Road Bike Tubular Tires

Road bike tubular tires, the first choice of the pros

Bike tubular tires were born in 1889, developed by American John Palmer, who patented them. And after over 130 Years years of distinguished history, they are still in their place. Even today, in fact, road bike tubular tires remain the first choice of professional athletes. Widely used on asphalt but also very popular in gravel and cyclocross, their strength lies in their distinctive construction. Unlike clinchers, in fact, the inner tube is enclosed inside the tire, which is then glued directly to the wheel with glue or double-sided tape. Also known as Palmer, tubular tires are comfortable, stable, and dimensionally stable. And they offer demanding pros and amateurs unmatched control.

All the advantages of tubular tires

It is not only ease of riding that has established the dominance of tubular tires among professional racers. When the stakes are high, in fact, every extra gram can make a difference. And tubular tires are the lightest solution available. The reason does not lie directly in the rubber but in the wheel. The tubular rim, in fact, does not need hooks because the tire is held in place by glue or tape. And without hooks, the overall weight drops dramatically, by up to 300 grams less than tubeless. But tubular tires are also very durable, minimizing the risk of punctures as much as possible. Of course, replacing them is not exactly easy. And they cost a little more than the others. They remain, however, a benchmark for anyone who wants to push performance to the limit.

The most interesting models

Challenge, Tufo, Vittoria, Pirelli: these are just some of the leading brands in tubular bike tires. What sets one model apart from another is the quality of the materials, robustness, weight, and intended terrain. The Challenge Grifo Pro, for example, excels off-road, tackling mud with confidence. And it is no coincidence that they are designed for cyclocross. If you are looking for a more traditional approach, you will not be disappointed by the Vittoria Corsa Graphene 2.0, powered by an advanced compound that delivers speed, grip, durability, and puncture resistance. And if you want to save a little without making too many compromises, we recommend the Tufo Hi-Composite Carbon, all-round racing tubulars that perform best in training.