I keep hearing tubular vs. clincher. Am I right in assuming a tubular is a normal tire? Or am I not even close? What is a clincher?
A clincher has a tube in it that you can take out and replace when it flats… A tubie is a special tire you glue onto the rim (it is essentially the whole tube.)
A clincher is what your sphincter does at 45mph decsending a large hill… dunno what a tubular is 
Weeman
God I love how little I know about this whole deal. Every piece of info makes it cooler and cooler.
If you have to ask you’ve got clinchers.
jsargevt
Just wait until you have perfected your tubie stretching ritual with a spare wheel and you get a contact high from the glue! Good times.
A tubular is what you leave in your pants right after you’ve come to a complete stop.
I thought a clincher was that dance move michael jackson is always doing…
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So what’s the benefit of a tubular vs a clincher (and please no, “let’s them breathe a little”, or “tickles a little”, or “a version of self expression”)
Is there a weight savings with tubulars?
Follow up question: should I have a spare tube, pump, etc. on board when I ride?
Yes, I know these are most likely silly questions…but Slowtwitch is my Master. I am a mere grasshopper.
Dude, don’t open this can of worms. There have been debates on ST about the benefits of tubular v clincher that will make your eyes bleed. Generally speaking tubulars go on your lighter race wheels and can be pumped upto higher pressure (equals speed). They also flat less, but are more expensive. Most of us (can I speak for all) train on clinchers and carry tubes to fix flats, most of us then race on nice fast zipps and other expensive wheels with tubulars so we can get that extra speed (real or psychological) on race day (at least that’s what I do).
To answer your other question: yes please always carry aflat kit . I but two tubes, a patch kit, a multi tool, levers in a water bottle and carry that on EVERY ride. I alsohave an x-lab wing thing with a CO2 chuck and 2 co2 cartridges for flats. You might also be advised to carry a small pump in your back pocket. Please always carry this stuff plus your keys and ID when you ride, Otherwise you’ll end up like that other poor guy who is stuck in the middle of nowhere with a flat and no way to change it. Better to know now, and benefit from everyone’s experience.
Religion
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Do a search on the archives and there is a lot of info on this topic.
Clinchers-most consider easier to change and tube is easier to carry. Possible pinch flats and generally heavier.
Tubbies-Light and will hold more pressure. Harder to change until you have practiced and hard to store spares.
Pumps and extra tubes-definitely.