I don't know if they are the "only". I do know that they have their benefits & drawbacks. Certainly can't fint the puncture, unsew & repair the tube. I don't know a lot of people who do that these days, anyhow... I have gotten a lot more life out of them than other tubulars, though. They have some great grip on some of the street tires but they have been known to not be as supple. All depends on what you want from a tire.