Ever wondered what the pros use for those lightning-fast races? The secret often lies in a special type of tire: the tubular. Unlike the tires you might be used to, tubulars are completely different. They come as one sealed unit, with the inner tube already sewn inside the casing. This design gives riders an edge, providing superior grip and a wonderfully smooth ride, especially on rough roads.
But choosing the right tubular tire can feel like a maze. You face tough choices about tread patterns, casing materials, and the correct glue to use—get it wrong, and you risk a dangerous flat or a tire that peels off mid-ride! Many cyclists feel overwhelmed by the technical jargon and the commitment required to properly mount these high-performance tires.
This post cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what makes tubulars special and guide you step-by-step through selecting, preparing, and mounting your first set. By the end, you will have the confidence to choose the perfect tubulars for your riding style. Let’s dive into the world where performance meets precision!
Top Tubular Tires Recommendations
- High-mileage tub for extensive riding
- Popular Ultra Gatorskin's tubular counterpart
- Width options: 22mm & 25mm
- Robust, all-weather black carbon tread
- Premium German road racing & criterium tub with Black Chili compound
- BLACK CHILI- Features Continental’s revolutionary Black Chili Compound which reduces rolling resistance by 26% improves grip by 30% and adds 5% more mileage out of your tire.
- SAFETY SYSTEM- Made of strong and tightly woven nylon fabric, impregnated with Kevlar providing excellent resistance to pinches and cuts.
- PERFECT FOR CIRCUIT RACES- The Sprinters name says it all. This tire is meant for speed in shorter races, and is definitely the fastest tire in the last 400 meters.
- HANDMADE IN GERMANY-Continental has been hand making their tires since 1871, maintaining the integrity of tradition, while evolving with the most advanced technology.
- 4 LAYER CASING- The Sprinter features four layers of Continentals Proprietary Polyamide Casing, making I extremely flexible while retaining its durability.
- Continental Sprinter Tubular Tire, 28 x 25-Inch, Black
- SAFETY SYSTEM- Made of strong and tightly woven nylon fabric, impregnated with Kevlar providing excellent resistance to pinches and cuts.
- PERFECT FOR CIRCUIT RACES- The Sprinters name says it all. This tire is meant for speed in shorter races, and is definitely the fastest tire in the last 400 meters.
- HANDMADE IN GERMANY-Continental has been hand making their tires since 1871, maintaining the integrity of tradition, while evolving with the most advanced technology.
- 4 LAYER CASING- The Sprinter features four layers of Continentals Proprietary Polyamide Casing, making I extremely flexible while retaining its durability.
- Size: 700 C
- Type: tubular
- Claimed Weight: 9.2oz (260g)
- Recommended Use: road cycling
- Tubular Tire; Size: 1.1 x 9.1 inches (28 x 23 mm); Weight: 10.6 oz (310 g); Color: BLK; Valve: Presta 2.0 inches (51 mm); 220 TPI tubular for training with cotton casing; Durable tubular that can be used for a long time
- Department Name: Unisex Adult
- Release Year/Model Year: 2018
- Season: All year round
- Proven on the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix and Flanders
- 25mm width
- Vectran breaker for puncture resistance
- 180TPI casing for a supple and smooth ride
- BlackChili compound for excellent grip in bad weather
- Efficient competition tyre which plays to its strengths at criterion and triathlon events
- Neutral slick profile for direct road feel and super-fast acceleration
- Good puncture protection thanks to Safety System anti puncture breaker belt
- Excellent grip, high mileage and efficient rolling thanks to Black Chili compound
- SAFETY SYSTEM- Made of strong and tightly woven nylon fabric, impregnated with Kevlar providing excellent resistance to pinches and cuts.
- DURASKIN- Sidewall protection coming from the high quality polyamide fabric encasing the core casing of the tire from scuffs and cuts under the worst conditions.
- GATORSKIN- The Gatorskin, manufactured with a durable carbon black mixture, is as comfortable on the way to work as it is training for road races.
- HANDMADE IN GERMANY-Continental has been hand making their tires since 1871, maintaining the integrity of tradition, while evolving with the most advanced technology.
- LIGHT YET DURABLE- Features the comfortable and light feel of a tubular but is made to withstand even whatever equipment destroying classic you can throw at it.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing Your Perfect Tubular Tires
Tubular tires are a special kind of bike tire. They are different from the common clincher tires you see everywhere. A tubular tire is one complete unit. The inner tube is sewn right inside the casing. This means you glue the whole tire directly onto the rim. Riders often choose these tires for racing because they offer a very smooth ride and excellent grip. This guide will help you pick the best set for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When buying tubulars, several features really matter:
Tire Casing Material and Thread Count (TPI)
- TPI (Threads Per Inch): This number tells you how tightly the fabric casing is woven. Higher TPI numbers (like 280 or 320) mean the casing is softer and more flexible. A soft casing lets the tire mold better to the road. This gives you a smoother ride and better traction. Lower TPI tires are tougher but usually feel harsher.
