Tubs - A Guide for an idiot?

[Sir Jibbenstein]

In a few weeks I hope to finally be racing on some 50mm carbon rims shod with tubulars

I get the whole fitting thing after a couple of lessons from MtB while I have been up a B'Town, but there are a few unanswered questions that I can't find a straight answer for on the interweb. So I'm turning to you lot for advice

Carrying a spare? What do people do in a race? Do you carry one? Where? If you strap it under the saddle what about tools? How big is it? I've read track tubulars (Tufo Elite) fold as small as an innertube and can be used to get you home, anyone do this? Can one be made to fit in a saddlebag? An old sock and toeclip strap look so tacky... Is there such a thing as a cheap tub that folds small?

Sealant What do people use as a preventative sealant? There seem to be so many brands on offer, each with their own formula. How long does it last? They are just going to be race wheels, I have no illusions about wanting to ride them day to day and trash them. Is it going to go hard in one spot? The tubs I've chosen have latex inners, any recommended sealant for this type, or one to avoid?

Emergency Sealant Seem to be a few options now, any better than Pit Stop? Anyone use it and it actually work?

[Jack Hughes]

Depends what race.

10 mile TT. Don't bother. Sprint tri. Possibly not.

25 mile TT/tri upward roll under seat.

[jonathon.e]

You are now racing at a level where carrying spares isn't worth it, saving weight to go quicker getting a couple of seconds advantage means you can qualify for greater things, rather than taking the kitchen sink with you.

You puncture, tubs can be ridden on slowly to get you home, or you wait for the 'sad wagon'.

Anything longer than standard distance then stick the spares in a bidon in a bottle cage, neat, tidy etc.

[Sir Jibbenstein]

You are now racing at a level where carrying spares isn't worth it, saving weight to go quicker getting a couple of seconds advantage means you can qualify for greater things, rather than taking the kitchen sink with you.

Guess it isn't in my nature to not be prepared. Going to have to get used to the idea of potentially DNF'ing then at sprint distance.

The bidon is a good idea. I'd forgotten about 'tool bottles'. Certainly a useful solution for longer races or when there isn't a broom wagon.

[jonathon.e]

You are now racing at a level where carrying spares isn't worth it, saving weight to go quicker getting a couple of seconds advantage means you can qualify for greater things, rather than taking the kitchen sink with you.

Guess it isn't in my nature to not be prepared. Going to have to get used to the idea of potentially DNF'ing then at sprint distance.

The bidon is a good idea. I'd forgotten about 'tool bottles'. Certainly a useful solution for longer races or when there isn't a broom wagon.

Certainly gives you a new perspective to look at, do I or don't I, what if, being mentally prepared to accept a failure, but ask yourself, 'how often have you punctured in a race ?'.

How important is the race, what if all the others puncture and I am the only one with/without spares, have a plan, look at the variables, account for the options, reassess the game.

[Jack Hughes]

For reference, I didn't bother with any spares or kit (or water) in the last 25 TT i did.

[Sir Jibbenstein]

Certainly gives you a new perspective to look at, do I or don't I, what if, being mentally prepared to accept a failure, but ask yourself, 'how often have you punctured in a race ?'.

How important is the race, what if all the others puncture and I am the only one with/without spares, have a plan, look at the variables, account for the options, reassess the game.

Sure does. Never punctured in a race, and only had 3 flats in >20,000km of training (one was a tube valve failing). Guess that shows one of the otherwise unacknowledged strengths of ensuring my bike is well maintained. Going to take some training miles to get confident in the tubs abilities to resist punctures I guess.

For reference, I didn't bother with any spares or kit (or water) in the last 25 TT i did.

No water? I thought I'm being good with only one 500ml bottle and gage now for 20k

[Bendy Ben]

My tub went pop yesterday

It does happen. Sealant is average at best

Carry a spare in the manner that has been suggested

Don't forget to pre stretch it

[Sir Jibbenstein]

Pre stretching, what is this all about? Is there a standard method. Jay/Mike showed unboxing one, standing on it and pulling it a bit repeating all around all around, is this what you do?

[Jimba]

Not all tubs should be pre-stretched, depends on the brand.