SBR Utopia - OPEN (Page 78)

I use Vitorria Open Corsa Evo's for racing.  404 set if road racing or in Kona, or 404/disc covered training wheel for all other races.  I do have a set of 202 tubulars (also with Vitorria Corsa's) that I'll use for climbing only bike races.

Training, I use Serfas Survivor Series tires.  Wire bead clinchers that are ultra durable, but slow as molasses.  Last year I had to switch back to Continental GP4000S for training just so I wouldn't get dropped on hard group rides, but I'm hoping I can stick with these tires for the whole year in training.

I've never ridden on a tri spoke or a true disc, just spoked wheels with a cover on the rear and a Flo 60 up front (which is just a regular spoked wheel with a fairing).  

I have found that good tires with latex tubes makes a big difference in comfort and speed.  I remember the first time I put them on my wife's bike before a race and the first thing she said to me after the ride was "Why the @%!& didn't you do that sooner?"  

LOL

I tried latex tubes once last season.  Once.  Couldn't get the f&&&ing things on without tearing them

They are great at letting you know that you need to replace your rim tape...  

I train on Gatorskins now. Previously it was some tougher Specialized tires. Roubaix maybe? Not the armadillos. Training wheels are some Mavic Ksyrium Elites.

Last year I was racing mostly on the Conti Attack/Force combo with latex. Seemed to do well. Did flat when I picked up a staple once. Technically twice, but I didn't pull it out the first time. Really like them, but wish they were a touch slimmer. I race with SRAM S80 wheels which are essentially older Zipp design. They might do a little more aero with a thinner tire, but handle this better than the S60 does from what I've heard.

Late season the year before I used some Specialized Mondo Open Tubular. When I had those with latex I could finally feel a difference in the ride. Those things were so nice. Real shame that Specialized stopped making them as that was the fastest clincher on BikeTech review. Not sure if their newer ones are as fast. Continental is really doing well with their selection though.

Yes.  I burned through 3 latex tubes (the last three within 50 miles, as it turned out) before I figured this out last fall for IMWI (I'm slow...).

I race on the Specialized Mondo Open Tubular on latex tubes (when I don't slit them all), which I love.  Not sure what I'll use when these wear out, but for now they're fine.

I train on whatever is lying around the house and doesn't have a hole in it or feel like it's about to (they become trainer tires).

Thanks, I'll have to look at the video later, I lived in Texas for five years (for masters program) It was like running in an oven it was weird. Totally different type of heat.  What part of Texas you in? I was in Ft. Worth/Dallas area. I love Naples, its like training paradise. During summer I run inside alot and swim of course. 

thanks Kimberly glad to be part!

Welcome Rob. I'm a few miles north of you in Englewood. Enjoy!

Melon, thanks for the welcome ; )

If this is the nut house i will feel right at home  lol

Twin brother is single I'll hook u both up lol

Hi Rob, welcome.

Well, there is a huge Nor'Easter coming in and I'm heading up to VT shortly.  Not the best timing unless you're a skier, which Im not. I do have snow shoes and cross country skis up there, so there will be some outdoor fun. I guess I'd better pack a few extra things, including trainer and bike as I may be there longer than planned. I'm really ready for winter to be over.

I"m just using the stock wheels/tires that came with my Felt B16. I'd like to rent something for my half, but with 650's I'm a bit out of luck with  my LBS.