Tubular or Clincher for P2A

Without a doubt... go clincher. With these long point-to-point races, you can at least cary a pump/co2, some levers and a spare tube. If you get a flat running tubies, you'll be picked up by the sweep. Tubulars do ride better on a grassy cross course, but P2A is a LOT of gravel, hardpack and road. I also found it advantageous to run a high-ish tire pressure with all of the long, flat road sections. I ran 30 the first year, and 45 last year and the higher pressure sure made it easier on the roads (majority of the course) and still tolerable on the little bit of singletrack.

That's pretty much right along the lines of what I had been thinking.

I agree, just ride a sturdy clincher tire you will do fine.  I see people on the starting line with very smooth tires but they never seem to make it through the woods in very good shape.  I think the trick with that race is to not lose ground in the woods sectiosn when you enter with a group, the race is mostly contested on the open parts, the woods are just where you get dropped.

 

John Roden West Falls, NY

This year, after three previous PAs on clinchers, I have decided to give tubulars a whirl. This past 'cross season, I ran tubulars for the first time, and was completely shocked at how much faster I could ride in all conditions.
Based on this experience, I have built up a set of "PA specials". Ambrosio Crono F20s, Dura Ace 7800 32 hole hubs, and DT Revolution, 2-cross lacing. Da bomb -- I hope.
With my cross-tubulars I think I will be able to ride 32-35 lbs, depending on the conditions, and not worry at all about a pinch flat, or fishing out on the wetter sections in the woods.
WRT to changing a flat, something that I have never experienced with tubulars, despite some pretty knarl courses in 2009 (e.g. Nordic Highlands, Hardwoood), tubs take no longer to replace than clinchers. Some will even argue that a tubular flat can be changed faster than a clincher. I will carry my micro-pump (lighter than a CO2 cartridge), a tyre lever and a previously mounted Griffo in my jersey, cinched tight with a toe-strap.
Heck, if you flat in a race, the game changes anyway -- and 60 or 120 seconds faster, or slower, on a change makes no material difference to your finishing time. Especially after 200 riders have blown by you as you labour by the side of the pave.

I will report back on my little experiment later in the month.

Graham Jones
Toronto, Ontario
Racing for Sweet Pete's

If you can -- run tubs

When I won 2 yrs ago I ran tubs

I just pack a spare tub on my seatpost behind the seat and tape/velcro it on. It is faster to change a tub and if you flat you are out of it. 3 yrs ago I flatted out the lead group 45 mins in and in 2 mins or so 60 riders passed me.

  I would run a cheaper type tubular as they are stiffer and more puncture resistant to big rock hits. The tufos work well the older style vittoria's would also be good. Challenge would be the highest end tire i would run.

 

  Dugast are the best tub but the casing would not be as impact resistant on the rocky shoots towards the end. But still the dugast would be more puncture resistant than any clincher tire out there.

 

I would run close 40 psi for the race as it is low enough to handle well but high enough to go fast on the pavement

 

nathan

I have yet to run tubs at P to A.  The last 4 editions I ran semi slick Ritchey speedmax 30cc tires with 60psi (mind you I am under 62kg) without issue. 

This year I plan to run tubs for the first time.  I am running sealant in both tires as I do in cross and will be packing 2 cans of Vittoria Pit-Stop CO2+sealant in my jersey just in case.  If I tear a sidwall, my day is done regardless.

I was thinking about running tubs as I have a spare set of the older vittorias you mentioned. I'm skeptical that a tub is just as fast to change as a clincher, though. If it's glued on as solidly as a 'cross tub ought to be, it would be a struggle to pull the tire off the rim in a short amount of time. I may just stick with 35c speedmaxes. Even at 60-70 psi, they're still pretty comfortable over the rough stuff.