Bike tubular tires are a type of bicycle tire where the tire and inner tube are sewn together, creating a single unit glued onto a specially designed rim. This design, often used in professional racing, provides excellent ride quality, better rolling resistance, and improved cornering capabilities. Tubular tires are commonly made from lightweight materials like latex or butyl rubber and are favored by racers for their superior performance characteristics despite the more complex installation process.
In this article, we explain the definition of a bike tubular tire and sort different types by tire sizes and bike types. Then, we explore the pros and cons of riding with tubular tires and how they compare with clincher and tubeless tires. Meanwhile, we dive deep into the lifespan, maintenance, and buying guide to choose the right tubular tires for your bike
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What is a tubular tire?
A tubular tire is a type of bicycle tire where the inner tube is sewn inside the tire casing, and the entire unit is glued to a specially designed tubular rim; this design dates back to the early 20th century and was developed in Europe to provide professional cyclists with a lightweight, aerodynamic solution that improves rolling resistance, cornering grip, and puncture resistance during racing conditions.
What is a tubular?
A tubular tire is a type of bicycle tire in which the tire casing is fully enclosed with an inner tube sewn inside. It is glued directly to a tubular-specific rim, offering advantages like reduced rolling resistance, lower weight, and superior cornering—making it particularly popular among professional cyclists for racing.
What is a bicycle tubular wheel?
A bicycle tubular wheel is a type specifically designed for tubular tires, which are tires with the inner tube sewn directly into the casing and glued onto the rim. The tubular wheel, also known as a “sew-up” wheel, has a rim without sidewalls, allowing the tubular tire to be glued directly onto it, providing improved aerodynamics and reduced rolling resistance. This type of wheel dates back to the early 20th century, when it was developed in Europe to cater to the needs of professional racers seeking lightweight wheels and better performance during competitive cycling.
What does “tubular” mean in bike tires?
“Tubular” in bike tires refers to a type of tire where the inner tube is sewn directly into the tire casing, and the entire unit is glued onto a tubular-specific rim, providing advantages such as improved rolling resistance, lower weight, and better cornering performance.
How do I know if my tire is tubular or tubeless?
You can determine if your tire is tubular or tubeless by checking the tire’s appearance and markings; a tubular tire will have no visible bead or clinch points and will need to be glued to a rim, whereas a tubeless tire will usually have “tubeless” or “TL” markings on the sidewall and features a bead that fits tightly into the rim to create an airtight seal without an inner tube.
What is the difference between a tubular and a tube?
The difference between a tubular and a tube is that a tubular tire has the inner tube sewn directly inside the tire casing, which is then glued to a specialized rim, whereas a separate tube (commonly used with clincher tires) is a removable air-filled component placed inside a standard tire to hold air pressure. Tubular tires are used primarily for racing because of their superior ride quality and lightweight design, while separate tubes are commonly used for convenience, ease of repair, and compatibility with most rims.
Do tubular bike tires need tubes?
Yes, tubular bike tires need inner tubes because the tube is sewn directly inside the tire casing, forming a single unit that must be glued to the rim. This integrated design helps to maintain tire pressure, reduce rolling resistance, and prevent pinch flats, making tubular tires popular among professional cyclists for racing.
Bike tubular tire diagram
Below is the bicycle tubular tire diagram with the necessary tire parts’ names.
What are the materials of bike tubular tires?
The materials of bike tubular tires include natural rubber, synthetic rubber, latex or butyl rubber inner tubes, Kevlar or aramid fibers, and high-strength fabric layers. Below is a detailed breakdown of each component. These materials work together to ensure a lightweight, durable, and high-performance tubular tire, ideal for racing and competitive cycling.
- Tire Tread (Natural and Synthetic Rubber): The outer layer is typically made from natural or synthetic rubber to provide traction, durability, and puncture resistance.
- Inner Tube (Latex or Butyl Rubber): The inner tube, which is sewn into the casing, can be made of latex for a lightweight, supple feel or butyl for better air retention.
- Casing Layers (High-Strength Fabric): The casing is constructed using fabrics like cotton, nylon, or polyester, which provide flexibility and strength, allowing for a smooth ride and better handling.
- Puncture Protection Layer (Kevlar or Aramid Fibers): Many tubular tires include an additional layer made of Kevlar or aramid fibers to enhance puncture resistance and protect against road debris.
