Top 5 Best Tubular Tires Review in 2023 – New Edition
Are you a serious racer who wants a faster ride to win a triathlon race? Or a cycling traditionalist testing your limit on rough paths with a smoother experience?
If you are a cycling enthusiast, you know the significance of mounting the best tubular tires on your bicycle rims. This will give you a marginal gain in the pedaling effort as it is lightweight and lowers the rolling resistance, unlike regular models.
But getting the best tubular tires requires time & effort. Since companies are trying to win consumers with exceptional materials and innovative technologies, finding the right mix is a little tricky.
So, in this article, we will review the top 5 tubular tires comprehensively with relevant information and buying guide to save your time.
Best Tubular Tires Reviews 2023
1. Continental Competition Tubular Road Tire
Even if you are a novice cyclist you must have heard the name “Continental” when it comes to the bicycle tire thing. Continental is a very popular brand among professional teams because of its handmade durable tires. And these tires range from everyday training to high-end models.
Continental Competition Tubular is the quickest on our recommended list. They offer outstanding handling and rolling resistance capabilities. So, anyone susceptible to puncture protection would be the ideal candidate for this tubular tire, thanks to its unique Vectran Puncture Protection.
The quality of this tire is evident. Because it is not only a proven victorious on the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix but is also the most dependable tire in the pro peloton.
BLACK CHILI- Compound
This tubular tire features a rubber filler materials tread. The material is called the Black Chili Compound which reduces rolling resistance by 26% making it the fastest among tubular tires.
VECTRAN Protection
It has brought in innovation in what is called Vectran puncture protection (matrix fibers made of Vectran) insert under the tread. This enhances the strength which can be compared with steel yet reduces its weight significantly. Being puncture-resistant it retains rolling comfort quite well.
Butyl Inner Tube and Tread Per Inch (TPI)
The tire has a thin butyl inner tube with a thickness of 0.4mm whereas the tread part has a total thickness of 2.5mm. And, the casing comes with an excellent 3/180 TPI construction. This means each of the three layers includes 60 TPI which is a pretty decent average for a durable tire.
Tire Width and Weight
This tire is 25 mm in width but it is compatible with 28-size rims. At a total weight of 215 grams only, it is one of the lightest tubular tires available.
Tire Pressure
Although the recommended air pressure for this tire is 145 psi you can run at full inflation of 175 psi.
PROS
CONS
| Item Dimensions | Brand | Bike Type | Item Weight | Color |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7.25 x 7 x 1.5 in | Continental | Road Bike | 6.35 Ounces | Black |
Verdict
A solid tubular tire at a reasonable price to start a professional biking career. Looking at the weight and overall quality it produces, it is incomparable to other types of tubular tires.
2. Continental Sprinter Tubular Road Tire
This is a superior design from Continental that makes it incredibly fast and reliable for a quick race. As with the name (Sprinter), this one is the best choice for your weekly criterium or circuit races in particular.
Its adhesive Black Chill Compound is exceptional in gripping and accelerating in fast 90-degree bends. With the emergence of special anti-puncture nylon fabric, this tire can easily last longer without much worry about replacing it soon.
BLACK CHILI- Feature
Much like what we have mentioned earlier The Black Chili feature is what makes the Sprinter Tubular Tire sit amongst the fastest tires.
ASC Silica Technology
Continental uses the special ASC SIlica technology in its construction which significantly reduces its rolling resistance and offers excellent corning.
Anti-Puncture Safety System
It is made of strong and closely woven nylon fabric with Kevlar reinforcing the protection against puncture and improving its lifespan.
Duraskin Side Wall
If you have to ever endure tough tests in a race like the Parus-Roubaix the Duraskin Side Wall protection will cover that. It allows your tubular tires to roll even in the harshest condition without wearing out.
Polyamide Casing
This consists of four layers of exclusive polyamide casing making it highly flexible while maintaining its longevity.
PROS
CONS
| Item Dimensions | Brand | Bike Type | Item Weight | Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.66 x 7.28 x 1.57 in | Continental | Road Bike | 9.17 Ounces | Rubber |
Verdict
If you are a serious racer but don’t want to spend an extra penny buying another training tubular tire, the exceptional abrasion-resistant aspect of the subject tire can kill two birds with one stone for you.
Related Guide: commuter bike wheels review
3. Continental 28” Road Bike Tyre Sprinter (Gatorskin)
This is another finest and faster tubular tires from Continental that is worth having a seat in our recommended list.
Riding on this all-around sprinter tire provides the typical comfortable tubular feel. This is due to its popular carbon black tread, and Gatorskin technology.
With its DuraSKin Side Wall protection and Polyamide layer, professional riders are able to utilize a combination of durability and lightness to conquer spring classics.
DuraSkin Side Wall
As we mentioned above it is another Sprinter Tubular from Continental with Duraskin Side Wall Protection. These duraskin fabrics give extra protection against cuts and limit the extent of the damage.
