Thomas Rawson wrote: <snip>
Having come to road bikes late in life and having completely jumped over = the tubular tire experience/preference that many of you speak of, Id = like to know more. <snip> What brand, model, size should I be looking for that provides the = classic tubular ride those of you who like them prefer and which yields = a desireable look for an early 70's bike? <snip> +++++++++++++++++++++++= Well, Tom, the Hetchins Spyder I bought last summer also came with tubies, and I've been getting re-acquainted with them after many years. I'd respectfully suggest that your "naive" questions remind me of those of the child viewing the Emperor's new clothes... The naked truth is that I doubt thatthere is really much difference in ride between tubulars and very good wired-ons any more.
When I started riding in the early 60s, there was a measured 1-1/4 pound (600 gm or so) per wheel difference between reasonable sew-up wheels and the best wired-ons of the era that I could easily get (27"x1-1/4" Dunlop Road Racers, Weinmann alloy rims; I don't think I ever weighed the stainless high pressure Dunlop rims). Wired-on rims were smooth-sided on the inside, instead of having a bead-locking ridge, so they needed a stout bead wire and had pretty stiff walls. I was sure I could feel the difference in ride, handling, and acceleration. In fact, I remember selling a Raleigh International with wired-on wheels to a buddy, because it felt like steering a truck. He immediately changed stem length, put on sew-ups, and it felt completely different. I gnashed my teeth...
I'm sure there is still some weight penalty for wired-ons, but I'm not sure that there is anywhere near the performance difference anymore. I'm gradually using more sew-ups on my classic bikes, but largely because it is hugely easier to get correct rims. One of my buddies commutes exclusively on sew-ups, using pretty stout ones and claiming that he generally wears 'em out in a couple of thousand miles before flatting.
So, what tires to I use? Primarily what is in stock in the basement (duh). On the recommendation of friends, when I buy sew-ups I've started buying Tufos, because the technology seems better. Your mileage may vary.
harvey sachs
McLean Va.