Which is Better Tubulars or Inner Tubes?

I use both tubulars (tubs) for short and the more conventional inner tube /tyre combination.

Apparantely tubs, use to be a lot more popular, but most bike shops don’t seem to even stock them any more.

Advantages of Tubulars.

1. More Puncture Resistant. They seem to be better at avoiding ’small’ punctures from a small bit 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.
2. You can inflate them to a Higher Pressure. Most road tyres are good upto 120 psi. But, tubs can seem to go as high as 180psi. This is good for people doing time trials, who may get some benefit on relatively smooth roads. I will ride at a bout 120-140 in British time trials.
3. Wheels can be a bit lighter, because you don’t need so much of a rim. Not a big issues unless your a specialist hill climber like me.

Disadvantages of Tubular Tyres

1. They are time consuming to put on. I’ve tried both glueing and using tape, either way is messy and time consuming.
2. They can be difficult to get on at all. If you get a tub, you want to prestretch them before attaching them.
3. Very difficult to mend a puncture. I’m told that tubs can be repaired. But, because it involves a bit of sewing I have never tried. At £30 a go it can make it an expensive puncture.

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.

• Tubular Tyres for Racing Bikes