This question is often discussed even amongst bicycle racers and top professionals and “correct answer” of an “expert cyclist” is often based on a grist of half truths, quite false assumptions and failures to understand basic facts. In reality, the answer to this question is not straightforward and generally valid because it depends on the use the bicycle and the tire will be put to. Therefore, only general facts with characteristics of available tire types can be listed here:
Tubular tires
used by majority of competitive cyclists
from all tire types they have the lowest rolling resistance
tubular tire is the lightest in weight of all tire types
tubular rim is lighter than clincher rim
possibility to use an inflation pressure higher than that employed in clincher type tires
in case of fast deflation the rider’s stability and safety are not affected as much as in the case of clincher tires
can be ridden flat in case of emergency
necessity to glue the tire to the rim
the puncture repairs are not easy (does not apply to TUFO tubular tires in combination with TUFO sealant, the repair is easy and in many cases instant and cheap)
Clincher tires
from all choices clincher tire is the heaviest
necessity to use a much heavier inner tube, which adds more weight, and increases rolling resistance
necessity to use rim tape – an extra part and more weight
clincher type tire is heavier than the tubular one
higher rolling resistance in comparison with tubular tires
in case of a puncture, the repair is possible (not easy) or the tube has to be changed
no need to utilize glue, mounting is very difficult and sometimes impossible without using tools
after mounting it can be used immediately
in case of fast deflation, direct and instant effect on the rider’s stability and safety
TUFO tubular clincher tires
totally new, revolutionary construction
low rolling resistance
no need to use a rim tape
low weight
no need to use glue
the easiest and fastest mounting from all types of tires, no tools required
possibility of high inflation pressures
distinctly the safest behavior in case of flats without endangering the rider’s stability
in case of emergency it can be ridden flat
after mounting it can be used immediately
riding properties are equal to those of tubular tires
SUMMARY
For racing purposes and quality training, or for a ride with feeling of lightness, tubular tires are the obvious choice. Their main advantage is a significant saving on weight; not only of the weight of the tire itself, but also of that of the rim. For the front and rear wheels this weight saving can total 500 grams in comparison with the clincher rims and tires. Moreover, this weight saving is achieved on the circumference of the rotary parts (wheels) where, from the physical point of view, in case of acceleration, the low weight is much more important than the weight of solid parts of a bicycle. It is necessary to realize that races are won just by acceleration at the right and critical moment, such as final sprint, catch-up with the peloton, break off from the peloton. At the same time, low rolling resistance and safety in case of flats are strong arguments for tubular tires.
TUFO tubular clincher tire is quite universal. It can be used anywhere tubular or clincher tires are presently utilized (road races, time trials, training, cyclo-cross events, cyclotourism…).
For those who switch from clincher type tires to TUFO tubular clinchers, there is no extra investment. They only remove the clincher tire, tube and rim tape replacing the three parts with only one - TUFO tubular clincher tire. Everyone will be fast to realize the advantage of easy mounting and, in combination with TUFO sealant, the fastest and the most effective flat repair without having to remove the tire off the rim.
Always inflate the tire according to the specifications on the tire label. Check the tire for possible damage before riding (wear, cuts, separation or bumps). Do not use damaged tire.
After a ride, clean tires thoroughly. Do not use any solvent based cleaners.
When using the tires on a roller trainer, always inflate to the maximum air pressure as indicated on the tire label. This will prevent the tires from overheating and possible destruction.
Make sure that the rim is the right size, according to the tire label. Do not use rim tape. Do not use any tools.
Complete deflation of the tire is necessary before installation.
Place the wheel on a firm surface (valve opening on top). Slide the tire valve through valve hole in the rim. Starting from the valve, stretch the tire evenly on both sides (fig. 1a) and lay half of the bottom rubber profile into the rim well (fig. 1b) step by step, all around (fig. 1c). If the tubular clincher tire is hard to put on towards the end (fig. 1d), do not use excessive force but start mounting again from the valve and stretch the tire harder.
Inflate the tire slightly (fig. 2) to around 1 bar (15 p.s.i.).
Lift the tire from the rim well with fingers (fig. 3a) and fit the groove of the rubber bead profile into the rim lip (fig. 3b) all around one side of the rim. If you cannot lift the tire, deflate it slightly.
Push with thumbs on the other side of the rubber bead profile (fig. 4a) and fit the groove into the rim lip all around again (fig. 4b).
Inflate the tire to 5 bars (75 p.s.i.) [MTB to 2 bars (30 p.s.i.)] and check for fit on both sides of the rim. Refit if necessary (fig. 5).
Inflate the tire to the recommended pressure as indicated on the tire label.
Video - Installation of TUFO tubular clincher tire
With a pressure of both thumbs (fig. 6a), push the rubber bead profile away from the rim lip and lift upwards (fig. 6b), above the rim. Repeat along the rim for 10-15".
Turn the wheel around. Pushing with both thumbs again, away from you at the same spot, free a portion of the tire from the rim (fig. 7).
Grab the free portion of the tire and pull away from the rim all the way around the wheel to finish dismounting.
Putting the tire on takes less than a minute [MTB less than 2 minutes], taking it off only a few seconds.
