Date: Fri, 11 Feb 2005 09:28:06 -0800 From: "KO Kevin" <kko@ci.springfield.or.us> To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org> Subject: [CR] A single sew-up among many clinchers
I am still riding my racing equipment from the 80's and am reluctant to make the switch from sew-ups to clinchers. However I have found that I am now the only one with sew-ups in our training group. Riding sew-ups never used to be a problem, because when I was racing, most of us trained on sew-ups. We each only needed to carry one spare, and if someone was unfortunate enough to flat twice on a ride, there were many other spares to borrow. I still carry only a single spare sew-up, but I find that after a flat and subsequent tire change, I am praying to the cycling gods to get me home without another flat, because there are no longer any other spares to borrow. Besides carrying two spares, or making a sew-up repair on the road, are there any other options such as that nasty goop that can be squirted into a tire to fix a flat from the inside? I know there are others that still ride sew-ups in this group. What measures do you take to protect against being stranded after multiple flats?
Kevin Ko
Eugene, OR
Probably the most important thing to do IMO is not buy cheap tubulars. They tend to have very short lifespans, and can often have an unpleasant ride quality as well. Other than that, keep them properly inflated, and watch what you ride through, but that's not always easy to do.... What tires are you using, and how often do you flat? I use (and sell for $119/pr.) NOS Italian-made Vittoria CG Squadre Prof (cotton, 255 g.) tubulars, and as far as I am aware, everyone has had good luck with those so far. In a current tire, the Veloflex Criterium (250 g.) and Servizio Corse (210 g.) seem very nice indeed.... Greg Parker Dexter, Michigan http://www.bicycleclassics.com