There was a lengthy discussion on another list, where some members (yours truly included) debated tubulars, and the focus became tire weight and ultimately system weight. The comparison included tire, tube, rim, and repair equipment. Data was provided, attempting to represent the range of masses that could be assigned to each type of component. Data provided clearly showed the probable system weight edge goes to clinchers. All other things being equal, a bike with tubies is likely to be heavier than a bike with clinchers. A sewup setup may be lighter, but it isn't likely, especially when one considers that three tires (one spare!) must be carried.
The inquantifiables remained inquantifiable, and will probably always be so. I just don't see how one can measure "supple ride," except to borrow a page from the auto industry and do a jury test. Even with that, one isn't measuring a parameter, one is measuring the human reaction to a characteristic, if one can isolate it.
After that, the claims that "it's just a matter of religion" went unchallenged. We either accepted that conclusion, at least for the time being, or all got tired and went to bed.
Ken Freeman Ann Arbor, MI
Ps: If anyone wants to find the threads, they are on IBOB eithin the past three months.
-----Original Message----- From: classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org [mailto:classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org] On Behalf Of dddd Sent: Saturday, September 02, 2006 9:10 PM To: Classic Rendezvous Subject: Re: [CR]Tubular vs. clincher, Man, we've sure done this issue up...
After much thought, I'm convinced that the lightness of good tubular wheel/tyres is the main reason they ride well on rough pavement.
Lower the bike's mass, and it will better stay on the ground surface while a heavier bike achieves sufficient upward momentum to leave the ground against the rider's weight. I have a bumpy downhill on my way out of my neighborhood and I immediately feel a heavier bike pounding the ground uncomfortably under foot, hands and saddle.
David Snyder
Auburn, CA usa