likes For Wildwood:
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Maryland, USA
Posts: 2,435
Bikes: Drysdale/Gitane/Zeus/Masi/Falcon/Palo Alto/Raleigh/Legnano
Mentioned: 34 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 984 Post(s)
Liked 634 Times
in
404 Posts
Yeah, (recent posts) should read (RECENT POSTS)! I'll be needing tires soon, and reading the entire topic means I'll be 80 years old by the time I decide on tires.
__________________
Larry:1958 Drysdale, 1961 Gitane Gran Sport, 1974 Zeus track, 1988 Masi Gran Corsa, 1974 Falcon, 1980 Palo Alto, 1973 Raleigh Gran Sport, 1974 Legnano. Susan: 1976 Windsor Profesional.
Larry:1958 Drysdale, 1961 Gitane Gran Sport, 1974 Zeus track, 1988 Masi Gran Corsa, 1974 Falcon, 1980 Palo Alto, 1973 Raleigh Gran Sport, 1974 Legnano. Susan: 1976 Windsor Profesional.
#21
Veteran, Pacifist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Seattle area
Posts: 13,328
Bikes: Bikes??? Thought this was social media?!?
Mentioned: 284 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3898 Post(s)
Liked 4,833 Times
in
2,229 Posts
Yeah, maybe the thread is overdue for an overhaul. Of some sort
Anyway, price range is a big factor.
I wait for specials and buy several, rather than buy them 2 or 3 at a time settling on affordable low-end.
VeloFlex and top end Vittoria have been better than good.
The top end Specialized from a few years ago was great but with short tread wear life.
My Schwalbe Pro-1 (?), 30mm has been perfect for my light gravelly needs.
Conti Giro's, at least the older 22mm, have been stiff and predictable, if harsh at 100+psi
Conti Sprinters, mine are 22mm, are a step up from Giro but still firm.
I have even used Vittoria Rallys on vintage touring type frames that love a thick cotton casing.
No experience with Michelin, and many others.
__________________
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Utah
Posts: 8,671
Bikes: Paletti,Pinarello Monviso,Duell Vienna,Giordana XL Super,Lemond Maillot Juane.& custom,PDG Paramount,Fuji Opus III,Davidson Impulse,Pashley Guv'nor,Evans,Fishlips,Y-Foil,Softride, Tetra Pro, CAAD8 Optimo,
Mentioned: 156 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2323 Post(s)
Liked 4,988 Times
in
1,776 Posts
Well I'm no tubular expert but here in these later years I have been using the various Veloflex tubulars, just switching up the models to get the width I need. I like how they feel, the mount easy enough for me, and I've yet to flatten one even though I don't run any sealant in them.
I usually find them at Merlin or PBK the cheapest.
Latest set I just got in a couple of weeks ago for the Opus.
I usually find them at Merlin or PBK the cheapest.
Latest set I just got in a couple of weeks ago for the Opus.
__________________
Steel is real...and comfy.
Steel is real...and comfy.
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 16,878
Bikes: 1980 Masi, 1984 Mondonico, 1984 Trek 610, 1980 Woodrup Giro, 2005 Mondonico Futura Leggera ELOS, 1967 PX10E, 1971 Peugeot UO-8
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1857 Post(s)
Liked 664 Times
in
506 Posts
Similarly, I've had Challenge Parigi-Roubaix 27 mm (actual) on my Mavic GP4 rims with zero concerns related to rim width, and rode them for several years. The GL330s MIGHT be a bit narrower, but not enough to convince me the difference has any effect. Now I have Gommitalia Espresso 21 mm on the same rims. Except for having to pump up the latex daily, there is no problem with the GP4 rims and those tires, or the wider P-Rs. On one of my bikes a 30 mm might be a little to the frame/fork crown, but that would not stop me from buying a pair if it popped up in front of me.
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 16,878
Bikes: 1980 Masi, 1984 Mondonico, 1984 Trek 610, 1980 Woodrup Giro, 2005 Mondonico Futura Leggera ELOS, 1967 PX10E, 1971 Peugeot UO-8
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1857 Post(s)
Liked 664 Times
in
506 Posts
Yeah, maybe the thread is overdue for an overhaul. Of some sort
Anyway, price range is a big factor.
I wait for specials and buy several, rather than buy them 2 or 3 at a time settling on affordable low-end.
VeloFlex and top end Vittoria have been better than good.
The top end Specialized from a few years ago was great but with short tread wear life.
My Schwalbe Pro-1 (?), 30mm has been perfect for my light gravelly needs.
Conti Giro's, at least the older 22mm, have been stiff and predictable, if harsh at 100+psi
Conti Sprinters, mine are 22mm, are a step up from Giro but still firm.
I have even used Vittoria Rallys on vintage touring type frames that love a thick cotton casing.
No experience with Michelin, and many others.
Anyway, price range is a big factor.
I wait for specials and buy several, rather than buy them 2 or 3 at a time settling on affordable low-end.
VeloFlex and top end Vittoria have been better than good.
The top end Specialized from a few years ago was great but with short tread wear life.
My Schwalbe Pro-1 (?), 30mm has been perfect for my light gravelly needs.
Conti Giro's, at least the older 22mm, have been stiff and predictable, if harsh at 100+psi
Conti Sprinters, mine are 22mm, are a step up from Giro but still firm.
I have even used Vittoria Rallys on vintage touring type frames that love a thick cotton casing.
No experience with Michelin, and many others.
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 16,878
Bikes: 1980 Masi, 1984 Mondonico, 1984 Trek 610, 1980 Woodrup Giro, 2005 Mondonico Futura Leggera ELOS, 1967 PX10E, 1971 Peugeot UO-8
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1857 Post(s)
Liked 664 Times
in
506 Posts
For about a mile they were a lively, resilient ride, 35 years ago. I can't say what to think about them today, but I would not buy any, there are better options out there.