We are just getting back into racing after being out of it for about 20 years. I just bought two used bikes for my son to start racing. He is 6 and they are both mini frames with the skinny sew-up tires. One set of tires are ok - the other set one tire is ok the other is bad. Can you suggest a place to purchase sew-up tires or should I start fresh and buy new rims for the clincher type?

I would get new rims. I know of others that have had a hard/unsuccessful time finding new tires. Though I don't know where they looked. Madybe Dans Comp would have some.

We can get some if you really want them, Micetta. My opinion is that they can sometimes be more of a hassle than they're worth. Tubasti is m-e-s-s-y.

I'd go with clinchers...

Clinchers are easier.

I have sew-ups here in the store. Panaracers and Tioga. Drop me a line if you still want them.

PlainsBikeSouth@aol.com

As a former manager of various bike stores here in DFW for many years, I can honestly say go with clinchers. There is nothing fun about installing sew-up's. A very-very messy, time consuming and tedious job. Also in case of a flat at the track, a clincher is the setup to roll with.

Just my .02.

Texas Goose

Thanks for the responses. We have just about decided to change out the rims. The next question would be what would I do for hubs. I have the hubs that are with the tubeless rims. They are by hutch and I think they are aluminum. There is one spoke hole broken in one of the two hubs. However, they could still be laced to 24 spoke rims. Is it worth trying to salvage the hubs?