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Tubular tires have their merits, but are a pain in the ass and not worth the trouble for most cyclists. Or were, until Effetto Mariposa’s Carogna tape came along. No more messy, time consuming, gluing rituals. Carogna is simply (very strong) double sided tape: super fast, super clean, and super easy. This stuff really works.
And it makes tubulars easier and more accessible, so more people can enjoy them. Here’s a quick primer, plus a few product picks.
The Deal
The primary advantage of a tubular is safety. At low pressures, or if it goes suddenly flat, it cannot (or should not, if properly stuck on) pull away from the rim, jam the wheel, and cause a crash like a clincher can. With a tubular, a rider is able to safely slow to a stop.
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Tubular rims are also lighter than clincher rims, for quicker feeling wheels and a livelier bike. And tubulars seem to be less prone to flatting, so it is possible to use lower pressures for more traction and a smoother ride.
Tubular tifosi will swear that tubulars “feel better” and “have more traction.” Based on a lot of personal experience, if all things are equal–for example a Vittoria Corsa tubular versus Vittoria Corsa Open Tubular (clincher) with latex tube–and the pressures are the same, I don’t buy it. If it is true when all things are equal, it’s a tiny difference.
But, as I said, with a tubular, it is possible, in many cases, to use less pressure with less risk of flatting than a clincher. With less pressure (and caveats), traction increases and the ride smooths, and that’s probably why tubulars have the reputation they do. It’s not magic though; reduce pressure in any tire and traction improves and the ride smooths.
The rules change for cyclocross. A tubular can be a big advantage because, if properly glued/taped, it is possible to effectively use much lower pressures (for better traction), with little fear of peeling a tire off, and less chance of flatting versus a clincher.
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Flats
Flats are the worst part about tubulars. I once hit a pothole and double flatted my tubulars. That sucked. Not going to lie, clinchers are much easier to deal with in a flat situation.
It is possible, and not difficult, to rip off the flat tubular and install a fresh one roadside. Even without glue, pumped up to the max, the tire should get you home as long as you take it really easy in the corners.
In most situations though, Vittoria’s Pit Stop sealant inflator ($15) should repair the puncture and keep the ride going.
Wheels
It’s not difficult to find a $2500+ carbon tubular wheelsets. Many wheel brands make them, especially those that invest in racing. I’ve ridden my share, and most of them are dreamy and amazing. At the very high end is where the truly exotic wheels like Lightweight, Corima, AX-Lightness, Campagnolo Bora, and Reynolds RZR reside.
Less expensive tubular wheelsets are a bit harder to find, but here are a few good options.
• American Classic Aluminum Tubular wheelset
Offered in both rim (1526g, $699) and disc (1571g, $749) versions. 23mm x 23mm aluminum rim. Am Classic specialized in light rims, and their wheels tend to have a quick and lively feel.
• Velocity Major Tom rim
This is a popular aluminum tubular rim that can be found built up with a variety of hubs. The rim is 21x23mm, 430 grams, and comes in 20 to 36-hole drillings. Wheelsets can be found starting in the $300s and climbing over $1000 depending on hubs and spokes used.
Tires
There are droves of tubulars on the market with options from the big brands and boutique brands likeFMB and Dugast. I’m going to concentrate on a few of the more readily available, general use, options.
Tubulars are more expensive than clinchers, in part because they incorporate a tube, and also because they’re more labor intensive to make. A lot of tubulars are $100 each or more, but training tubs like the Vittoria Rally, Panaracer Practice, and Continental Giro are about $40 or less each.
I’m going to skip ‘cross tubulars, because that’s a quagmire that deserves its own post.
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• Vittoria Corsa CX
Considered the standard in tubular performance. Known for an excellent ride and traction, but less so for their longevity and durability. Vittoria recently overhauled the Corsa, adding graphene to the rubber compound and changing the tread pattern. I’m very curious how the new version compares. 23, 25 and 28mm widths, $104/ea; can be purchased for less. New Corsa should be at least as much, probably more.
• Continental Competition
Like the Vittoria Corsa, a benchmark road tubular. High quality, precisely made, pretty tough, and excellent traction (they’re particularly known for their wet-weather traction). They don’t have the dreamy smoothness of the Vittoria, and they use a butyl tube, which is heavier, and may increase rolling resistance versus a latex tube, but it retains air better. 19, 22, 25mm widths $125/ea MSRP, though can be found for less.
