Most velvety tubulars are even made with an extra layer of puncture protection in the tire casing;

I will confidently and categorically state that every road clincher 'race' tire on the market today, from Vittoria, michelin, etc, all have puncture resistant belts (PRBs) of some sort.

the question is, and the elusive balance is, how much? and how is it affecting the tires' handling?


Do NOT buy and ride the vittoria randonneurs. they ride like garden hoses. you can do MUCH better.

Vittoria Rubino Pro Tech in a 28 prehaps. a VERY FAST 28 with wet weather tire compound that holds up for summer riding. 2nd bet for a winter 28 - continental 4 season.

I like Panaracer T-Servs with the reflective sidewalls myself, but a slower tire than these first two. this comes 4 sizes, 25-35mm wide.