Clincher tires are the standard choice for various types of bicycles, ranging from children's bikes to city bikes, BMX, road bikes, and more traditional MTBs. So, chances are you’ve ridden a bike equipped with clincher tires more than once.
However, if you're here reading this article, it's likely because you've come across the concept of tubular tires. Maybe a friend mentioned them during a ride, or you heard about them during the coverage of the latest Giro d'Italia. Whatever the source, what matters is that you're curious and want to learn more. If that's the case, you're in the right place. Let's dive in and explore the key differences between clincher and tubular tires to help you choose the option best suited to your riding needs.
What are clincher tires?
Clincher, as mentioned, are the most common type of bicycle tires. They consist of an outer "carcass" specifically designed for the type of bike they are mounted on. The final layer of the clincher, made of hard rubber, "hooks" onto the edge of the rim, keeping it securely anchored. Like car tires, bicycle tires have an open bottom. For this reason, clinchers require an inner tube to function properly. As the name suggests, the inner tube contains the air that generates the necessary pressure to keep the tire inflated. When you pump air, you're actually inflating the tube, which then presses against the tire.
There are a couple of alternatives when it comes to inner tube valves. On children’s and commuting bikes, you’ll typically find the Schrader valve, a basic and broader option. The thinner, more streamlined Presta valve is common on road bikes. If you're using a Presta valve, ensure you have the correct pump for it.
The market offers a vast variety of clincher tires that differ in:
- compound
- tread
- width
- durability
- performance
To choose the one that best suits your needs, it's essential to consider how you plan to use your bike. For leisurely Sunday rides purely for enjoyment, a standard clincher tire will do just fine. On the other hand, for challenging rides, races, and training sessions, a racing clincher tire is the optimal choice.
Tubular tires
Tubular tires may look similar to clincher tires from the outside, but they function quite differently. Unlike clincher tires, tubular tires are completely circular and do not have an open bottom or "hook" onto the rim. Additionally, they do not require a separate inner tube. Instead, the inner tube is sewn directly into the tire, making it an integral part of the structure. In short, a tubular tire is a single piece, while a clincher consists of both a tire and an inner tube. Tubular tires are glued to the rim because, without adhesive, they would shift excessively during use.
While less common, tubular tires have a strong following among professional cyclists and experienced amateurs. They are often lighter and, in some cases, more durable over time. However, if you're not familiar with tubular tires, be prepared to spend a little time learning how to use and maintain them properly.
Clincher tires vs Tubular tires, pros and cons
When choosing between clincher and tubular tires, we can weigh the pros and cons of each type of road bike tire. However, it's essential to always consider certain key features, which are outlined below.
Price: clincher tires are better.
Clincher tires are more affordable than tubular tires, often costing 20-30% less. The real cost difference, however, becomes apparent when dealing with punctures. With tubular tires, the entire tire needs to be replaced in case of a flat, whereas with clincher tires, you typically only need to swap out the inner tube. Of course, clincher tires themselves will eventually need replacement when worn out. Additionally, road bike wheels are specifically designed either for tubular tires or clincher tires, but not for both.
Simplicity: clincher tires are better.
Replacing a tubular tire requires specific skills and can be challenging, especially for beginners. Clinchers, on the other hand, are more user-friendly. Learning to change a clincher tire does take some practice, but it’s a relatively straightforward process that most people can master quickly. Tubulars, as previously mentioned, are glued to the rim, making them significantly less convenient to handle.
Durability: tubular tires are better.
The durability of a tire largely depends on its quality. For example, a durable Gatorskin clincher will outlast a Slick tubular. However, when comparing a tubular and a clincher of similar quality, tubulars tend to last slightly longer. The glued design of tubular tires makes them more robust and eliminates the risk of "pinch flats", which are a common cause of punctures in clinchers.
Weight: tubular tires are better.
Tubular tires are generally lighter because they lack the borders and separate inner tube found in clinchers. That said, the weight difference is often negligible for many riders, amounting to no more than 300 grams in most cases.
Repair on the road: clincher tires are better.
If a tubular tire goes flat, it must be entirely replaced, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient. Clinchers, by contrast, only require replacing the inner tube—a simpler and more practical task. This also means carrying a spare tubular or inner tube, depending on your tire choice. Inner tubes are undeniably easier to carry and replace. Additionally, self-repair foam canisters work for both tubulars and clinchers, allowing you to ride home safely. However, it's recommended to replace the damaged tube or tire as soon as possible after using such a solution.
Safety: tubular tires are better.
A key advantage of tubular tires is their ability to be ridden at lower pressures. If a tubular goes flat, it deflates more gradually, allowing you to stop safely. Clinchers, on the other hand, can lose pressure rapidly, which may compromise control and safety in certain situations.
Availability: clincher tires are (slightly) better.
Clinchers are widely available and compatible with almost every type of bicycle, from mountain bikes to commuters. They are the standard for most bike categories. For road cycling, clinchers dominate in training wheels, while tubulars are still preferred in high-performance racing wheels. This mix is common even among professional cyclists.
So, which one is better?
For roughly 80% of cyclists, particularly beginners, clincher tires are the best option. They are easy to use, simple to replace, and more affordable. It's also far more convenient to carry spare inner tubes than to lug around replacement tubular tires.
Clincher tires are the most common solution on the market. If you get a flat in the middle of nowhere, it's much more likely that a fellow cyclist will know how to assist with a clincher tire than with a tubular. Don't underestimate this factor: while it might seem insignificant, the cycling community is known for its camaraderie, and someone will almost certainly stop to help if you're in trouble.
That said, if your bike comes equipped with tubular rims, consider giving them a try before switching to clinchers. You might find them intriguing, and with a bit of practice, they’re not as daunting as they seem. In fact, many cyclists have accidentally fallen in love with tubulars and now use them exclusively.
What about tubeless tires?
In addition to clinchers and tubulars, there's also the option of trying tubeless tires. These are similar to clinchers—open on the bottom and "hooked" to the rim—but without an inner tube. Instead, they contain a sealant that repairs minor punctures.
Many see tubeless tires as the future of cycling, and they've already become a staple in the world of mountain biking. These lightweight tires require minimal maintenance and are resistant to small punctures. On the current market, more and more bicycles come with tubeless-ready tires, which can also accommodate clinchers. This makes them an excellent alternative to traditional clinchers and tubulars, and definitely worth trying.
Now that you’re more familiar with the main features of road bike tires, you can better choose the one that suits your needs. And don’t forget, on bike-room.com, you'll find plenty of bicycles equipped with the best tires on the market!
