Hey there,
I am a time trialist, and of course, always in the search for watts. Tires are a huge topic in this regard,
Firstly, they have aerodynamic implications, but more importantly, they roll with different levels of friction losses.
I have usually run a Schwalbe P1 TT or GP 5000 23c on the front (aerodynamically faster and better grip for braking) and a Vittoria Corsa Speed at the rear (where aero drag doesn’t really matter so much).
Now however, Veloflex has come out with their updated „Record“ clincher (they call them open tubular) and it blows the Vittoria‘s out of the water. According to Aerocoach testing (https://www.aero-coach.co.uk/time-trial-rolling-resistance-data), it is 5 watts faster for the system, than the lightning quick Corsa Speeds. That is a revelation in my mind.
I went and directly ordered a few Veloflex tires, and was a bit bemused when holding them in my hand. They are mega thin, have ZERO tire profile, and look and feel just like track tires. I have yet to ride them outdoors (super bad weather atm), but I am wary of using them for racing, because they look and feel like puncturing instantly.
Has anyone used them? Does anyone have any experience or tips regarding these?
I am sure, if they „work“, they will be ubiquitous in TT-racing next season.