Why Tubulars are faster than Clinchers.

If you don't understand what that title means, stop here.

Circling the web (primarily from biketechreview.com) is some data that, at first glance, might give the impression that Clincher tires are faster than Tubulars.


Of course this interpretation is wrong. Here's why.




OK, this first chart shows the rolling resistance (lower better) of a bunch of tires - around 100 - separated into two groups, clincher and tubular. The tubular tires are shown in blue. The clincher tires are shown in pink. Make no mistake, these colors are not chosen randomly: if you ride clinchers, you're a girl.

"But, ElJamoquio, this chart shows that many clinchers have rolling resistances that are quite low!




Here's where I pick apart your argument.




In this photo, we add the data - given by the same test - of the effect of tire pressure (shown on the x-axis) on rolling resistance. I've fit a linear regression to the data. Note that for every 10 psi that we inflate the tires, the power required to drive the tires to that speed is decreased by 0.34 watts. By inflating an extra 30 psi or so, an extra watt - per wheel - is saved.





Finally (and I know you've been hoping I'd type that word), here I project the effect of increasing tire pressure on all the tubular tire data.

But ElJamoquio, why don't you apply the same theory to the clinchers?

Because those levels of pressure - 200 psi - your expensive shiny rims would be turned into expensive shiny shards. Tubular rims can handle these pressure levels without a problem.

Got it? Good.