- Casing Width: Modern tubulars come in many widths, often from 22mm up to 30mm or more. Wider tires (like 25mm or 28mm) give you more comfort and lower rolling resistance on rough roads. They are becoming very popular even for racing.
Puncture Protection and Sealant
- Puncture Belts: Some tires include extra layers of material under the tread to stop sharp objects. More protection usually means a slightly heavier or stiffer tire.
- Using Sealant: Many riders add liquid sealant inside the tube before inflating. If a small puncture happens, the sealant rushes out and plugs the hole instantly. This is a huge plus for long rides.
Important Materials in Tubular Tires
The materials used directly affect how the tire performs and how long it lasts.
Rubber Compound
The tread rubber is crucial for grip. Racing compounds are very soft. They stick well to the road, especially in corners, but they wear out faster. All-around or training compounds use harder rubber. These last much longer but might not feel as sticky in wet conditions.
Inner Tube Material
The tube inside the casing is usually made of either latex or butyl rubber.
- Latex Tubes: These are lighter and allow air to pass through them slowly. They offer the lowest rolling resistance, which means faster speed. However, you must inflate them before every single ride because they lose air quickly.
- Butyl Tubes: These hold air much longer, making them better for casual riding or long events where you cannot check pressure often. They are usually heavier than latex.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Good quality tubulars are carefully built. Poorly made ones cause problems.
Handmade vs. Machine Made
The very best tubular tires are often handmade. This allows manufacturers to carefully shape and stretch the casing for a perfect fit on the rim. This precision improves ride quality greatly. Cheaper, machine-made tires might not fit as consistently.
Adhesion (The Glue Job)
Since tubulars rely on special glue (or tape) to stick to the rim, the quality of the tire’s base tape matters. A good bond ensures the tire does not slip or move on the rim when you corner hard or brake suddenly. Slipping is very dangerous.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use your bike determines the best choice.
Racing (High Performance)
For races, prioritize low weight and low rolling resistance. Choose high TPI casings (300+) and lightweight latex tubes. You accept that you must inflate them right before the race starts.
Training and All-Weather Riding
If you ride every day or in wet conditions, look for a slightly more durable rubber compound and consider using sealant inside the tube. A tire around 25mm wide offers a great balance of speed and comfort for daily use.
Remember: Installing tubulars takes practice. You need special rim cement and a clean rim for a safe, solid bond.
Tubular Tire FAQs
Q: How much harder is it to install a tubular tire than a regular tire?
A: It is much harder. You need special rim cement or double-sided tape. You must clean the old glue off the rim completely. Then, you spread the glue, let it dry partially, and carefully stretch and press the tire onto the rim. It takes time and patience.
Q: Do tubular tires go flat more often than clinchers?
A: Not necessarily. Because the tube is protected inside the casing, they are often very tough against small cuts from glass. However, if you get a large puncture, repairing a tubular on the roadside is very difficult, often requiring you to replace the entire tire.
Q: Can I use tubular tires on a regular clincher rim?
A: Absolutely not. Tubular tires must be glued onto special rims designed specifically for tubulars. Using them on a clincher rim is unsafe because the tire will likely peel off the rim under pressure.
Q: Are tubular tires expensive?
A: Yes, they generally cost more than standard clincher tires. The specialized construction and often higher-quality materials lead to a higher price tag.
Q: What is rolling resistance?
A: Rolling resistance is the effort your legs must use to keep the tire moving forward. Tires with soft casings and latex tubes have lower rolling resistance, meaning they feel faster and require less pedaling effort.
Q: How often should I check the air pressure?
A: If you use latex tubes, you should check the pressure before every ride. Latex slowly leaks air. If you use butyl tubes, checking once or twice a week is usually enough.
Q: What size sealant should I use?
A: Most manufacturers recommend about 1 to 2 ounces of sealant per tire, depending on the tire width. Follow the instructions on the sealant bottle for the best results.
Q: Does the glue wear out over time?
A: The glue bond lasts a very long time, often longer than the life of the tire tread itself. However, if you ride often in very hot, wet conditions, the glue might soften slightly, so always check for tire movement.
Q: Are wider tubulars (28mm+) really faster?
A: Yes, for most real-world road conditions, studies show that wider tires run at slightly lower pressures roll faster and offer better comfort than very narrow tires.
Q: How do I know if my tubular tire is seated correctly?
A: When mounted correctly, the bead of the tire should sit evenly all the way around the rim. You should not see a large gap between the tire casing and the rim shelf. If the tire looks uneven, do not ride it; remount it immediately.