Why aren't tubular tires more popular?

Being a fairly recent convert to tubular tires, I wonder why they aren't more popular? The only disadvantage I can see is that they require more work for initial installation. After that, I feel that they are less work.

I currently have three wheelsets, all tubular. Two sets are basically the same, Mavic Reflex rims with bladed spokes and Campy hubs. One pair have Continental GP4000RS, the other pair have Tufo S33 Special (21mm). The third set is a Neuvation C50 with Tufo Elite Ride 23 tires.

I first tried tubulars when I got a good deal on a wheelset from craigslist. My initial idea was to just buy the wheels for the hubs (it was still a good price for a set of campy hubs) but when I saw that the rims were basically brand new I decided to get a set of tubular tires and try them out. Since it was winter, I started out with a pair of wide Tufo Elite Ride 25.

I got a little over 1000 miles before the rear tire blew up. It was definitely on it's last legs anyways as the under-layer was starting to show through the tread. During that time I only had one flat, and even that one was not a problem, I was inspecting the tires during routine maintenance and noticed a big chunk of embedded glass. I pried it out and sure enough, pssssssst. Since I had pre-loaded some Stan's Sealant, I just rotated the tire so that the wound was on the bottom and Stan did it's job. I never had any other flats, nor did the existing hole ever re-open.

For the Lewis & Clark Ultra, I tried a new pair of Conti GP4000RS on my new wheels (the second pair of Mavic Reflex rims). I got a flat in the rear tire but it only took less than four minutes to fix the flat. The only way it could have been fixed quicker is if I had a support vehicle following me with a spare wheel. But this wasn't the Tour de France and I'm not Lance, so no support car for me...

Why are clinchers perceived as superior to tubulars? The cost advantage of being able to repair/replace the tube while still keeping the tire. In my experience, products like Stan's Sealant have negated this advantage.

The one time I had to replace the tire it wasn't a big deal either. I just pulled the current tire off and installed the new one, slammed the CO2 inflater on, and was on my way.

There's a trick to removing a tubular tire which makes it quite easy. I'll be doing a separate post on that with some video but basically the idea is to work a tire iron or screwdriver in between the tire and rim and then use that to pull the tire UP and away from the rim as you work the tool around the wheel. This breaks the glue bond and then you can just pull the tire off.

If I was doing a long tour or adventure ride I would certainly have to go with a clincher. It's also kind of a drag to carry an entire tire around. I haven't gotten the hang of a compact fold, so I just kind of wad the tire up and use a velcro strap to compress it so that it fits in a jersey pocket.

I think the reason tubulars aren't more popular is due to the perceived hassle of installation. They do need to be pre-stretched, rims need to be cleaned, glue applied and allowed to dry, then reapplied and install the tire. But so far I find the routine involved to be soothing, and it gives me a sense of connectedness with all the old-school riders that I admire and envy.

Lewis and Clark Ultra 2011

My first ultra-endurance event ended with a big fat DNF. The main issue is that I caught a cold before the race and was not able to ride the bike for about two weeks. Then during the race, I didn't consume enough calories and ran out of gas. Oh, and I guess I kind of gave up too. <whine>But I had excuses!</whine>

What went right: I showed up at the start line despite being woefully unprepared.

One thing I was happy about was that my inactive time was only 33 minutes total. I feel that I made pretty efficient use of my time considering I was riding unsupported.

About 20 miles from the end I got caught in the worst weather I have ever been in on my bike. It was an intense hail storm, the road was covered in hail AND I was also climbing up a pretty good hill. It was actually kind of fun, I just smiled and kept pedalling. I wonder what all the people in the cars that passed me thought?

What went wrong: Nothing went horribly wrong during the event, it was more an unfunny comedy of errors. One problem I had that threw me off was that I had a bag of perpetuem in my front jacket pocket. The constant motion broke it open and with the rain, the perpetuem literally glued the pocket zipper shut. This was the pocket that had all my snacks (fig newtons) and enduralytes so I was unable to access them. It wasn't a fatal problem but it was very distracting.

It never fails: putting brand-new tires on the bike is the surest way of guaranteeing a flat, especially if they're expensive tubulars. I noticed a flat tire about 5 miles from the end but fortunately it didn't take a lot of time to fix: stopped the bike, checked the tire, pulled the sliver of glass out, put in some Stan's, inflated w/CO2, back on my way in less than four minutes.

Lessons learned:

1. I am now tracking the amount of calories consumed during a ride. Previously, I had just noted what was consumed without bothering to actually count the calories. For the LaC I only consumed a total of 2310 calories and thus averaged a mere 224 calories/hour. I need to see if getting this up to at least 300 cal/hr will provide a benefit.

2. If the event organizers are providing consumables at time stops, no need to stuff the jersey pockets.

3. Don't quit pedaling. I threw in the towel at 6pm; if I'd gotten onto the day loop and puttered along for one lap at 10 MPH, I would have at least received full credit for a 12-hour ride.

4. For training I did a lot of short intense rides, I need to get more endurance rides too.

5. Pre-ride maintenance should include cleats. Lost a screw off of one cleat, the entire assembly was loose enough to move by hand when I checked it afterwards.

6. Carefully examine the map and cue sheet before the ride. Despite having the route in GPS I still took a few wrong turns. Fortunately the Garmin let me know fairly soon, but the bonus feet were unnecessary.

7. I experienced some mild nausea towards the end. I think it may be due to mixing up a two-hour bottle of Perpetuem (3+ scoops) but then not taking in enough plain water to dilute it to the proper strength. I will stick with one-hour bottles for the next few rides to see if this makes a difference.

 

Tygh Valley century

Kevin cooked up this ride. It starts in Tygh Valley, down to the Deschutes River, up to Grass Valley and Shaniko and then on to Maupin, back to Tygh Valley.

The scenery was just stunning. The Deschutes River was running pretty strong:

 

Lots of gorgeous scenery (note lack of trees...):

At the first rest stop there were a bunch of old classics for sale. We noticed this odd fellow:

It looks like it was modified to carry people in a parade(?)

I like the little island in this pond:

I dub this continent 'Kenlandia'

On the way back we were treated to a good view of Mt. Hood, all frosty white with a good coat of new snow:

Even though I was just about freezing all day long, I still wound up with a sunburn on my thighs...

Tufo Ride 25 tubular tires

My rear tire had exactly 1040 miles when the sidewall blew out. That tire was due to be replaced soon anyway because the tread in the middle was worn through the first layer and the red inner-layer was showing through.

These tires ride very nice on the road, and were quite nice for some gravel rides I did. They didn't last as long as I hoped (isn't that always the case?) but I only had one puncture and one sidewall slash so I'm not disappointed with them.

 

Larch Mtn. Road/Bull Run hill climb

Great sunny day, went for a ride. You know when the route description begins with 'take Larch Mtn. road as far up as you can' that you're in for some climbing.

It was a warm day and I got a chance to rid some roads that I never had before. The scenery was gorgeous:

Mt. Hood in the distance