Why do pro teams black out the logos on their tubs?

[GruB]

[hubner]

I think it's because the team's tyre sponsor didn't make the tub. Apparently the pros use tubs made by a few specialist makers.

[TimO]

What sort of valve is that?

I assumed that Tubs use Presta valves, but that doesn't look like a Presta, unless it's one where the valve screw thingy has been removed?

[GruB]

It is on Pro bike: David Zabriskie's Garmin-Cervélo Cervélo S3 - HERE

[LittleWheelsandBig]

Valve extender

[TimO]

Valve extender

Doh, obvious really!

[giropaul]

Pros do use tubs from their sponsor, but sometimes decide to use something else - which is when the black permanent marker comes out!

Typical non-issue tubs would include Dugast and FMB . If you've ever ridden their tyres you'll know why a pro might decide to use some for the big occasion!

[zigzag]

i used to black out the logos if they were bigger/brighter than they should be or colour clashed with the rest of the bike generally i wouldn't mind, but i keep my bike where i can see it often, so it has to look half-decent. pro teams have different reasons obviously.

[marcusjb]

You often see photos of wheels (particularly carbon ones) with logos blacked out and the sponser's decals stuck on top of them.

I'd guess it's only the upper echelons of the peleton who get to say "I must ride on brand X, (even though we're sponsered by brand Y)"?  I guess those lower down in th pecking order get told to ride on Brand Y's gear?

[pumpkin]

Veloflex are another secret favourite that make special unbranded tyres

[Rhys W]

Typical non-issue tubs would include Dugast and FMB . If you've ever ridden their tyres you'll know why a pro might decide to use some for the big occasion!

This is well-documented (see cyclingnews.com's coverage of the Spring Classics for instance). It's a bit cheeky to put on a Specialized logo on though!

[giropaul]

I think Veloflex make Specialized tubs for Specialized, and logo them up for them.

I'm fairly sure that Veloflex are a "phoenix" company that was started by the original workers in the Vittoria Italian factory when production moved out East.

They do make especially good tyres   

[hubner]

I doubt Specialized has actually ever made anything. Aren't they a design and marketing company, and have been so from the beginning.

[Cudzoziemiec]

AIUI Specialized originated as one guy importing specialist road bike components from Europe for bike shops in California (and likely other SW states). So not even design, in the beginning.

[Rhys W]

I think Veloflex make Specialized tubs for Specialized, and logo them up for them.

The photos I saw showed that the made no attempt to hide the fact - they were standard FMB tubs with a crudely-stamped Specialized logo added.

Scroll down to the Zipp 303 photo