Originally Posted by
carleton
By the way, I read (but can't recall where) that clinchers actually provide less rolling resistance than tubulars due to the fact that they sit taller on the rim.
I think jobst brandt had published some stuff on this. Even at 120 psi clincher vs. 180 psi tubular, the clincher was lower RR. For mass start racing I think tubulars handle way better, and whatever small penalty there is in RR is worth it.
Finally, consider the Continental Grand Prix Supersonic clincher tire. The 23mm version can be pumped to 145 PSI. The 20mm version can be pumped to 170 PSI. It's a nice soft, and sticky tire, but wears out quickly on cement tracks. Problem solved?
Yeah, they're quite nice-- I've even been riding madison practice on them at HDC occasionally and they do pretty well. Be careful about going past about 140 PSI or so-- many rims may not be rated for that high of a pressure.