The only tires I have ever used on my race wheels are the Specialized Mondo S-Works Open Tubulars (which are clinchers) that Chris previously mentioned and Vittoria Open Corsa Evo CX . I prefer the Vittoria tires. In my N=1 they were easier to put on and didn't wear out as quickly as the Specialized tires. The Specialized tires can also be difficult to find. The Vittoria tires are at every bike shop around. Otherwise, both excellent choices.
If Rich can get Wheelbuilder to setup a deal for us, I vote either vittoria open coursa 320TPI CXII (20 and 23) or Zipp Tengente (21 and 23), with a latex tube with removeable valve core (challenge, vittoria, and zipp make them), and real extenders such as vittoria or tufo... not the "zipp" style ones.
I have not used the specialized tire as it is harder to find a deal on, but I've heard good things. Bonty R4 Aero is a good tire as well but again cost more as you have to typically have to get them from an LBS.
+1 vote for getting a place where we can get the Specialized tires and maybe the Bontrager ones that Matt A mentiones...I'm having a hard time finding them in Europe
Ok, let's settle on ONE brand and flavor of tire, one flavor and brand of tube. I'll take this to Rich and see if he's interested in a group buy, whereby he buys in bulk, you buy from him and he ships.
I'm in for whatever the smart folks decide on. Just tell me where to send the money.
@Rich, I'm really sorry to do this but for the life of me cannot find the thread you discussed this, but it has to do with Wheelbuilder so I figured maybe I could ask a quick question. You had mentioned WB renting race wheels, or the possibility of doing it. It had more to do with sending him your PT and him calibrating but I was wondering if he was thinking of renting front wheels as well? Just wanted to check before I booked up my rental for CDA.
Again sorry for going off topic here but didn't think this warranted it's own thread.
I'm in for whatever the smart folks decide on. Just tell me where to send the money.
@Rich, I'm really sorry to do this but for the life of me cannot find the thread you discussed this, but it has to do with Wheelbuilder so I figured maybe I could ask a quick question. You had mentioned WB renting race wheels, or the possibility of doing it. It had more to do with sending him your PT and him calibrating but I was wondering if he was thinking of renting front wheels as well? Just wanted to check before I booked up my rental for CDA.
Again sorry for going off topic here but didn't think this warranted it's own thread.
I've tried to get him to do this for years but I don't think it's going to happen. He and his crew are too busy selling and building wheels.
I see that used clinchers tend to perform better on the tests that BTR does. They doesn't always specify the mileage though. Anyone have an idea of what may be a good amount of mileage to put on a pair of Vittoria Open Corsa's before racing the first time? Calling Hayes, Mancona and Chris G.
I see that used clinchers tend to perform better on the tests that BTR does. They doesn't always specify the mileage though. Anyone have an idea of what may be a good amount of mileage to put on a pair of Vittoria Open Corsa's before racing the first time? Calling Hayes, Mancona and Chris G.
The nice thing with the Vittoria's is they don't have the extra bonding/molding line of material when they are new. However I have also read that tires perform better when used a little and/or aged.
I don't have any idea what ideal is, but at a minimum I ride my race wheels/tires for the last RR and also the last week leading up to the race. Since I only use them for racing I can easily get two years out of them as race tires and then they become training tires. Or if I notice a number of cuts in them they become training tires.
The nice thing with the Vittoria's is they don't have the extra bonding/molding line of material when they are new. However I have also read that tires perform better when used a little and/or aged.
I don't have any idea what ideal is, but at a minimum I ride my race wheels/tires for the last RR and also the last week leading up to the race. Since I only use them for racing I can easily get two years out of them as race tires and then they become training tires. Or if I notice a number of cuts in them they become training tires.
I am sorry if this isn't the right place for this question — if I fit a 20 (700) tyre on the front can i get an aero benefit? I currently use 23 on front and back on standard deep V Velocity rims from the Wheelbuilder. I weigh 150 pounds.
... if I fit a 20 (700) tyre on the front can i get an aero benefit? I currently use 23 on front and back on standard deep V Velocity rims from the Wheelbuilder. ...
