Tubular Tires

Buying Tubular Tires – For Maximum Performance on the Bike

Whether you are an avid road cyclist or enjoy cyclocross, tubular tires offer the ultimate combination of speed, grip, and comfort. These tires are glued directly to the rim, resulting in lower weight and better rolling resistance compared to clincher tires. Looking to buy the best bike tires? Tubular tires are an excellent choice for performance-oriented riders. At Hollandbikeshop, you will find a wide range with fast delivery.
 

What are Tubular Tires and What Do You Need Them For?

Tubular tires, also known as tubulars, are special racing bike and cyclocross tires where the inner tube is fully integrated into the outer tire. Unlike wire or folding tires, which you mount with an inner tube on a clincher rim, tubular tires are attached directly to the rim with glue or tape. This results in a smoother ride, better grip in corners, and a lower risk of snakebites (a common type of puncture with inner tubes).

You mainly see tubular tires in road cycling and cyclocross, where weight, speed, and control are of great importance. They are less suitable for everyday use, as changing a tire takes more time than with a regular outer tire.
 

What Types of Tubular Tires Are There?

There are different types of tubular tires, each with its own characteristics:

•    Tubular Road Bike Tires – Lightweight and designed for speed on asphalt. Often made from supple cotton or a mix of synthetic materials for low rolling resistance.
•    Tubular Cyclocross Tires – Wider and featuring a coarser tread for better grip on unpaved roads and muddy courses.
•    Tubular Glue and Tape – Essential for securely attaching your tubular tires to the rim. Glue provides the strongest bond, while tape works faster and cleaner.

When choosing a tubular tire, width is important. For road bikes, narrow tires (23-28 mm) are common, while cyclocross riders often opt for tires between 30 and 33 mm.
 

What to Consider When Buying Tubular Tires?

When purchasing tubular tires, you should consider several important points:

•    Tire Size – Ensure that the tire fits the rim and the type of bike. Road bike tires are usually 700c, while some cyclocross models use smaller sizes.
•    Rubber Composition – Softer compounds offer better grip but wear out faster. Harder compounds last longer but have less traction.
•    TPI (Threads Per Inch) – The higher the TPI, the smoother the tire. A higher TPI means less rolling resistance and a more comfortable ride.
•    Grip and Tread – Choose a smooth tread for dry roads and a coarser tread for wet or unpaved surfaces.
•    Glue or Tape – Glue offers maximum adhesion but requires patience and precision. Tape is easier to use and makes changing tires simpler.

Mounting tubular tires can be tricky. Ensure you have the right tubular glue or tape and give the tire enough time to adhere properly before riding.
 

The Best Brands for Tubular Tires

There are several brands known for their high-quality tubular tires:

•    Vittoria – Popular among professional cyclists. They offer supple cotton tubulars with a high TPI for maximum performance.
•    Continental – Known for their durable and puncture-resistant tubular tires, such as the famous Competition series.
•    Tufo – Strong in both racing and cyclocross tires, focusing on durability and reliability.

Vittoria offers the smoothest tires, while Continental excels in puncture resistance. Tufo is a good choice for riders looking for a sturdy and durable tire.
 

Buy Tubular Tires at Hollandbikeshop.com

Looking for the perfect tubular tires for your bike? At Hollandbikeshop.com, you will find a wide selection of tubular road bike tires, cyclocross tires, and mounting accessories. With fast delivery and ample stock, you can hit the road quickly. Check out our offerings above and order directly!
 

Frequently Asked Questions About Tubular Tires

How do I mount tubular tires?

Clean the rim, apply a thin layer of tubular glue or tape, and press the tire firmly onto the rim. Allow the glue to dry properly before riding.
 

How much bar should I pump into my tubular tire?

This depends on the tire and the terrain. Road bike tubulars are often inflated between 6 and 10 bar. Cyclocross tubulars are lower, between 1.8 and 3 bar, for better grip.
 

Are tubular tires puncture-resistant?

Tubular tires are less susceptible to snakebites but can still puncture. A tubeless latex sealant in the tire can automatically seal small holes.
 

Can I use tubular tires on any rim?

No, tubular tires only fit on special tubular rims and not on standard clincher rims.
 

How long does a tubular tire last?

This depends on usage and terrain. A road bike tubular can last between 1000 and 4000 km, while cyclocross tubulars wear out faster due to rough terrain.