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by Patrick McCrann, PTS Head Coach

Are you getting ready to race and considering tubulars? If they are in the budget, go for it. They rock compared to clinchers...read on for more specifics!

1. Get both wheels and go to shop.
   
   
2. Explain you want tubulars that CAN BE TAPED to the rim. These ones are 100% rubber (i.e., no cloth on the underbelly). You want the 100% rubber ones b/c they are whole. The cloth underbelly ones are stitched to the tubular, resulting in slight loss of pressure over time (and the cloth ones need to be glued....and pre-glued). I pumped up my race tires for placid on race day...raced....rode them 3 weeks later and didn't have to touch a pump! :) Taping is great b/c it sets in 2-3 hours and can be re-used easily in a pinch (i.e. on race day). Gluing sets in 2 days and requires that you pre-glue your spare. OLD SCHOOL. Don't be old school for race day. I have SCHWALBE STELVIO tires on my race rims right now.
   
   They should pump the bad boys up to like 170psi...a bumpy ride for sure, but rollling resistance is almost nil! When they pump up the tires, tell them to put sealant in there as well..it's a foam that fills holes should you get a puncture. Works pretty darn well.
   
   
3. Then you ask them for a spare tubular...ask them to pre-stretch it for you. It should also have a valve extender for your race rims. Some folks forget (like Joanna Zieger at IM Arizona 2006). Ouch.
   
   
4. Buy some extra rim tape, but in the race, you would just put spare on and inflate and go...leaving old tape on the rim. It's good enough for the day.
   
   
5. If you need to change your tubular - but I doubt it - Remember that there is a space in the tape both around the valve and on the opposite side of the tire from the valve.
   
   
6. If you are adjusting the tire pressure on your tubular and you have an old school valve extender that is just a threaded sheath that screws on over presta valve and fits through rim, you my need to adjust your presta valve. To do this, you should bring the inner part of a pen w/ you (the plastic w/ the ink that's connected to the ballpoint). It fits down in there and you can twist your valve open/closed. Saved my buddy at IMUSA on race morning.
   
   
7. Race like hell and don't look back!

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