- Tire Bead (Reinforced Edge): Though tubular tires do not have hook bead-like clinchers, they have a reinforced edge that helps maintain the tire’s shape and allows for a secure fit when glued to the rim.
Bike tubular tire types
Bike tubular tires come in various types based on size (e.g., 23mm, 25mm, 28mm), bike type (e.g., road, cyclocross, track), and material characteristics (e.g., latex inner tube, butyl inner tube). These categories help cyclists choose the ideal tubular tire for specific riding conditions, ensuring the best performance in terms of rolling resistance, weight, durability, and traction.
Tubular tires sorted by size
Tubular tires are sorted by size to meet the needs of different bike types, performance requirements, and rider preferences. Below are the common sizes of tubular tires:
- 650b: Suitable for gravel and touring bikes, offering improved comfort and traction.
- 700c: The most common size for road bikes, providing efficient rolling resistance and high speed.
- 26-inch: Often used for older mountain bikes, providing a good balance of agility and comfort.
- 27.5-inch: Common for modern mountain bikes, offering better maneuverability and stability.
- 29-inch: Used in cross-country and trail mountain biking, providing better rollover on rough terrain.
- 23mm: Ideal for racing, offering low rolling resistance for fast performance.
- 25mm: A popular size for road cycling, balancing speed, comfort, and grip.
- 28mm: Suited for endurance riding, offering additional comfort and control.
Tubular tires sorted by bike types
Tubular tires are sorted by bike type to cater to the specific demands of different riding conditions, ensuring that cyclists can optimize their performance based on the terrain and intended use. Below are the common bike types that use tubular tires.
- Tubular Road Tires: Designed for road racing, these tires are lightweight and provide low rolling resistance, making them ideal for maximizing speed on paved surfaces.
- Tubular Cyclocross Tires: Built for cyclocross racing, these tires feature enhanced grip and durability, allowing riders to handle muddy and uneven terrain with confidence.
- Tubular Gravel Tires: Suitable for gravel and mixed-terrain riding, these tires offer a balance of comfort, puncture resistance, and grip, making them perfect for long, adventurous rides.
- Tubular Mountain Tires: Typically used for cross-country and trail mountain biking, these tires are designed to offer excellent traction, stability, and control over rough and technical terrain.
What are the advantages of tubular tires?
The advantages of tubular tires include puncture safety, controllability in the event of a puncture, reduced heating from rim brakes, lower rolling resistance, and better cornering performance. These features make tubular tires an excellent choice for competitive racing and high-performance cycling.
- Puncture Safety: Tubular tires are less likely to blow off the rim in the event of a puncture, which makes them safer for high-speed descents.
- Controllability in the Event of a Puncture: Even if a puncture occurs, tubular tires provide better stability and control, allowing the rider to continue safely without immediate tire failure.
- Heating from Rim Brakes: Tubular tires are glued directly to the rim, reducing the risk of overheating and tire failure during long descents where rim brakes generate significant heat.
- Lower Rolling Resistance: Tubular tires generally have lower rolling resistance compared to clinchers, making them ideal for racing and time trials.
- Better Cornering Performance: The construction of tubular tires allows for higher tire pressure and better flexibility, which translates to superior grip and cornering stability, especially in racing conditions.
What are the disadvantages of tubular tires?
The disadvantages of tubular tires include complex installation, difficulty in repairing, limited compatibility, higher cost, and increased maintenance demands. These features make tubular tires less practical for casual cyclists and non-professional riders.
- Complex Installation: Tubular tires require gluing to the rim, which is a time-consuming process that requires skill and precision.
- Difficulty in Repairing: Repairing a punctured tubular tire is challenging since the inner tube is sewn into the tire casing, making roadside repairs impractical.
- Limited Compatibility: Tubular tires can only be used with tubular-specific rims, limiting their compatibility with standard clincher or tubeless rims.
- Higher Cost: Tubular tires tend to be more expensive than clincher or tubeless options due to their specialized construction and the materials used.
- Increased Maintenance: Tubular tires require more maintenance, such as re-gluing and careful inspection, which adds to the time and effort needed to keep them in good condition.
Tubular versus clincher tires
Tubular and clincher tires differ in their construction, installation process, cost, puncture resistance, weight, and typical applications. Tubular tires are typically preferred by professional cyclists for their performance benefits, while clincher tires are more commonly used by recreational riders due to ease of use and lower cost.
Feature | Tubular Tires | Clincher Tires |
Construction | The tube is sewn inside the tire casing | The tire and inner tube are separate |
Installation | Glued to a special rim (difficult) | Held by the bead to a standard rim (easier) |
Cost | Generally more expensive | More affordable and widely available |
Puncture Resistance | Often less resistant to punctures, but easier to patch on the go | More puncture-resistant with modern tire technology |
Weight | Lighter, with reduced rolling resistance | Heavier due to separate tube and bead structure |
Typical Application | Primarily used in professional racing | Used for training, general riding, and racing by most cyclists |
Tubular versus tubeless tires
Tubular and tubeless tires differ in their construction, installation process, cost, puncture resistance, weight, and typical use, which impacts their suitability for different types of cycling applications. Tubular tires have an inner tube sewn directly inside the tire casing, requiring gluing onto a specific rim, whereas tubeless tires are designed to work without an inner tube, relying on an airtight seal between the tire and the rim.
Feature | Tubular Tires | Tubeless Tires |
Construction | The inner tube is sewn inside the tire casing | No inner tube; the tire creates an airtight seal with the rim |
Installation | Requires glue or tape to attach to a special rim (complex) | Requires a specific tubeless-compatible rim; easier installation |
Cost | Generally more expensive due to specialty rims and gluing | Moderate cost, but may require sealant and tubeless-specific rims |
Puncture Resistance | Lower resistance but easier to repair during a race | Higher puncture resistance; sealant can self-repair small punctures |
Weight | Lighter than tubeless due to fewer components | Slightly heavier due to the sealant and bead design |
Typical Application | Favored by professional racers for high-performance | Popular for general riding, gravel, and mountain biking due to reliability |
How much tire pressure can I run in tubular bike tire?
You can run a tubular bike tire at a pressure range of 100 to 170 psi (7 to 12 bar), depending on the type of riding and the tire’s design. Tubular tires are capable of higher pressures because they are glued onto dedicated rims, eliminating the risk of bead detachment that occurs with clincher or tubeless tires. The use of high-thread-count cotton or synthetic casings provides the strength required for these pressures while reducing rolling resistance, which is ideal for road racing and time trials. Higher pressure reduces rolling resistance for maximum efficiency, but on rougher surfaces, a lower pressure (100-120 psi or 7-8 bar) is preferred to improve comfort and handling by absorbing road vibrations. The round cross-section and secure attachment also enhance cornering performance, making tubular tires well-suited for high-speed conditions.
How long do bike tubular tires last?
Bike tubular tires typically last between 1,500 to 3,000 km (900 to 1,800 miles) or about 6 to 12 months, depending on usage, due to factors like riding conditions, tire quality, road surface, and maintenance habits, with higher-quality tires offering better tread durability and puncture resistance, but frequent riding on rough roads or poor tire care significantly reducing their lifespan.
How to change a bike tubular tire?
To change a bike tubular tire, you need tire levers, glue or adhesive tape, a replacement tubular tire, and a clean cloth. First, deflate the existing tire completely, and use the tire levers to carefully lift it away from the rim, breaking the glue bond. Once removed, clean the rim thoroughly to remove old adhesive residue, ensuring a smooth surface for re-gluing. Apply a thin layer of tubular glue to both the rim and the base tape of the new tubular tire, and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes until tacky. Carefully align the valve hole, place the tire on the rim, and stretch it evenly around the wheel, pressing firmly to ensure strong adhesion. Allow at least 24 hours for the glue to cure before riding to ensure proper bonding. When using adhesive tape instead of glue, apply the tape evenly along the rim, peel off the protective layer, and mount the tire in the same careful manner. Pay special attention to alignment to avoid wobbling and ensure safety, as any misalignment can compromise performance and handling.
How often should one replace the bike’s tubular tires?
You should replace bike tubular tires every 1,500 to 3,000 km (900 to 1,800 miles) or every 6 to 12 months, depending on wear indicators, because factors such as tread wear, puncture frequency, rubber degradation, and reduced traction can compromise safety and performance, especially if you ride regularly or in challenging conditions.
How to install a tubular tire?
To install a tubular tire, you need to carefully prepare the rim, apply adhesive, and properly align the tire to ensure a secure and safe fit. Tubular tires require patience and precision due to the gluing process, but with the right tools and technique, you can achieve a reliable result.
