Is it a bad idea to us tubular bike tires for a triathlon?
Posted by Ray Gill
Filed under Triathlon Answers
My friend completed an Ironman with a tubular road bike tire. He got a flat halfway through and had no spare. If it wasn’t for someone giving him a spare tire he would have forfeighted therace? Am I missing something here or was this bad judgement on his part?
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The bad judgement was not carrying a spare, or checking with race management beforehand to see if service vehicles would be carrying tubies.
I use tubulars, and carry a spare. They’re faster, smoother, less likely to flat, and faster to change in case you do get one.
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Edit: interesting. I get the thumbs down, even though I’m probably the only one to answer who’s actually done Iron distance races……
if you dont carry a spare tube even clinchers can put you out. in general tubies are very resiliant and flat resistant, if you were going to go without a spare, tubies are as good as any to bet on. i think on a ride that long i would have a spare with me.
ToooooBS
tubulars are WAY more trouble than they are worth
you have to carry a whole TIRE for a spare instead of just a tube
wle.
If you’re not a pro, don’t bother with tubulars. Modern clinchers are light, tough, and fast. The advantages you get from tubbies are nothing compared to the disadvantages. Pros use them because they have million dollar budgets and support networks so a flat tire is never an issue. If you (or your friend) really want to get on the leading edge, try a road tubeless system (Shimano/Hutchison). I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews.