Clinchers or Tubulars?
 

:confused:
I have been away from competitive riding (triathlon and cycling TT's) for about 5 years. I would like to know the differences, advantages, and disadvantages of both tubular tires and clincher tires. Is there any solid, scientific research on this subject? Blind studies, etc.?
Thanx-

High quality tubulars still have a slight edge in weight and performance vs top of the line clinchers made by some companies. Quite a few pro teams are using clinchers now. Ride some of each and see for yourself.
Ride what's good for you
Pat

If you are considering tubulars for competition, i would strongly suggest you look at Tufo tyres,
http://www.tufo.com
and
http://www.worldclasscycles.com
Tufos are possibly the only truly "modern" tubulars around.

I have riden and raced on both. In my opion the tubular have better ride and are more predictable than clincher. They also need more work than clinchers, you have season, strech, and glue them. The clincher have come a long way, so a good clincher is almost as good as a tubular with a lot less work. When you get a flat on the road a clicher is much easier to fix. If cost is a factor go with a good set of clincher.

A clincher is easier t fix on the road? Since when?
I can change a tubular in about 3-4 minutes on the road, without tools!. With a clincher, you have to get your tyre irons out, pull the tube, check for remaning glass, etc. With tubulars, you just rip the old one off, slide the new (pre-glued, of course) tyre on, center it a bit, then pump and go. Takes about 1/2 the time to fix on the road.

What about that SECOND puncture during a given ride, Alex?

I gave up tubulars 20 years ago because of the repair hassle, but having just bought a very nice Shimano/DT/Mavic front wheel for $3 at a yard sale, I may give them another go. What is the best glue these days?

Well, for longer rides, you can always carry a second spare. I have a couple old lightweight Clements (with latex tubes, yet) which work well for just such rides. Sometimes, I will also carry a tubular repair kit, just in case.
When I was younger (and poor), I used to carry a tubular repair kit instead of a spare. Of course, this doesn't work too well if you need to be home by a reasonable time.

Anybody have anymore recent thoughts?

I wonder if Spike is still confused?

Rolling a tire off the rim after putting a spare Tubular tire on, is a definite possibility.

The replacing the whole wheel with another with a glued up tire is the only way
to make that less likely.

Clincher tire once properly mounted, again, is on as solidly as it was pre puncture.

Yep. And if you don't repair sew ups (like me), just slit the tire with a knife, stick a finger inside and pull and the tire comes of in a second. Hardest part of changing the flat is getting a well glued (as it should be) tire off.

:lol: