Tubes
Clincher tires are U-shaped tires with a separate inflatable rubber tube between it and the rim. Tubular tires consist of both the tube and the tire in one piece.
Rim Attachment
Clincher tires hook on the inside of a rim, with air pressure holding it in place, while tubular tires must be glued to their rims.
Weight
Since tubular tires consist of a single piece, they weigh less than clincher tires. This allows for greater acceleration and speed, making these tires a favorite of racers.
Repair
Clincher tires feature separate tubes that can be patched when punctured. Tubular tires are usually thrown away when punctured.
Replacement
If you change a clincher tire while on a ride, you can immediately ride as hard as you want. However, since a tubular tire must be glued on, it must be ridden gingerly until the glue has dried.
Article Written By Billy Brown
Billy Brown is an outdoor sports writer living in Northern California.
An avid rock climber and trail runner, he's been writing about outdoor activities, fitness and gear since 2005. He regularly contributes to "The Record Searchlight," uncooped.com, and Trails.com, as well as other print and online publications. Brown holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Simpson University and is a NASM-certified personal trainer.