As a general rule the answer would be yes. From a fluid dynamics perspective, the closer the profile of the tire is to the wheel it's on, the less disturbance to the airflow at the front end. Specifically, if the tire is fatter than the rim, that's worse than if the tire is the same width as the rim. And since the tire/wheel system is hitting the air first (at that level - the riders' hands and head hit first up higher) it can make a meaningful difference.
There are also countervailing issues, such as the possibility of higher friction on the road surface of a thinner vs thicker tire, and the strength of the sidewall of a tire, which can alter the profile as well. As to whether it makes enough difference to be significant in a race, ... ?
The rolling resistance charts should take into account the width of the tire for that aspect of the total resistance. I haven't looked closely at them again to see if they have sets of 20 vs 23 mm in the same make, though.
And Al is totally correct on the surface playing a role...as does air pressure. Don't overinflate tires even if it makes them "feel faster". What's happening is that you are feeling every little bump on the road because they don't deform properly when they hit the bumps...and when this happens, the RR can go up!
Comments
talk to Wheelbuilder! I'd be in for race tires and tubes. Need an answer fast, IM TX is nearly upon us!
tom
I have not used the specialized tire as it is harder to find a deal on, but I've heard good things. Bonty R4 Aero is a good tire as well but again cost more as you have to typically have to get them from an LBS.
Ok, let's settle on ONE brand and flavor of tire, one flavor and brand of tube. I'll take this to Rich and see if he's interested in a group buy, whereby he buys in bulk, you buy from him and he ships.
Vittoria Open Corsa CXII 320TPI (20 and 23) is my vote.
@Rich, I'm really sorry to do this but for the life of me cannot find the thread you discussed this, but it has to do with Wheelbuilder so I figured maybe I could ask a quick question. You had mentioned WB renting race wheels, or the possibility of doing it. It had more to do with sending him your PT and him calibrating but I was wondering if he was thinking of renting front wheels as well? Just wanted to check before I booked up my rental for CDA.
Again sorry for going off topic here but didn't think this warranted it's own thread.
I've tried to get him to do this for years but I don't think it's going to happen. He and his crew are too busy selling and building wheels.
it won't be that timely. Recommend you go your own route for IMTX.
I am happy to draft off the suggestions of those above - Clincher though...
I see that used clinchers tend to perform better on the tests that BTR does. They doesn't always specify the mileage though. Anyone have an idea of what may be a good amount of mileage to put on a pair of Vittoria Open Corsa's before racing the first time? Calling Hayes, Mancona and Chris G.
The nice thing with the Vittoria's is they don't have the extra bonding/molding line of material when they are new. However I have also read that tires perform better when used a little and/or aged.
I don't have any idea what ideal is, but at a minimum I ride my race wheels/tires for the last RR and also the last week leading up to the race. Since I only use them for racing I can easily get two years out of them as race tires and then they become training tires. Or if I notice a number of cuts in them they become training tires.
Thanks Matt!
I am sorry if this isn't the right place for this question — if I fit a 20 (700) tyre on the front can i get an aero benefit? I currently use 23 on front and back on standard deep V Velocity rims from the Wheelbuilder. I weigh 150 pounds.
thanks Peter
As a general rule the answer would be yes. From a fluid dynamics perspective, the closer the profile of the tire is to the wheel it's on, the less disturbance to the airflow at the front end. Specifically, if the tire is fatter than the rim, that's worse than if the tire is the same width as the rim. And since the tire/wheel system is hitting the air first (at that level - the riders' hands and head hit first up higher) it can make a meaningful difference.
There are also countervailing issues, such as the possibility of higher friction on the road surface of a thinner vs thicker tire, and the strength of the sidewall of a tire, which can alter the profile as well. As to whether it makes enough difference to be significant in a race, ... ?
Thanks Al
And Al is totally correct on the surface playing a role...as does air pressure. Don't overinflate tires even if it makes them "feel faster". What's happening is that you are feeling every little bump on the road because they don't deform properly when they hit the bumps...and when this happens, the RR can go up!
Thanks William
Been kind of queit in here lately....