My favourite Italian
treat was rudely interrupted by talk of deficits. Having explained there was no
deficit (aside from the gulf between their perceived entitlement and legally
binding reality) I resumed my meal and discussions of great depth and
significance. The nature of which, I am not prepared to expand upon at this
point.
Meanwhile, back on the
test bench Tubeless tyre systems are gaining popularity, on account of their
tuneable, puncture repelling nature. In the same way “clinchers” began
rivalling tubulars (Tubs) during the late 80s and 90s, I can see these
overtaking high pressure wired-on rubber once conversion kits are perfected.
Tubulars retain a niche
following even now. The need for sewing and gluing induces traumatic flashbacks
but aside from reduced weight at the crucial points, rims themselves were
proportionately much stronger. Rather like the common cold, preventing
punctures has been around since the dawn of pneumatic tyres.
Solid tyres re-emerge
every so often and though they have improved slightly since the days I whizzed
round the parental driveway astride my rod braked Raleigh Elf; its
disproportionate to price and overall performance.
Assuming you haven’t
obliterated rims during the mounting phase and alienated your neighbours with a
seamless band of expletives; those I’ve tried deliver a harsh and unforgiving
ride that ultimately shakes spokes and fillings loose with consummate ease.
For most of us,
dependant upon rim sections it boils down to a choice between bog standard
butyl and puncture repelling tyre casings, thorn repellent tubes or the sealant
type. All have their pros and cons and to some extent, rather like the
glue-less v traditional patch debate; it’s a question of rider faith.
We’re presently putting
a series of each through their paces at Seven Day Cyclist (www.sevendaycyclist.co.uk) to see how they
perform overall, not just in terms of puncture prevention. Are they limited to
asphalt, or can the bigger sections cope with canal path and similarly
challenging short cuts…
It’s not difficult to
appreciate the allure of a self-healing tube, especially for commuting. When I
worked behind the counter, these were a real money-spinner but are the premium
pre-filled superior to their budget counterparts? Are these repairable or bin
fodder in the event they succumb to a big flint or thorn. Is it better to
fill standard tubes with aftermarket sealant, or buy ready made?
In my experience, the
goo-filled genre works to the same basic science. Varying quantities of liquid
lay dormant until a small hole appears; internal (air) pressure forces it to
the affected area whereupon said sealant (theoretically) plugs the affected
area.
Some pressure loss is
inevitable and topping up with a hand pump, or Co2 inflator is generally
required. Sometimes the latter are required to awaken the latex if it’s been
slumbering a while, so don’t leave home without them, even using the most
invulnerable tyre casings.
Piercings to a
millimetre in diameter are pretty much their limit-hit a series of really nasty
thorns, or the proverbial nine-inch nail with your name on it and chances are,
you will be mopping up a big sticky mess. Hopefully, you didn’t forget the
spare, pump, tyre boot etc and your riding companions will rally round, not
laugh like crazed hyenas... Now; time for a batch before I head out for another
quick blast along the lanes...