- Prepare the Rim: Clean the rim thoroughly and ensure it is dry before applying adhesive.
- Apply Adhesive: Apply glue to the rim and tire or use adhesive tape, then let it dry until tacky.
- Mount the Tire: Slightly inflate the tire, align the valve, and press the tire onto the rim evenly.
- Seat and Align the Tire: Inflate the tire partially and ensure it is properly seated and aligned.
- Allow Adhesive to Cure: Inflate fully and let the adhesive cure for at least 24 hours before riding.
How to choose a tubular bike tire?
To choose a tubular bike tire, consider factors such as tire width, tread pattern, casing material, pressure rating, and puncture resistance to ensure it suits your riding style and conditions. For road racing, narrower widths and smoother tread patterns provide lower rolling resistance, while wider tires with more grip are better for rough roads or cyclocross. The casing material, such as cotton or synthetic, affects ride quality and durability, with high-thread-count casings offering a more supple ride but at a higher cost. Pay attention to the pressure rating to match your preferred ride comfort and terrain. Puncture resistance is crucial if you frequently ride on rough surfaces, with added protective layers reducing the likelihood of flats. When shopping, consider whether to purchase online for a broader selection or at a local bike store for personalized advice and to physically inspect the tire, ensuring you get the right fit for your riding needs.
Can tubular tires work with a presta valve?
Yes, because tubular tires are often equipped with Presta valves, which are suitable for high-pressure applications and are compatible with the valve holes on most tubular rims.
Can I use tubular tires on clincher rims?
No, because tubular tires are glued directly onto tubular rims, whereas clincher rims are designed to hold a tire with an open bead that hooks into the rim, making them incompatible.
Can I use tubeless tires on tubular rims?
No, because tubular rims lack the bead hooks and airtight construction required to hold and seal a tubeless tire effectively, which could lead to safety issues.
Can you put tubular tires on tubeless rims?
No, because tubular tires need to be glued to a smooth rim bed without bead hooks, while tubeless rims are designed for clincher-type tire beads and cannot accommodate the tubular glue attachment.
Will a tubular tire blow off of a tubeless rim?
Yes, because a tubular tire is not designed to fit onto the bead hooks of a tubeless rim, and without a secure glued attachment, the tire could detach under high pressure, posing a significant safety risk.
Can you run tubeless tires on a 700c tubular wheel?
No, because 700c tubular wheels are made for tires that are glued to the rim, lacking the specific bead seat and rim profile needed to securely hold a tubeless tire in place.
How much does a bike tubular cost?
Bike tubular tires typically range from $50 to USD 150, depending on factors such as brand, materials, and performance features. High-end models, like the Vittoria Corsa G2.0 Tubular Road Tire, are priced around $94.99, while more budget-friendly options, such as the Continental Giro Tubular Tire, can be found for approximately $35.99. Premium bike tires often utilize advanced materials like high-thread-count cotton casings and proprietary rubber compounds to enhance ride quality and durability, justifying their higher cost.
Bike tubular tire manufacturers and brands
Tubular tires, favored by professional cyclists for their performance advantages, are produced by several reputable manufacturers worldwide. Below is an overview of notable brands, their origins, and distinctive features.
Brand | Established | Country | Special Features |
Continental | 1871 | Germany | Known for durable, high-performance tires; Competition tubular road tires are popular for their speed and puncture resistance. |
Vittoria | 1953 | Italy | Renowned for innovative tire technology; the Corsa series uses Graphene compounds for enhanced durability and performance. |
Tufo | 1991 | Czech Republic | Specializes in tubular and tubeless tubular tires; offers unique gluing tape solutions for easier installation. |
Challenge Tires | 2003 | Italy | Focuses on handmade tubular tires with high thread count casings; provides supple ride quality for cyclocross and road racing. |
Kenda | 1962 | Taiwan, China | Offers affordable tubular tires suitable for various disciplines, balancing performance and cost-effectiveness. |
Mavic | 1889 | France | Produces tubular tires designed to complement their wheelsets; emphasizes integration and performance. |
Maxxis | 1967 | Taiwan, China | Provides durable tubular tires with good grip, catering to road and track cyclists. |
Michelin | 1889 | France | Offers high-quality tubular tires with advanced rubber compounds for longevity and performance. |
Veloflex | 1981 | Italy | Produces handmade tubular tires with high thread count casings; delivers exceptional ride quality and low rolling resistance. |