When it comes to improving a road bike, investing in good wheels is almost always the best option. Normally, we tend to focus on the rim material (carbon or aluminum), the profile, the wheel width, or the spoke pattern. But it is also important to choose the type of tire system we want to use. The tires are the only point of contact between the bike and the asphalt. The wheels of road bikes usually use two tire systems: tubular and clincher. Which is better? What advantages does one have over the other? And most importantly, which one should I choose? To answer these questions, it is necessary to be clear about what use we are going to give it, what goals we want to achieve, and what we need to choose the system that best suits us. Because, as in almost everything in life, there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
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Both tubular and clincher have their pros and cons depending on our goals and needs as cyclists. Let’s see what they are below.
Tubular tires
Although this system is associated with the world of professional cycling and we may think it is a recent innovation, the truth is that it has been used practically since the beginnings of cycling. It consists of a kind of ring formed by a tire with an inner tube completely wrapped in the casing, which on the outside has a tread band and on the inside a surface that is glued to the rim of the wheel with a special glue or double-sided tape.
Advantages of tubular
The tubular is a simple, one-piece system and, therefore, is lighter than the tire with an inner tube. Tubulars are very fast-rolling tires, allowing for higher pressures and thus less friction with the asphalt. They also absorb shocks better, which gives us less power loss when pedaling. And they are more resistant to punctures thanks to protective layers that are attached to the tread. In addition, with this system we avoid the classic and annoying pinches that can occur between the tire and the inner tube, since the tubular is a single piece. Professional teams cure tubulars in cellars so that they harden and become even more resistant. It is worth remembering that Wout Van Aert, in the Cyclocross World Championship he won in 2017 in Bieles, did not puncture even though all his rivals did several times (Van der Poel up to 4 times) and it is said that he did the carrera with tubulars that had been curing in a cellar for 6 years.
Disadvantages of tubular
The tubular requires a specific rim that comes with a strip onto which the tire is glued. If we compare it to the clincher system, the price is higher (always depending on the models), but for the same quality, a tubular tire usually costs twice as much as a clincher. Another disadvantage of using tubulars on the road is that they tend to lose pressure easily, so you have to be careful to pick up the bike with the right pressure. Mounting them is also more difficult than a clincher. If you don't have mechanical skills, you need to go to the workshop, as it is essential for it to be properly sealed to the rim for correct installation. Also, after mounting it, you will have to wait for the glue to dry before using it. It's not a tire you can mount in 3 minutes and hit the road. Another drawback is that, unlike a tire with an inner tube, a tubular cannot be repaired in case of a puncture. If you get a puncture, you have to throw it away.
Clincher Tires
This system is currently the most widespread in the world of touring cycling. It consists of two parts. On one hand, a tire made up of a casing, a puncture-resistant layer, a tread, and a bead (made of Kevlar or steel) that hooks onto the rim. On the other hand, there is an inner tube that goes inside the tire and allows it to fit onto the rim thanks to the air pressure inside.
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Advantages of clinchers
As it is the most widespread system, there is a wide variety of tires available, with many offers and different price ranges, making them easier to find in any specialized store. Their price is also lower than that of tubular tires. And they last longer. In case of a puncture, it is not necessary to buy a new tire; it is enough to change the inner tube for a new one or repair the punctured tube with a patch.
Disadvantages of clinchers
Just like tubulars, clinchers require a specific rim with notches where the tire bead sits, although as we saw above, it is easier to find them on the market. Wheels with a clincher and tube system are heavier and offer more rolling resistance on asphalt than tubulars, which can result in a loss of pedaling efficiency. On the other hand, they are stiffer and absorb road irregularities less effectively. If you are used to riding with tubulars, switching to a tire with an inner tube may feel uncomfortable. Although it's easier to repair a puncture, it's also easier to get a flat when using a tire with a tube. The use of tubeless wheels on the road is gradually becoming more widespread. There are also tubes with puncture-resistant liquid inside, with the drawback of added weight.
🛞 Is it worth using tubeless wheels on the road?
If your thing is pushing yourself to squeeze out every last second, the tubular is the best option. You’ll go faster, gain in speed and performance, and ride more comfortably. It’s a good choice if, for example, you do triathlons or participate in competitive events. But if crossing the finish line first is not your goal and you don’t want trouble when changing tires or dealing with a flat on the road, the clincher is your ally.