I'm real close to leaving the spare at home
Over the years, I've slowly gone to minimal extras on the bike. I was quick to eliminate the spare (tubular) for sprints and oly's. And HIM's soon followed. And, for IMFL, I'm considering risking it for 112.
Why? I don't hide this tubular as well as I'd like. It doesn't fold very well at all. I've done some research and found a track tubular by Tufo that folds up as small as a regular clincher tube. Perfect! And it's right around the corner at all3sports with my name on it. Except it's $150 and I'm not feeling that.
If I risk it, I don't look back. I will have made the choice and I won't think about it again until the end of the race. Or....if I flat.
If I buy the Tufo Elite Jet, I'll chalk it up to another ridiculous IM expense. But, won't lose sleep over it cuz I probably won't buy new race wheels in the near future. Meaning they could be my back up for many seasons to come.
What do you think?
Comments
For future reference I think this track tire folds up pretty thin too and it's a little less money: http://www.biketiresdirect.com/product/tufo-s3-lite-track-tubular-tire
I use 20 ml caffelatex sealant in my tires to prevent flats. Has worked well for me so far.
1. I do have a can tucked into the deadspace in the back of my aero helmet. have NEVER had success using those things but I'm not above trying it again when all else fails!
2. Looks like all3 might have that S3 Lite in stock, will check it out when I go by there tomorrow. $99 still hurts buts a hurts a little less than $150. I can live with that.
3. have been meaning to pre treat for a few weeks now, but been too busy. don't think I'll try it now when I'm heading to PCB in 36 hours. If I were to screw something up, I'd be forced into Mad Scramble Mode.
Thanks!
Yeah I just sent that link as something to file away for the future.
I usually put the sealant in before I glue up the tires, after the stretch with valve core removed and no valve extenders installed so you are right it's a little late for this round.
I'm hoping for smooth and clean roads for you and the rest of us out there....
3k miles of training and I never flattted - not once - until mile 14 of my A race this year. The funny thing is that I had decided to ditch the spare on my ride up. After all, 3000 miles without a flat, relatively new tubes and tires (about 250 miles on them). It was only at the last minute that I decided to pack the spare... A few minutes on the side of the road was far better than the alternative (waiting... waiting...).
And not that I can play with this crowd, think Chrissie, Kona, 2008.
Also - have a great race at IMFL!
I always offer help on my training rides when I encounter a sole cyclist walking. Twice I've come across folks with tubular flats and no spare. Since I ride clinchers I couldn't help. Are you prepared to walk or wait...perhaps for a loooong time? What is the drag cost of that spare compared to waiting 40 mins for the bike mechanics?
Dude, this is a classic case of Taper OverThink. Knock it off --- you know better!
If you have to ask the question, you already know the answer.
I could go on and on, but I think you get my point......
going to all3 to spend a few extra $ to get the track tubular as a spare. If I don't need it Saturday, there will be plenty of A races in the future that it will ride along with.
Glad I actually asked before, rather than 'splaining why after.
really appreciate the help.