Race day - tire service

John Kolesar

I am racing with tubulars this Sunday in my first full. What happens if I get a flat on the course? Is service provided on course during full ironman events?

Paul Hough

Very very limited, and it could be a long, long time before they come by your position. Most folks running tubulars take one spare with them. And I don't think I've ever done an IM where I haven't seen one of those expensive spares on the road after a pothole or rough section.

Dino Sarti

Yeah. I would not count on much support. It's pretty thin for clinchers and I bet few race staff will have a spare tubular. To Paul's point, most guys bring a can of the fix-a-flat stuff and spare tubular.

Coach Patrick

Fix-a-flat and spare tube... Basically whatever you carry when you ride in those wheels. I used to race and tubulars but these days clincher's have really caught up. Especially if you go with a wider width like 25 mm. The stress in dealing with the potential challenge was just too great for me over knowing I could quickly change a clincher.

John Kolesar

Thank you all for the recommendations. I had no issues with my tubulars until the last 4 rides...three flats out of four rides. Will seriously consider clinchers after this race. Until then fix a flat and spare tubular and hope the bike gods are with me on Sunday.

Mike Roberts

I've raced tubulars for many years.  One spare on the bike, a can of PitStop and 2 CO2 cartridges.  One cheap spare in SNB.  But in my last IM, I flatted a brand new $100 tire with 15 miles to go.  PitStop didn't do the trick, so I was very fortunate that I got my spare on and inflated.  If I had another flat, SOL.  I never once saw Tech Support. As a side note, I'm selling a great set of tubular race wheels.

Coach Patrick

Classic Mike Roberts -- helpful AND funny.

John, given you have make three sacrifices already, I hope the Bike Gods are sated.

~ Coach P