Tubulars v Tyres?

Both tubulars and ordinary tyres (with separate inner tubes) have advantages and disadvantages. I use both. When racing (time trials, hill climbs)  I use tubulars (tubs) for races. On my commuting and training bikes I use the more conventional inner tube /tyre combination for training.

Advantages of Tubulars.

1. More Puncture Resistant. Tubulars  seem to be better at avoiding ‘small’ punctures from a small bits of glass. If you get a 6 inch nail, tubs will be no more resistant than the average tyre, but they do seem a little better at avoiding punctures. Also you don’t have to worry about the puncture through the ‘pinching’ effect. This occurs when you fit an inner tube and tyre to conventional rim and get the inner tube squeezed between the rim and tyre. (see: how not to put on a tyre)
2. Higher PSI You can inflate tubulars to a higher pressure. Most road tyres are good up to 120 psi. But, tubs can seem to go as high as 180 – 200 psi. This is good for people doing time trials, who may get some benefit on relatively smooth roads. I will ride at about 120-140 in British time trials. Tubs enable this higher pressure.
3. Saving Weight. Wheels can be a bit lighter, because you don’t need so much of a rim. Also, the wheel can be made all out of carbon fibre. However, that does mean using different (cork) brake blocks for stopping. The weight saving is perhaps 100-200 grams. This can make a difference when climbing, weight saved on wheels is worth more when accelerating. (time saved from reducing weight)

Disadvantages of Tubular Tyres

1. They are more time consuming to put on. I’ve tried both glueing and using tape. Personally, I find glueing the best, but it is not as simple as an inner tube.
2. They can be difficult to get on at all. If you get a tub, you want to pre-stretch them before attaching them.
3. It is very difficult to mend a puncture. I have had tubs repaired (for £16 incl p&P). But, that is more expensive than buying a cheap tubular.
4. More bulky to carry a spare. When racing, it’s a pain to have to carry a spare tub, as they don’t easily fit into a conventional bag. Most people tie one underneath their saddle. I’ve used a water bottle with top cut off.

When To Use Tubulars.

Simply, I never use Tubs for training, because of the expense of getting a puncture. However, I use tubs for racing in time trials and hill climbs, as they offer better performance. However, these days the gap between tubs and inner tubes is narrowing. Tony Martin won the World Time Trial Championship in 2011 using ordinary inner tubes and tyres, a rare event in Pro-cycling.

Related

• Best Tubulars – after a few years of testing, I’m a big fan of Continental competition. Excellent quality and puncture resistance.
• best puncture proof tyres
  

• Tubular Tyres for Racing Bikes