The divisive nature of Rule #29 is not to be underestimated. It is but a humble satchel, but our rejection of its use sends people completely out of their minds. One fine gentleman even threatened my editor at Cyclist Magazine with cancellation of his subscription on the basis that they published an article wherein I espoused the virtues of going EPMS-less. If I recall correctly, the reader felt my writing was, “a black eye on an otherwise flawless magazine.” Some people, it appears, really love their saddle bags.
Nevertheless, the truth remains: they are ugly and there is no need for one if you choose your tools carefully and maintain your bicycle appropriately. Granted, if you prefer an al fresco lunch mid-ride and therefore require room for a baguette, some brie, and a nice bottle of Burgundy, you may require more than a jersey pocket. Similarly, if you are of the mechanical inclination that requires you carry a press for on-the-road headset replacements, you might also require some additional storage. That said, if your mechanical skills are at a level that your bicycle is in such a state, I might argue that carrying a cell phone and an emergency contact list is really all you need because the tools are unlikely to help.
But I digress. Ugly though the EPMS may be, it is obviously perfectly acceptable to tie a spare tubular tire under your saddle. This is for the obvious and irrefutable reason that riding tubs is for the more cultured Velominatus and strapping a tire under the saddle is the traditional way the Europeans have handled carrying a spare tire ever since they stopped carrying them strapped over their shoulders. Do not allow yourself to be distracted by the fact that a European Posterior Tubular is often mistaken for an saddlebag. One is a nod to our heritage, the other an abomination sense and style. Trust me on this.
But carrying a spare tub does pose a challenge: how do you roll it up into a small enough package that it (a) doesn’t sway (b) doesn’t rub the insides of your pistoning guns and (c) doesn’t fall off and get tangled up in your wheel.
The first two are a matter of what style of tire to carry. The natural inclination is to carry a spare tire identical to the ones you are riding on your wheels, but that is likely to be a 23 or 25 mm tire and will be rather bulky when rolled up. Instead, the spare should be considered an emergency tire intended to get you safely through the rest of your ride; you’ll be pulling it off and gluing it on properly when you get home, so it can be chosen for its folding size and weight rather than to match it to the tires you normally ride. Then comes the question of how to roll it up into a tiny package which can be neatly strapped under the saddle (see photos). Finally – and I learned this the hard way – if the tire does come loose over some unusually rough roads (say, washboards on a high speed gravel descent), you will want it to stay in the small bundle rather than unwinding and getting tangled in your back wheel.
European Posterior Tubular Guidelines:
[dmalbum path=”/velominati.com/content/Photo Galleries/frank@velominati.com/Folding a Tub/”/]
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My wonderful and much more puncture free tubular experience includes carrying in back pocket a small sandwich bag with valve extension and the small plastic spanner and also a very small plastic bottle of liquid puncture repair, just in case, as first resort. My small spare tufo tyre also goes in the back pocket and has only been used once, as last resort, only 1km from home.
@Nate
Of course. I read this midday, but waited until AFTER the (puncture-free) ride to say anything. The flats (all three of them) will start tomorrow...
I have spent years riding on tubulars, and for sometime took quite a bit of grief from my teammates for not even carrying a spare tire with me. Ironically...on the day I show up for a team ride with a spare properly stowed beneath my saddle...pffffttt...that's right...a flat. Since then however, I have always carried a spare, and can count on one hand the number of flats I have had in 20+ years of racing/training. ( I am however NOT counting the one puncture I had on a velodrome...Marymoor Velodrome and ultralight track tubulars DO NOT get along with each other....)
@batmobileau
I have to admit, writing this article made me wonder why the fuck it can't just go into your pocket. Haven't tried it since the idea crossed my mind in the last 12 hours; but we can't all be geniuses, can we? Does seem more bulky than necessary and the rubber band and packing would still be a good plan even if it went into the jersey.
But never mind these musings, I'm going to hold my line until I can prove the tire is as well served in the pocket.
@Nate
Jesus, this one is weak in the power of sarcasm, isn't he (assuming his name is Kevin T, not Kev Int in which case I claim no assumption on his/her sex.)
Either way, the interpretation of this article as being anything other than having nothing better to do that talk about how best to fold a tubular tire is, quite frankly, insulting.
@frank
Hmmm....If you are using a tire with glue on it as the spare...I am not sure I'd want that in the pocket of my jersey. On a hot day, no matter how well folded there might be some issue with it sticking to the inside of the pocket methinks.
@frank
As it happens I do carry mine in my pocket. I roll it similar as you have shown above, but once the glued faces are together, fold in half (end to end) then once more - done. I then put it into a black sock. It fits the pocket better that way although yes, it does protrude a little but not significantly in my opinion. The sock keeps it clean and makes it look even better.
@kevint
You're the guy @Frank mentions in his article aren't you. So did you cancel your subscription then?
Having witnessed it in person @frank's setup is impressively compact.
I like wrapping my spare up with some electrical tape, which can be useful for field repairs.
I've carried a second spare in a pocket on long rides. Works OK. I have actually been tempted to go Coppi/Bartali style in a figure 8 around the shoulders, but have never actually done so.
Very important topic, this. I dont like bags and I prefer not to strap the spare tubular under the saddle, so here's how I do it: New Tubular , prestetched, preglued, with long extension, micro multitool and spokey, in ziplock back, middle pocket of jersey, tools facing out. It's pretty compact, and enough space for the light jacket in that pocket as well.
VMH takes the same for longer rides, but sans tools. More than 2 flats and we hitch ( hasn't happened) Pump is rolled in a paper serviette and stuffed into seatpost. Co2 cartridges give me problems in the moutains so I don't use them.
Only time we use the Clincher wheels is on 2-3 day credit card tours, with spare tube and lots of patches.
@Gianni
I did think of you though while reading it!