Originally Posted by
79pmooney
A flat at speed with clinchers can (not "will") result in the tire coming off the rim and jamming in the stays or fork. With properly glued tubulars, that doesn't happen, even in a blowout. I've blown to tubulars at 40+ and had no issues just coming to a stop. I've blown a clincher at 25. I never want that to happen again!
I suspect more than one or two of the pros who ride at 55+mph down mountains have had similar thoughts go through their minds.
Ben
I have the same questions - when I was young I used tubulars glued with special synthetic glue that was stronger than tubular glue and all was great (had time and patience to do it). did not ride for a long time and used clinchers only in the last 12 years. Now, when the tubular glue tape is proven to be reliable, i'm thinking of switching back to tubies as they have several advantages.
My LBS owner is former racer; I met a lot of people in his shop, as well on the road in the past years - they occasionally race and no one uses anything but tubies. Apart from the cost and bulky spare you have to carry, no other disadvantages.
Except for an odd case, I have not heard of anyone who races on clinchers and even serious training is done on low end tubies.
However, as I have no recent experience (presently using open tubulars with latex tubes) with tubies, I would appreciated feedback from the experienced riders before I embark on this adventure.
xnks
p.s. clincher that won't come off the rim if it blows is harder to install then tubular