Tubular Meaning in Cycling

Tubular tires are a traditional racing design where the tire is sewn together around an inner tube and then glued to the rim. This creates a completely round profile that offers a unique and very supple feel on the road. Because they are glued on, tubulars can be ridden even when they are flat without the tire falling off. This safety feature is why they were the choice of professional racers for over a hundred years in Europe. For example, a pro might continue to ride a flat tubular tire for a few miles until the team car arrives. They require specialized rims that are much lighter than standard wheels because they do not have heavy side walls. I find that tubulars provide an unmatched ride quality, but they are very difficult and messy for beginners to maintain. If you get a puncture, you usually have to replace the entire expensive tire rather than just a cheap tube. Today, they are mostly used by professional athletes and serious enthusiasts who want the absolute lightest racing setup. They represent a classic part of cycling history.