Bicycle Mechanics - clincher??? tubular????

Guys whats the difference between clincher and tubular wheels?

Ok, I''ll be polite BUT...you need to search first.

A clincher is a tire that fits onto a "hooked" rim. Basically, most bikes are clinchers. The bead of the tire is designed to match with the design of the rim to keep it on.

Tubular tires are "sew-ups" which are actually glued onto the rim.

You can check www.sheldonbrown.com for details.

PJ

Thanks for the reply. I thought i should have search right after i pushed the post button. :crash:

A normal tire is a clincher, where the edge of the tire fits insude a U sectioned rim. Racers use tubular tires, also known as "sew ups", where the tire wraps right around the the inner tube and is sewn together on the inside. The tubular tire is mounted on the outside of a box sectioned rim. Tubular tires are lighter than clinchers, and give better handling because 100% of the inflated area is outside the rim. You can also continue riding a tubular after you get a flat, which can make a difference if you get a flat in the last few seconds of the race. Tufo make a tubular that can be mounted on a clincher rim. but I dont know how it compares for weight and handling. I believe some other forum members use them, so they may be able to give more info.

Read the Sheldon Brown site then read this page: http://yarchive.net/bike/tubulars.html