Posted at: May. 16, 2022
Tubular tires are the choice of users who are concerned about performance. In this issue, we summarize the advantages and disadvantages of tubular tires and what kind of users they match.
Table of contents
Sponsored Link
Since the tube is completely encased in the tire, rimming punctures are unlikely to occur, and punctures caused by tube wear, which are more likely to occur when the tube is displaced in the tire, are also virtually impossible.
The most common cause of a puncture in a tubular tire is when a nail or other relic from the road surface gets stuck in the tire, and even if a puncture does occur, it is a slow puncture (gradual loss of air) because the only path for air to escape is through a hole in the tire. Therefore, even if you get a puncture, you can ride for a certain distance.
Since punctures are one of the most common problems in bicycling, there are advantages to choosing tubular tires even if they reduce the number of punctures.
Since tubular tires adhere to the wheel rim, they are said to lose less energy when traveling compared to clincher tires, where energy loss occurs due to friction between the tire and tube.
It is also said that tubular tires deform less during riding and provide a more stable ride because the shape is supported by the tire itself, as opposed to clinchers, which have their shape supported by a tube made of a soft material such as latex.
This is an advantage of the wheel rather than the tire, but since tubular tires are mounted on the rim, the grooves on the wheel rim can be made shallower.
Shallow grooves on the wheel rim mean that the rim can be thicker and stronger, so even lightweight materials such as carbon can be made stronger. Since the rim can be thicker, it can also prevent deformation due to high heat, which is a drawback of carbon rims to some extent.
In fact, many carbon wheels for rim brake use are exclusive models for tubular tires due to strength problems, and even in Shimano’s latest DURA-ACE R9200 series wheels, tubular tire models are the only remaining rim brake models.
Tubular tires give the impression of being difficult to replace, but the actual replacement process is as follows.
In fact, tubular tires are easier to install than clinchers.
On the other hand, it is more time-consuming than a clincher because the tape needs to be removed firmly when removing it.
Tubular tires used to be the mainstream road bike tire of choice for serious riders, but now they have become a minor tire, with clinchers becoming the mainstream, and then gradually shifting to tubeless.
It would be fine if they were only minor, but the new tires released by tire manufacturers are “mainly tubeless and tubeless ready, with clinchers somehow remaining,” and some manufacturers are not releasing any new tubular tires, so the choices are becoming narrower and narrower every year.
Even though tubular tires have a tube inside the tire, they are more expensive than clincher tires, costing about 8,000 yen per tire. For a clincher tire, the price is such that a middle grade tire can be bought front and rear.
Although tubular tires are more durable than clincher tires and can be better in terms of cost performance, tubular tires are very time-consuming to replace the tube (the thread that is sewn on the tire needs to be undone and sewn back on after the tube is replaced), and if maintenance is not possible, the entire tire must be replaced, which makes the cost performance worse. If maintenance is not possible, the entire tire must be replaced, which is not cost-effective.
Unlike clinchers and tubeless tires, which fit into the grooves of the wheel rim, tubular tires are placed on top of the rim and must be cemented/sealed to the rim and tire.
This has the disadvantage that it is somewhat time-consuming to replace the tire, and “the tape and cement must be removed thoroughly once it is removed.
Until recently, aluminum wheels were the main type of wheel used on rim-brake vehicles, where braking is done by friction on the rim. Carbon rim wheels were also introduced to reduce weight, but since the industry shift to disc brakes has occurred over the past few years, tubular wheel models are becoming the main choice for “rim brakes and carbon wheels for safe use.
The only remaining rim brake model in the new DURA-ACE R9200 series wheels is the tubular tire model, which is also a big boost.
Since new road bike wheels have shifted to “almost exclusively disc brake models,” they are quite valuable as lightweight, high-performance rim brake models.
If you are stoically seeking power efficiency from your equipment, tubular tires with low energy loss are a good choice. In fact, there is still much support from users who want performance over convenience.
Although it is not a tire type that you can easily afford considering the maintenance time and price, if you want to ride with good equipment, tubulars are a good choice.