Gatorskin Casing
This tire casing is made from a carbon-black tread mixture. This ensures robustness and increases comfort during training and road racing.
Safety System Breaker
Like the previous one, this road bike tire also features a puncture protection layer under the tread. It is the interwoven tough nylon with Kevlar insulation allowing this defense to go a step further.
Tread Per Inch (TPI)
This Sprinter Gatorskin model comes with 3/180 TPI casing which is the same as found on Sprinter Tubular tires.
Polyamide Layer
This Gatorskin Tubular has a thicker rubber polyamide coating that increases its resistance against puncture. Hence giving it the ability to last longer.
Tire Size
It is a regular model with a diameter of 28 inches and 22 mm on the width of the outer wheel.
PROS
CONS
| Item Dimensions | Brand | Bike Type | Item Weight | Tire Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 x 7 x 10 in | Continental | Road Bike | 1.4 Pounds | Tubular |
Verdict
When you want to explore miles, but the fine tarmac doesn’t cover your streets, yet you want to unlock your tires, this is your tubular.
4. Tufo 700×24 S33 Pro Tubular Tire
If you need a tubular tire for your everyday training, Tufo 700×24 S33 Pro could be the best option for you in the book. Tufo uses unique tubeless tubular technology making them known for their extremely durable tires.
Due to the use of latex lining, you can ride at max air pressure without having to think about changing a flat tire on the road.
Carbon Black Compound
This training tubular tire has a carbon black tread compound and this helps enhance the quality of your riding.
Puncture Resistant
The puncture-resistant ply makes it extremely reliable to withstand abuse.
Ranging Tire Pressure
The tire pressure ranges from 90 to 115 psi. However, it has the ability to produce a comfortable ride running below 90 psi.
Tread Per Inch (TPI)
This Tufo tubular tire provides 60 TPI construction on the casing and uses 90 TPI under the tread making it more durable than regular tires.
Tread Pattern
It has a fine-colored tread pattern that grips the track securely and ensures low rolling resistance for a faster run.
Tire Width and Weight
The tire is 24 mm in the width but you can fit them on a 28-size rim. And, the total weight of the tire is 310 grams which if not the lightest, isn’t heavy at all.
PROS
CONS
| Item Dimensions | Brand | Bike Type | Weight | Tire Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| – | Tufo | – | 310g | – |
Verdict
Best tubular tire for everyday training at affordable prices.
Related Suggestion: Top-rated Touring Bike Tires
5. Tufo 700×21 C S33 Pro Tubular Clincher Tire
It is part of Tufo’s Tubular Clincher Tire Line which is a good contender when you need a sturdy yet lightweight tire for your training.
This is designed by integrating clincher tire features into a single product to cross the mark of being a conventional tubular tire. So you can mount this on a regular 28-inch clincher rim without any trouble.
While it is not the best racing tire riding on this feels great as it embraces high air pressure and hosts a perfect tread pattern.
Carbon Black Compound
Following our Tufo 700×24 S33 tubular tire review, this one also uses a carbon black tread compound which helps repel wear and tear and improves your riding experience.
Puncture Resistant
It also covers puncture-proof ply to withstand sharp edges. That’s why it is highly durable.
Clincher Line Feature
This tubular tire comes with an additional clincher line feature. Hence it integrates your tubular with a hooked strip on the casing allowing you to mount this tire on clincher rims.
Ranging Tire Pressure
This high-inflation pressure tire accepts air ranges from 115 psi to a maximum of 175 psi. This explains why it is considered to be one of the best tubular tires for training and recreational race.
Tread Per Inch (TPI)
This Tufo tubular tire provides 60 TPI on the sidewall area and uses 90 TPI under the tread. This contributes to its robustness which makes it better than regular tires.
Tread Pattern
Much like the previous one we reviewed, this tire has got a finely colored tread pattern to ensure better grip and quick running with low rolling resistance.
Tire Width and Weight
The tire is 21 mm in width but mounts on a regular clincher rim. This narrower width helps elevate speed on harder surfaces. The total weight of the tire is 335 grams which is standard for a training tubular tire.
PROS
CONS
| Item Dimensions | Brand | Bike Type | Item Weight | Tire Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 x 4 x 12 in | Tufo | Road Bike | 1 Pounds | – |
Verdict
This Tufo 700×21 C S33 model is an easy choice for recreational riders who want a great set of tubular tires to support their weekly training.
Suggested Read: Bring back the joy of cycling with the Best Cyclocross Tires of 2022-23!
Tubular Vs. Clincher Tires: A Brief Overview
Bicycle tires mostly come in two types. They are known as the Clincher and Tubular tires. Although they work differently and vary in their constructions often it is hard to tell as they look quite the same.
