Originally Posted by dutret
With all the puncture resistant clinchers available this is indicitive of poor tire chioce or poor installation rather then the superiority of tubulars. Each tubular flat is as much hassle as numerous clincher ones too.(Or do you throw out your tires after each flat?)
Perhaps you're right, but I really do feel that I've benefited.
I've had the pleasure of being a mechanic for a number of years and getting to try a variety of tires, both clincher and tubular. When I mentioned seeing a reduction in flats I'm speaking with ride quality in mind. I could put on a pair of gatorskins and be cool for months, but I dont want to sacrifice the ride that some nicer tires can give.
Tubular tires have given me excellent ride quality with surprising flat resistance. It may simply be that I take better care of my tires because I have more invested in them--inflating them before every ride and being careful to avoid hazards on the road. When i run clinchers, I feel they're more disposable and probably treat them as such.
The thing to remember is that tubulars dont pinch flat... and if they're inflated well its unlikely that they will be easily punctured by debris. It is important to make sure you have a lot of skid patches to avoid wearing down a specific area... but the same goes for clinchers.
When i do flat, I normally take the time to repair the tire if theres life left in it. I think its great fun to patch and sew a tubular... but maybe thats not for everyone.
Sorry if I was misleading, but if anyone wants to try tubulars on the road I say go for it. They have a great history and provide a ride that clinchers can only try to mimic.