Tubs Advice

tweir

I remember there being quite a bit of discussion previously regarding tubs, although now I myself have the difficult choice of what tubs to buy and wondered if anyone would be able to give their opinions.

I brought myself some very light carbon wheels which I will use for road races, crits and hill climbs. I therefore need a tub which isnt stupidly heavy (although I suppose they are all around the same sort of weight), isnt puncture prone and gives great grip even in the wet, oh and hard wearing, I'm a student and I cant afford loads of tubs!!
At the moment I was looking at Schwalbe Ones, Vittoria Corsa CX III, Contintal Attcack & Force, Tufo Lite & Continental GP4000s II.
The only tyre I have actually ridden is the GP4000s (clinchers), which I absolutely love, but for the tubs they are the most expensive out of all of them. The Tufo ones only really come in 21mm, which I am not sure I want to ride.

Has anyone ridden any of these and what do they think or recommend?
Many thanks, Thomas

wilburtrump

I haven't ridden the tubular versions of those tyres, but the vittoria tyres are brilliant. If you want some with more protection then have a look at the paves. They feel great to ride and are fairly bulletproof too.

Vam Polecat

Corsa CX.

Avoid Continental tubs IMO, butyl inners.

Senecio [Daniel D]

One of the great benefits of tubs is the use of latex inner tubes, these give a great ride quality and are less prone to puncturing. I think Conti don't use latex inner tubes, so I would steer clear of them.

Tufo have a unique construction which has the inner tube bonded to the carcas. This means they can be very effectively repaired with latex solution. A good job as you cannot pull them apart as you can a traditional tub. They have the reputation for being stiff and a harsh ride with high rolling resistance - the opposite of what you want from a race tub! They are light and in terms of repair practical.

Vittoria have a great reputation, however the Evo 2 are supposed to be not so great in the wet. Maybe they have this sorted for the 3s?

I wouldn't bother with tape, rather use glue. In my experience (& test data I have seen) Vittoria Mastik One is the best. Clean brushes and fingers with paraffin.