Bike Forums - Tubular tyres: training or racing

Bike Forums (https://www.bikeforums.net/forum.php)

- General Cycling Discussion (https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/)

- - Tubular tyres: training or racing (https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/953541-tubular-tyres-training-racing.html)

Tubular tyres: training or racing

Hi all,

I've been riding tubular rims for about two years now on various vintage builds. I've had a variety of tyres including gators, continental giro, vittoria rally, vittoria evo...

Could someone tell me what the difference is between a training tyre and a race tyre? Are training tyres more puncture resistant? And for me, average cyclist, few long rides etc. which is a better option? I expect to pay about no more than £40 for a tyre.

Thanks!

Training Tubs are cheaper .. you have to read the specs as to whether they include a Kevlar belt in the tread..

Common, back in the day, was to buy the cheap tires by the dozen, then once down to the last couple ,

spend a day opening the casing, patching tubes and stitching them back together .

If I were you , I'd save the Tubs , get nice ones, for racing, and train on a set of clincher wheels
for their easier puncture mending , on the road.

after Inflation and VAT, over there, by now, I expect the cheap tubs are £40 each.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chromeracer (Post 16847403)

For road, racing tubulars typically weigh maybe 230 grams each plus/minus maybe 15% - the numbers are approximate because this is not a matter of national standards. Training tubulars are heavier due to thicker rubber and possibly thicker casings - 250 to 300 grams? Training tubulars are supposed to last longer than race tires. I'm not sure flat resistance was part of the original strategy. But in modern times a Kevlar layer can be had on nearly any tire with a minimal weight penalty, and a flat tire is a major inconvenience (at least) in a race, in training, or riding errands. Race tires will feel more tubularly, giving more of that unique feel that tubulars have.

Clinchers have replaced tubulars in all but special applications.

There is no need for tubulars when very good quality clinchers are commonly available.

There may be no need for tubular but I ride vintage bikes. The same could be said about them but I would never have a modern frame. Thanks to everyone for the info.

Thanks, this is exactly what I was after!