Unlike the Clincher, the casing of a tubular tire is sewn shut around the inner tube. This effectively means they work as a single piece to take on a tubular form as the name suggests.
Next, a tubular tire doesn’t feature an open part on the tire to clinch with the rim. So it is obvious that you won’t see any bread hooks attached to the sidewall. Instead, you have to rely on specially designed double-sided tape to fix the tire over the rim and stop them from moving around.
As opposed to clincher tires, tubular tires are not very common, especially among amateur cyclists. That said, you will find pro cyclists speak highly of these tires because of their added benefits.
But, what are the advantages of tubular tires over clincher tires?
Well, the issue of increased safety comes first as we talk about this. When you maneuver a wide range of terrains, there’s going to be the moment when flat will occur. If you run with a regular tire at a high-speed accidents are the likely outcome.
With tubular tires, however, you can still ride your bike safely as they won’t separate from the rim until the punctured wheel is changed. Having the tube sewn to the tire gives it strength and makes it more durable. This also means the chances of pinch flat are reduced significantly. Moreover, the closed system ensures air escapes slowly allowing them to operate at a different tire pressure.
The lightweight construction facilitates low rolling resistance. It makes riding on tubular tires feels smoother and faster. This coupled with their capacity for angular inertia is very handy to accelerate during a race.
If we take the downside, changing a tubular tire requires a lousy gluing job. However, with the advancement in rim tape and dedicated adhesive things are getting easier recently. Never guesswork though, because a poorly glued rim can result in a painful crash to end your racing career.
A few riders also seem to have issues with the cost which is slightly higher than traditional clincher tires. But looking at the benefits above, it is easier to justify why tubular tires are worth the extra penny.
Tubular Tires Buying Guide
If you want to buy the best tubular tires you need to keep a few things in mind which might impact your buying decision. To help you decide we have come up with the following factors. Giving a quick look at these will mean you have little room for error.
Size
Determining the correct tire size is the first thing to consider. This really depends on the type of riding you are doing. If you are looking for tubular tires for your training and rough roads, we recommend a bigger option (usually 25mm Tire Width and above). They offer more traction in the corner, so it will be easier for your wheels to tackle obstacles. This also means you will get more stability at speeds.
If you want increased speed for racing on harder surfaces then narrower tires (less than 25mm tire width) are the perfect candidates. However, the easiest way to tell the comfortable size is to try the wheel on the trials and pick what feels right for you. Usually, tire sizes and widths are imprinted on the side of the tire.
Durability
You cannot overlook the importance of picking up a long-lasting, puncture-resistant tire for your bike. So, don’t hesitate to invest a few more bucks on tires that provide extra resistant Kevlar Reinforcement features.
Tread
Be sure to check the tread pattern because it is a crucial factor to consider. Usually, the tightly spaced tread will offer a better grip. On the other hand, a broader tread pattern is durable meaning they are better at withstanding mud and abuse but will not provide the same grip. For triathlon racing, you should choose a tire with chunky side knobs to get better at cornering.
Rubber Component
Tubular tires come with different softness. And, to measure the degree, a unit called durometer is often used. Usually, a tire with a durometer of 70 is more durable and faster.
Whereas the softer model often has a durometer of less than 50. The softer component produces a better grip but tends to be a bit sticky and slow on the run. You should look for durometer measures at 60 to provide you with the right combination of optimal performance and durability.
Weight
Since the tire moves more than any other part of a bike, shedding off a few pounds is particularly important for professional cyclists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Are tubular tires faster?
Ans. Yes, engineers suggest the reason behind this speed is friction. The tubular system enhances friction in the glue layer and also between the tire tread and inner tube. The lightweight of the tubular tire also helps to roll it faster than the clincher setup.
Q. Do tubular tires lose air?
Ans. Tubular tires can lose air in some conditions. As the latex tubes are made from natural rubber, they are porous. For this reason, the tubular tires may allow air to leak slowly through the tube sidewall sometimes. Also, the higher pressure these tires face while running can cause them to lose air.
Q. Can you use tubular tires without glue?
Ans. Yes, tubular tires can be used without glue. You can inflate a tubular tire which will eventually cinch it down on the rim firmly. So, you will not need the glue to adhere the base tape of a tubular with the tire. If the tire is punctured, you will be able to ride miles as the tubulars can stay on the rim.
Q. Do pros still use tubular tires?
Ans. Yes, many of them still prefer tubular tires for emergency or critical situation support. With this type of tire, they can still ride it when punctured or deflated. This type of tire is glued to the rim and is very lightweight. Hardcore cyclists or road bikers still like to place them as a top priority.
Wrapping Up
A good set of tires on your bike can make the difference between your memorable and awful race. So, cost aside when it comes to quality rides and improving performance the hunt for the best tubular tires cannot be left out.
We hope the information provided in this article was of use to you in this respect. Now, time to unleash your potential between the legs. In the end, that’s all that matters!