Choosing a Tire Type

This question is often discussed even amongst the 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 failure to understand basic facts. In reality the answer to this question is not straightforward and generally valid, because it depends on what 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 * tubular rim is lighter than clincher rim * possibility of higher pressure inflation than clincher type tire * in case of flat the stability and safety of the rider is not affected as much as in the case with clincher tires * can be ridden flat in case of emergency * necessity of gluing the tire to the rim * the flat 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 inner tube, adds more weight, increases rolling resistance * necessity to use rim liner, extra part and more weight * clincher type tire is heavier than tubular tire * higher rolling resistance in comparison with tubular tires * in case of flat , the repair is possible (not easy) or the tube has to be changed * no need to utilize glue, installation is difficult and sometimes impossible without using tools * immediate use after installation * in case of flat, direct and instant affect on the stability and safety of the rider TUFO TUBULAR TIRES FOR CLINCHER RIMS: * totally new, revolutionary construction * low rolling resistance * no need for rim liner * low weight * no need to use glue * the easiest and fastest installation from all types of tires, no tools required * possibility of high inflation pressures * distinctly the safest behavior in case of flats without endangering the stability of the rider * in case of emergency can be ridden flat * immediate use after installation * construction and compactness is equal to tubular tires, riding properties are very close to tubular tires as well 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 significant saving on weight, not only on the tire itself, but also on the rim. This weight saving can amount for the front and rear wheel in total to 500 grams in comparison to the use of clincher rims and tires. Moreover, this weight saving is realized on the circumference of the rotary parts ( wheels) where, from the physical point of view, in case of acceleration, the low weight has far more importance than the weight of solid parts of a bicycle. It is necessary to realize that races are won just by acceleration in the right and critical moment, 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, cyclocross events, cyclotourism). For those who switch from clincher type tires to TUFO tubular clinchers, there is no extra investment. They only have to replace three parts (tire, tube and liner) with only one - TUFO tubular clincher tire. Everyone will soon realize the advantage of easy installation and, in combination with TUFO sealant, the fastest and most effective flat repair without removing the tire from the rim. ©2000-2009 TUFO North America