Re: tubulars vs. clinchers

"Mike S." <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:

>> Tubulars are an archaic design that is going the way of the dodo.
>> A few enthusiast users and a few enthusiast manufacturers will keep
>> them alive, but they will never again be something you could walk
>> into any bike shop and buy.
>
> You're probably right.  Trackies seem to be the last holdouts.

Well, since punctures are rare on velodromes and there's no braking
heat, the two main problems with tubulars are minimized.  

Maybe someone can answer a question for me- can a tubular be made of
lighter construction (e.g., thinner fabric) than a clincher?  Some
track tubs really are featherlight with practically translucent fabric
and whisper-thin tread, which on the track might actually be a
measurable benefit vis a vis clinchers.  There are fewer variables on
the track compared to the road (the NYC velodrome excepted),
especially wood ones like we have locally, to cloud the issue.