Tubular v Clincher aero wheels

NORTHERNER33
NORTHERNER33 Posts: 41
edited July 2009 in Road buying advice
For "average" road conditions would clincher tyres be a better bet than aero? Is the weight disadvantage of clincher a price woth paying for durability? Will the clincher rims last longer than tubular? Any comments appreciated.

Comments

  • bahzob
    bahzob Posts: 2,195
    To get best advice on this you need to be more precise about what your aims/expectations are.

    That said, since this is a subject I'm looking into as well at the moment here's what I understand,, others will be sure to comment

    If time trialling - you need the most aero wheels and the most aero wheels often use tubs so you mostly have have no choice.

    If road racing: Tubs make a fair amount of sense since they are supposed to be a bit more robust than clinchers and their main practical disadvantage (time to change if punctured) isnt a factor. (You either get a spare wheel and a tow or its race over. )

    Whats more the main benefit of tub wheels is that they their lighter rims help with rapid accelerations/changes of pace, which is pretty key in road racing.

    However tub wheels are not cheap and crashes in road races happen so expect the occasional large bill.

    For sportives: Clinchers almost certainly will be best for most.

    For general riding: Clinchers most certainly best.
    Martin S. Newbury RC