I’ve been racing on a pair of tubular Corima wheels since 2001, time to ante up for some race wheels to go on a new bike build. Having read the forum endlessly I’m still struggling whether to go with Clinchers or Tubies. I have never flatted a pair of Conti Comps on the Corimas in a decade of races. So, I’m slighlty uncomfortable with the flat potential on clinchers, also slight weight gain on Clincher wheels. However, I see the obvious advantages and am gaining comfort that clincher technology has improved a lot. Thoughts?
oh cool!! Another Clincher vs Tubular thread!!
Can I convince you to use the Search function? This has been discussed thousands of times, nothing new will be posted here that has not already been said before.
tubulars are what pros use , they have been proven faster. Put some of that fix a flat glue in them every 4 months and enjoy getting PR’s.
for training id use clinchers though.
Thoughts?
I use both, which have both been reliable, but choose your tires wisely
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I have. Read my original post. Just looking for further up to date thinkng. For example; Rappstar’s suggestions to go clincher if you’re an AGer. I’m leaning tubies, just because they are lighter. But, I believe many pros (Uh, Chrissie for example) are using clinchers.
I’m down to the Xentis Mark 1 vs. Hed 3
I rode the last 4 miles of a Half IM race 4 weeks ago on a flat front tubular and still set the course bike split record and won the race.
I rode the last 4 miles of a Half IM race 4 weeks ago on a flat front tubular and still set the course bike split record and won the race.
*******Results not typical
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I have. Read my original post. Just looking for further up to date thinkng. For example; Rappstar’s suggestions to go clincher if you’re an AGer. I’m leaning tubies, just because they are lighter. But, I believe many pros (Uh, Chrissie for example) are using clinchers.
I’m down to the Xentis Mark 1 vs. Hed 3
Riding them because they are lighter is stupid. There is one reason to ride tubies - and one reason only - you can ride on them safely (and reasonably quickly) when they are flat. You might ruin the wheel doing so, but you can do it. That’s the ONLY reason to do it.
I have. Read my original post. Just looking for further up to date thinkng. For example; Rappstar’s suggestions to go clincher if you’re an AGer. I’m leaning tubies, just because they are lighter. But, I believe many pros (Uh, Chrissie for example) are using clinchers.
I’m down to the Xentis Mark 1 vs. Hed 3
Riding them because they are lighter is stupid. There is one reason to ride tubies - and one reason only - you can ride on them safely (and reasonably quickly) when they are flat. You might ruin the wheel doing so, but you can do it. That’s the ONLY reason to do it.
I rode my clinchers home from training this morning with a front flat, about 4kms… Granted, I didn’t ride quick.
Anyway that’s beside the point.
So the ONLY reason is that you can ride on them flat. What say you that Zipp claim tubulars are faster in terms of aerodynamics…? HED aero data from their website shows Stingers (Tubular) faster then Jets (clincher).??
The ONLY reason Rapp? I guess a few thousand old-timer roady cyclists in Europe who are hardcore tubular users are all stupid? Strong statement don’t you think?
I’ve raced on tubies since the '80s and will continue to so for the foreseeable future. I too have been riding Conti Comp GPs. In 153 triathlons (18 IMs) I have only had 2 flats…funny, now, they both happened the same day - Kona '07.
Tubies: 1. can ride flat, 2. feel lighter, 3. for me, psychological benifit (this can be big) 4. Change faster, 5. etc
Best wishes,
first of all its never a strong statement to suggest that large groups of human beings are stupid.
secondly, old timey people sticking to what they are used to is no indication of whether something is ‘better’ or not.
really these days it doesn’t matter much which tire you go with. so if you are used to one, makes sense to stick with it.
The ONLY reason Rapp? I guess a few thousand old-timer roady cyclists in Europe who are hardcore tubular users are all stupid? Strong statement don’t you think?
I rode the last 4 miles of a Half IM race 4 weeks ago on a flat front tubular and still set the course bike split record and won the race.
*******Results not typical
LOL! True, but I was amazed at how fast I could still go on it.
The fact the the fastest tubulars have tested to have better RR than the best clinchers isn’t at least part of the arguement? I’m not a one or the other person but I think there is more to it than you state. Aside from the RR and being able to ride fairly fast with a flat, I also put safety in the tubular side, I wouldn’t want a front flat on a fast curvy downhill on a clincher. Well I don’t want it with a tubular either, but if I had to chose.
That said, if you are new to the game I’d pretty much recommend clinchers, they are easier overall to deal with.
Styrrell
I rode the last 4 miles of a Half IM race 4 weeks ago on a flat front tubular and still set the course bike split record and won the race.
Jerk…okay I am just jealous :o)
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The fact the the fastest tubulars have tested to have better RR than the best clinchers isn’t at least part of the arguement?
But, only when glued in a manner unlike how the typical triathlete will glue them (i.e. NOT "field replaceable). That seems to be something people tend to forget in this comparison.
In contrast, nearly anyone using clinchers is using them in the “optimal” mounting configuration. The only variables on speed for them is tire and tube selection…not so for tubulars. Mounting variations can make a difference.
In other words, it’s MUCH easier to get “world class” speed out of a clincher setup than with a tubular setup. But, maybe that’s just me… 
I train on clinchers and race on tubulars. Got a flat in Peterborough yesterday with 6 miles left, took 13 minutes to change the tire. I need practice, but I still love the tubulars.
tubulars
because you can go around with an elitist attitude knowing youve been in the sport longer and are part of a fading cult group.
I switched to tubies after a couple flats in races. I still use clinchers in training but occasionaly do a training ride on race wheels. very occasionally. Which means not much. I have did go around 2 mph faster at at races this year while feeling fresher off the bike. But I have more of a base this year so I do not know if it is all tires and wheels as much as training. I think like someone said choose tires carefully and know when it is time to change them. I find most of my flats happen when the tire is near the end of it’s life.
Oh, I just thought of another benefit. With a tubular, you have a very good chance of being able to repair a small puncture using a product like PittStop or FastAir, which can put you back rolling faster than changing a clincher. If I were to flat my tubular and that wasn’t an option, I am cutting the tire off, so I have my LBS glue them up good. Cutting a tubular and peeling it off a rim is very fast.