[CR]Re: tubulars today and Continental Rant

(Example: Events:Eroica)

Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 14:57:05 -0500 (EST)
From: <wheelman@nac.net>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: [CR]Re: tubulars today and Continental Rant

I am probably not qualified to comment fairly here on these tires but can tell you that I enjoyed reading Mike's colorful description of why he dislikes Continentals. I do appreciate a humorous description of one own opinion full of diverse adjectives to keep the readers interest and get the point across.

Still my own experience differs a bit. I am truly a mutt when it comes to tires and bikes. I try to ride at least one good ride a week even when the weather is not bike friendly here in the NE. Trouble is that I never ride the same bike twice in a row. Sometimes months go by before I get on one of my bikes in the rotation. That said, I have as many types of tires as bikes it seems. I ride tubulars, clinchers both expensive and down right cheap. My carcas is not tuned to the point where I can discern one from the other without looking before or after the ride. I do know that sometimes I blame the tires for a bad ride but for me that is like cursing night for the dark. I can tell you that I am beginning to appreciate a good set of tubulars but very wary of what constitutes good. Expense is no measure of quality of ride or performance from my perspective. I do know I have spent good money for a "quality tubular" only to have it flat on my first ride and believe me I am not horse on a bike. I have also picked up budget tubulars and clinchers that ride just fine and last a long time. I am partial to Contentintal clinchers for their durability and yes ride. Don't have experience with their tubulars. If I had to rate tires by my experiences with them then this would be my three best and three worst.

Best Vredestein any type Vittoria Tubulars Continental clinchers

Worst Hutchinson any type Vittoria Clinchers Tufo any type

No science here, just pure opinion from my experience. I know there are several models within each of these brands but I don't have the time nor money to buy and rate them all so I use my experience to weed out those brands I do not like when paying wholesale or retail for tires. When paying deep discounts, I will try anything once then add it to my imaginary Best / Worst list.

As a final note: I do not get a good feeling when riding any tubular in wet weather. To much stuff sticks to them and I will inevitably flat in the rain with any set. This adds to my prejudiced view of tubulars as only fair weather friends. Nothing worse then flatting a nice new expensive tubular in the rain. Not only do you get the insult of watching your tire investment hiss right down the drain but you get to change it in a downpour. Tell me again why I like this hobby?

Ray Homiski
Elizabeth, NJ
Maxxis