Mike Krueger writes:
>> FS: 1 pair of new, never glued Challenge Strada tubulars. Made in Thailand from Clement patterns.
>> Been hanging on rims for 1 year-aged & ready to go. Sold as pair only: $65. + shipping ($5-6 for
>> postage).
> What is the advantage of aging tires for a year or more before
riding them?
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Subject: 8b.18 Tubular Fables From: Jobst Brandt <
[email protected]>
> Why is it better to deflate tubulars between rides or is this just a silly rumor?
Yes and no. The "rumor" arises from a misunderstanding. Track tires, and these are most often still
tubulars, are generally inflated to more than 10 bar and are dangerous if they were to explode. Good
track tires, unlike road tires, are often made of silk with fine and thin strands that are not
coated or otherwise protected.
I have seen these tires get touched by another rider's pedal and explode, or even when carelessly
laid on any angular object, they can burst because only breaking a few cords is enough to start a
burst. For this reason track tires are best deflated to less than half their running pressure
when not in use. I can still vividly hear the sound of a tire exploding in an indoor track
although I heard it only a few times years ago. It is not something you would like to have happen
in your car or room.
The reasons people give for deflating tubulars are generally false and are given for lack of
understanding. This is what makes it sound like an old wive's tale. Most people do it just to be
doing what they think is "professional" when in fact the protected sidewalls and pressure of most
road tubulars makes deflation as meaningless for them as it is for clinchers.
> What advantage is there in aging tubulars?
None! The aging concept arose from the same source as the "steel frames need to be replaced because
they get soft with age" concept. Both were intended to improve sales during the off (winter) season
by bike shops with too much inventory on their shelves. Tires oxidize, outgas, and polymerize from
ultraviolet light. The concept of a tire manufacturer making a tire that cannot be used until
ripened for six months from the date of purchase is ridiculous. Tires can be made to any
specification at the factory. Tires are most flexible and durable when they are new. They don't
improve with time and exposure to heat, light, and oxygen or ozone.
"Over-aged" tubular tires, have crumbling hard brown latex on their sidewalls that exposes
separating cords directly to weather and wear and they have treads that crack when flexed.
Considering that this is a continuous process, it is hard to explain where, in the time from
manufacture to the crumbly condition, the optimum age lies. The claim that tires are lighter after
aging is true. Their elastomers have evaporated making the tire brittle and weak.
Purchasing tubular tires in advance to age them is unwise, although if there is a supply problem,
tubular tires bought in advance should be sealed tightly in airtight bags and kept in the dark,
optimally in a freezer. For best results, use new tires because aged tires are only as good as how
little they have aged.
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Jobst Brandt
[email protected] Palo Alto CA
