P* repair on an open tubular

[MGate]

+1 for Challenge 'Open tubulars' - the cornering is so good because they are round in section, soft and supple too.. Parigi Roubaix model for me...

I remember repairing 'tubs' - the first one I did I pumped it up to 100 psi to listen for the leak - spotted the area and then cut the stitching that held the inner tube in the outer casing - the inner tube squeezed out, went as large as a space hopper before spectacularly exploding. Learnt my lesson from that...

[mattsccm]

They are nice aren't they. Just fitted my nominal 25mm Michelin pro 4 SC's. Noticeably harsher. I do run my Stradas at a variety of pressures from maximum to minimum for they hell of it.

[Smut Pedaller]

Here's my thoughts on them from not long ago http://smutpedaller.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/tyre-review-challenge-strada-bianca.html

Generally I really like them when they don't flat they ride beautifully and smooth out rough roads and gravel. They feel very fast considering their size and inflation pressure (I like 60-70psi front-back and I weight 69kg). Durability is not too bad considering, puncture protection is so-so. I haven't had a puncture recently but would typically get them every 500-1000km so not good... I mostly ride country miles on them. They seem to be susceptible to flints and glass punctures however they don't get cut up as easily as a lot of performance oriented tyres.

Some people find the mounting a bit difficult as they are hand glued which gives them an appearance like a deflated tub when mounted on a rim, however I find them reasonably easy to fit.

[Bmblbzzz]

Interested to read your review, Smut Pedaller, as I wasconsidering these, in a vague way, recently. I was put off by the price and in the end went for some bargain Vittoria Rubinos (just £15 each!), which I'm happy with so far (very comfortable, though I changed the wheels at the same time, so hard to isolate tyres from wheels... )
<OT>I like your wood floor!</OT>

[nez]

I think wheels and tires are the biggest upgrade you can give a bike.

[Bmblbzzz]

I think wheels and tires are the biggest upgrade you can give a bike.

Definitely agree on that.

I just posted asking you how you'd compare the Strada Bianca to the GP 4 Seasons, particularly in terms of wet grip and p* resistance — but my post seems to have disappeared. Or rather, not appeared.

[nez]

I think there must be a software glitch as I replied to you too. Essentially, I said I'll have to wait a few weeks to know how they serve but handling and comfort in the dry is great - probably the best I've ever had and probably even better than the contis, which to me is a high standard. I bought the Strada Biancas as I was looking to see if there was something slightly larger than the contis for comfort - but I absolutely love the 4 seasons. I'll report back on a wet comparison.

One of the things I really enjoy about cycling is it's so cheap. You can get the very best tyres for the cost of one fill up in your car, for example. I wish I could get rid of the car and just bike it. But that's another subject.

[Bmblbzzz]

Strange about the disappearing posts. Thanks for taking the trouble to post the same stuff twice.

[Smut Pedaller]

It's funny how much of a difference they make, after not riding on the Strada biancas for a while and then going back on them suddenly you really notice the difference a supple casing makes. I think they're 260tpi or something. Actually they are on special now at wiggle, Sadly I paid the full price £90 a pair a year ago.

[nez]

So, given the amount of rain and the fact that I usually ride on the Suffolk Essex border, I picked up the inevitable Flint. No real problem - just like repairing a slightly floppy clincher tyre and tube. One point though - the Flint went right through the tyre tread, leaving a 2 or 3 cm slit in the case/tread. Does anyone repair those? I never bothered on cheaper tyres, but at the better part of 50 squids a tyre I'm inclined to cosset them. If you repair, which adhesive?
Thanks

[Des49]

Sorry, with a slit that big I would trash the tyre. I have repaired tyres before, gluing patches made from old tyres or from an old tub using contact adhesive like Thixofix. The patch needs to be thin especially on a supple tyre.

I have tried the Park tyre boots and these are good too, but a touch small sometimes. Carry a couple for emergency use on the road.

However I have always noticed the repair as a bump when riding on smooth roads and long term cannot justify my safety for the price of a new tyre. A sudden tyre failure when the tube goes down suddenly due to a hole in the tyre, chafing on a patch or the tyre carcass splitting is very undesirable.

This year I have blown 2 Conti GP4 Season tyres, patched the first with the Park boot, I was away at the time, and continued riding. Only when back home did I really notice the bump on smooth roads and replaced the tyre. Then the same thing happened later in the year. I just replaced the tyre straight away. Expensive, but replacement gave me peace of mind.

[nez]

Oh damn... my profound apologies Des49. I meant mm. An eighth of an inch or slightly more, but bang in the crown of the tread.Sod's law if I leave it other stuff will get through.

[Des49]

Oh damn... my profound apologies Des49. I meant mm. An eighth of an inch or slightly more, but bang in the crown of the tread.Sod's law if I leave it other stuff will get through.

In that case it probably is worth patching. An inner tube patch will be a good size but too stretchy. Have you got a bit of casing from a similar lightweight supple tyre to glue in? Or try the Park patches, but you will probably feel it through the tyre.

The nick on the outside may be worth just filing with glue. My tyres have a few cuts that size, but not all the way through, and these don't worry me.