Sponsored Link
What to do when you get a flat tire with a tubeless or tubeless ready tire
Tubeless tires have seen a dramatic increase in the number of users over the past few years. Even with tubeless and tubeless ready tires, punctures cannot be reduced to zero. The following is a summary of the causes of punctures and how to deal with them.
How to check compatible tires from wheel specs
When trying to change tire thickness on a road bike or other sport bicycle, it is important to know what tire size the wheel will allow. In this article, we will show you how to find out which tires are compatible with your wheel based on its specifications.
What is a tubeless valve? Types and How to Choose
The tubeless valve is an essential item for tubeless use. What is a tubeless valve, tubeless valve types, and how to select one are summarized below.
What is SRAM's XDR and XD? What is the difference from Shimano?
The following is a summary of SRAM's proprietary XD and XDR standards, what makes them different from Shimano's, and what to look for when purchasing.
Summary of Shimano wide ratio sprockets for road bikes
Shimano wide-ratio sprockets for road bikes are listed here, including compatibility by step number.
Summary of 12-speed chains for use with Shimano road bike and MTB components
We have compiled a list of 12-speed chains that can be used with Shimano road bike and MTB components. Also about chain compatibility with chains from manufacturers other than Shimano.
Types of bicycle disc brake mounts, how to recognize them, and how to choose an adapter.
Mounting adapters for bicycle disc brakes are essential when changing calipers with different standards or rotor sizes. This section explains the types of mount adapters, how to recognize them, and the model numbers of Shimano's mount adapters.
Inside, outside serrations? Types of center lock locking rings
There are two types of lock rings for center locking disc brakes, inner serration and outer serration. The following is a summary of the differences and how to select the right one.
Summary of mechanical disc brake calipers for road use
Mechanical (mechanical) disc brake calipers are ideal for ease of maintenance and as an upgrade from rim brake components. Models from major manufacturers are listed below.
What is a Through Axle? Types and How to Choose
Through-axle is becoming a major fixation method for disc brake wheels. What is a through-axle? Here is a summary of what types are available.
Difference between 700C and 650B, advantages and disadvantages
With the popularity of gravel road bikes and the spread of disc brakes, the choice of road bike wheel size has become not only the standard 700C, but also 650B. In this issue, we will look at the differences between 700C and 650B, and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Types of disc brake rotors and how to select them
Disc brake rotors are an unassuming part, but they have a significant impact on the effectiveness of disc brakes. We have compiled a list of the different types of rotors, how to select one, and the lineup of rotors from major manufacturers.
Disc brake pad types and selection
Brake pads are installed on the calipers of disc brakes. In fact, there are multiple types in terms of material and shape. The following is a summary of disc brake pad types and how to select the right one.
Summary of hex wrench sizes to prepare for road bike maintenance.
For those who will be servicing their road bikes, we have compiled a list of hex wrench sizes that are commonly used for road bike maintenance and that you should have available.
Latex Butyl? Different tire tube materials and how to choose the right one.
There are two types of bicycle tire tubes, latex tubing and butyl tubing. The following is a summary of the differences between the two and which one you should choose.
Guide to Choosing Binding Pedals for Road Bikes
Binding pedals allow you to ride faster and more efficiently on your road bike. In this article, we will thoroughly explain what to look for when choosing binding pedals.
Summary of binding pedal cleat types and their respective characteristics
Cleats are the parts that connect binding pedals to shoes. Cleats are only one part, but each manufacturer has its own characteristics and differences. They are actually important parts that are linked to usability and their merits and demerits.
Advantages and disadvantages of putting sealant in road bike and MTB tires and how to choose
This section summarizes what sealants are for road bikes and MTBs, their advantages and disadvantages, and how to select sealants.
Types of valve extenders and how to select one
A valve extender, which extends the valve, is an essential item for operating deep-rim wheels on road bikes and other vehicles. The following is a summary of the different types of valve extenders, their differences, and how to select one.
Summary of brake shoes for carbon rim and wheel
When using rim brakes on carbon rim/wheels, it is essential to use special brake shoes to reduce braking force and damage to the rim. In this issue, we introduce a collection of brake shoes for carbon rim wheels.