from clincher to tubular -Zipp 303

[project3]

previously im using a alu clincher zipp 303 with GP4000s 23mm tires. Now I have changed to 2013 v8 Zipp tubular with 22mm Conti Tubular sprinter gato with 140PSI. i weight at 57kg. Over the weekend my first ride, it doesnt felts like not as what i wanted - lighter feeling and feels like theres drag. Some said tub is more grippy and some says change the tires to GP4000S or competition. What you say?

[sugarkane]

they are not the best tires and you have them seriously over inflated for your weight..
try making them 95PSI in the front and 100PSI in the back.. that will make a massive difference to the feel

[ash1]

+1 ^

I ran gators on 303's at one point and they felt awful inflated over 110psi. I found 105psi front/110psi rear worked best in terms of comfort for me but i weigh in at a hefty 76kg

[Causidicus]

.

[dha]

I am 63kg and run my tubs at 95/100 but could run lower if needed.

[jjmstang]

Change from the Conti's to either Veloflex or Vittoria tires. The Conti's are not the most supple tire out there.

[sugarkane]

I'm 85kgs and run my veloflex carbons at 90/95psi..

[project3]

Thanks for all the reply but how you all determine the psi/ weight? Any formula?

[victorduraace]

Gauge at your bike pump? get quality one...

[jjmstang]

Thanks for all the reply but how you all determine the psi/ weight? Any formula?

Trial and error

[sugarkane]

actually the beardos over at bicycle quarterly have a pretty good starting point..


http://www.bikequarterly.com/images/TireDrop.pdf

[shimmeD]

tyre size lbs x + rear less 10% front
20 114.40 0.33 63.33 101.08 0.9 90.97
23 114.40 0.33 53.33 91.08 0.9 81.97
25 114.40 0.33 43.33 81.08 0.9 72.97
28 114.40 0.33 33.33 71.08 0.9 63.97
32 114.40 0.17 41.67 61.12 0.9 55.01
37 114.40 0.17 26.67 46.12 0.9 41.51

[Geoff]

Tire pressure is really personal preference, not science. It depends, among other things, upon: rider weight; tire choice; terrain; weather conditions; and, rider style. I am 59kg and typically ride 80-100 psi front and 90-110 psi rear. I run lower pressure in the rain or snow or on rough pavement. I don't run 140 psi even on the track.

As far as tires go, you have chosen a very durable training tire, not a race tire, so it is not a really good example of the breed from which to judge all. If you want to stick with Conti, I have personally had very good luck with Conti Competition tires. They are also quite durable, but feel more like real tires. There are lots of good, 'vulcanized' tires like Vittoria's offerings, too. Still, if you really want to get a good sense of what tubular tires can be, try a good hand-made tire like a FMB of Dugast.

[Causidicus]

.

[project3]

Seriously if I change my current tires from sprinter gato to GP or competition can I gain speed or feels faster?!?

they are not the best tires and you have them seriously over inflated for your weight..
try making them 95PSI in the front and 100PSI in the back.. that will make a massive difference to the feel