Clincher cyclocross options

[chiasticon]

Originally Posted by JStonebarger

I have rolled Challenge clinchers on more than one occasion, but in pretty extreme circumstances. IMO it's worth the risk.

I've done this. I was in first place at the time. race over. that's the point where I decided to get tubulars. haven't looked back.

IMHO, tubeless is a great option for practice and hitting singletrack on your cx bike, but is not ideal for racing. tubulars just aren't that difficult to deal with, really. but I get it, if you're only going to do a couple races, it's not worth the expense and hassle. but if you're racing every weekend all season long and taking it pretty seriously, tubulars are the way to go.

[JStonebarger]

Originally Posted by chiasticon

... tubulars just aren't that difficult to deal with, really. but I get it, if you're only going to do a couple races, it's not worth the expense and hassle. but if you're racing every weekend all season long and taking it pretty seriously, tubulars are the way to go.

Cyclocross is my main passion anymore. 20+ races a year. I build my own wheels for it, and have a pair of tubulars mounted and ready. With similar tires mounted (in this case, Challenge Grifo XS) I can't tell the difference.

I still opt for clinchers more often than not. Especially as I'm a big fan of changing up tread for the course/conditions. With six treads to choose from I'll keep my options open.

[chiasticon]

Originally Posted by JStonebarger

Cyclocross is my main passion anymore. 20+ races a year. I build my own wheels for it, and have a pair of tubulars mounted and ready. With similar tires mounted (in this case, Challenge Grifo XS) I can't tell the difference.

I still opt for clinchers more often than not. Especially as I'm a big fan of changing up tread for the course/conditions. With six treads to choose from I'll keep my options open.

I can't tell a difference between the two when riding at similar pressures and with latex tubes in, yeah. except the point where the clinchers come off the rims and I'm not riding any more, then I can tell the difference

anyway, that's great they're working for you. didn't for me. I'm happy with having multiple tubular options now.

[yashcha]

Thanks guys, always great input here.

I am going to get a set of non tubeless MXP's for some racing this fall here in Beijing, and when I get back to the US and can get my hands on tubeless equipment, I will upgrade to the tubeless version of the MXP.

Just picked up a pair of the MXP's for $50 shipped. Looking forward to testing these out.

[Britishbane]

Originally Posted by zank

Drop me a line. I've been running the hed/mxp combo for a couple of seasons.

I'm scandalized! Zank racing cross on non-tubulars.

[zank]

With three toddlers, gluing tires is at the bottom of my list of ways I want to spend my time. After spending time on CX tubeless, I don't think the gap is anywhere near 10%. I run mine at 20-22 psi. I can change tires at the venue. I can out-corner guys on tubs and guys on clinchers with butyl tubes can out-corner me. It primarily depends on skill, nerve, and getting to know your equipment.

[superbowlpats]

Originally Posted by zank

It primarily depends on skill, nerve, and getting to know your equipment.

I hate it when someone speaks the truth

[yashcha]

Finally got the Clement MXP mounted and tested. Running about 35 psi to start.

My other clincher experience was with michelin mud pro, which I really hated. The profiles on the clements seem more round, and the tread surface feels really fast, even on pavement.

I am also trying out the 1X this year. Knocked almost 1.5 pounds off the bike.
Excited to try these out this weekend on my practice cross course.

[zank]

Tubeless?

[yashcha]

Originally Posted by zank

Tubeless?

These are clinchers. I am having trouble sourcing tubeless materials here in China so I will get tubeless set up when I am stateside.

When I took off the front derailluer and the chain catcher, all this paint fell off. I must be more vigilant next time.

[zank]

Where do you think that weight savings came from? Paint is heavy.

[yashcha]

Originally Posted by zank

Where do you think that weight savings came from? Paint is heavy.

Truth. I had read some interesting article about rim weight and how it went from 440 grams to 420 grams by the end of it's life cycle!

But the paint is so dappah.

[kppolich]

For me: Stans alpha 340, Vitoria latex, and schwalbe Racing Ralph tires. Usually run at 30 front, 35 rear for races. No flats ever, incredibly light.