I have spent an inordinate amount of time on this forum searching and reading about tubulars vs clinchers. It actually seems rather balanced between the two (it differs based on event).

What I havent heard much of is those that compete in Ironman events , where you would have to change on the side of the road.


Pertaining to tubs?
1. Have you changed on the spot?
2. Do you have to have glue on hand?
3. Do you just use one of the c02 pumps? Do they give you enough pressure ?

I made it in to Ironman Arizona - so Im just doing a little research ahead of time. Any info would be much appreciated.

I personally used tubulars in Ironman's, as that's all I've ever used on my road bikes. There's nothing wrong with clinchers. Use what ever floats your boat and fits your budget. However, what ever system you use for races, is what you should be using for training too.

"1. Have you changed on the spot?" - Race day is not the time to be learning how to change a flat, be it a tubular or clincher. In the event you're unaware, other than one or two neutral support crews covering the 112 mile bike course who depending on the course layout and location could be an hour or two or more away (and may or may not have any parts to get you going), you're not permitted to accept any outside assistance for mechanicals. Practice fixing/replacing tubes or changing tubulars, which ought to come as part of all your training miles. If you know what you're doing, either type can be fixed in less than 5 minutes. I also used to take enough tools and parts to handle any mechanicals that could crop up, but you need to be well versed in how to fix problems too.

"2. Do you have to have glue on hand?" - If using tubulars, use used tubulars (which still have glue on them) for spares. Simply fold the tubulars so the glued surfaces are stuck together so the glued surfaces are protected from too much road dust. A freshly glued tire can potentially slide off the rim.

"3. Do you just use one C02 cartridge? Do they give enough pressure?" - You'll learn the answer to these questions along with a number of other unasked questions relating to C02 cartridges when you practice (see answer to qeustion 1). C02 cartridges can be quicker, but they aren't without some additonal risks. They are an all or nothing deal, so if you've pinched a clincher tube, you'll be quickly back to square one. Carry more than one C02 cartridge and/or carry a frame pump (don't waste your time with a mini-pump).

I use clinchers and C02 cartridges.

In the last race I did I got a puncture. I timed myself from the instant of getting the puncture to getting riding again. Which was 3.5 minutes. (The Pros are way faster than this). On the rims I was using my tyres were a loose fit and can be reomved with a single tyre lever and put back on by hand without the use of a lever.

I am sure that if I didn't take the time to carefully check the inside of the tyre to ensure nothing was left in it that was going to cause a subseuent puncture I probably could have done this 45 seconds faster.

I carry two cartridges one spare tube and a couple of instant peel and stick patches. I carry the two cartridges in a a little purpose built bracket (that I bought from my local bike shop) that is mounted to the frame behind the drink bottle holder. It mounts by way of the same two scews that go through the drink bottle holder. This way I never forget them and don't have to rumage through my pockets to find them.

I get over 100 psi in a clincher out of a single tube. Certainly good enought to finish the race on.

I personally used tubulars in Ironman's, as that's all I've ever used on my road bikes. There's nothing wrong with clinchers. Use what ever floats your boat and fits your budget. However, what ever system you use for races, is what you should be using for training too.

"1. Have you changed on the spot?" - Race day is not the time to be learning how to change a flat, be it a tubular or clincher. In the event you're unaware, other than one or two neutral support crews covering the 112 mile bike course who depending on the course layout and location could be an hour or two or more away (and may or may not have any parts to get you going), you're not permitted to accept any outside assistance for mechanicals. Practice fixing/replacing tubes or changing tubulars, which ought to come as part of all your training miles. If you know what you're doing, either type can be fixed in less than 5 minutes. I also used to take enough tools and parts to handle any mechanicals that could crop up, but you need to be well versed in how to fix problems too.

"2. Do you have to have glue on hand?" - If using tubulars, use used tubulars (which still have glue on them) for spares. Simply fold the tubulars so the glued surfaces are stuck together so the glued surfaces are protected from too much road dust. A freshly glued tire can potentially slide off the rim.

"3. Do you just use one C02 cartridge? Do they give enough pressure?" - You'll learn the answer to these questions along with a number of other unasked questions relating to C02 cartridges when you practice (see answer to qeustion 1). C02 cartridges can be quicker, but they aren't without some additonal risks. They are an all or nothing deal, so if you've pinched a clincher tube, you'll be quickly back to square one. Carry more than one C02 cartridge and/or carry a frame pump (don't waste your time with a mini-pump).

I have changed dozens of clinchers, and can say without concern that I can change one blindfolded in under 5 minutes. That being said, thats typically with a tire lever, on a work bench, not sitting out in Timbuktu - If I read correctly - you are suggesting practicing out in the boonies?

A frame pump would add a significant amount of drag no? At the 70.3 Events , I do not see people with Pumps - actually rarely see anyone with a bag for a spare. This is what I am trying to understand. You dont want to lose an hour on the bike waiting for a truck. Its nice that Arizona is a 3 loop course, so more real estate can be covered - not relying on it, just stating the obvious.

I am looking at purchasing 606's or straight 808's, and want to know how much difference the 200-300g's is going to make. I use a set of Hed3 clinchers that are basically bricks, and while they accelerate like crap - they can really hold speed.

Thanks for the tips -

Tubular, if you can afford them, are a way better option. A lot can happen on the bike course and if you slice your tire with a clincher you are pretty much done. If you have a tubular, just throw the new one on (keep a razor blade with you on your bike in case the old tire won't budge). "But how often does that happen?", often enough that I have talked about it with friends who've had it happen.

I mean if you flat your still getting off your bike, so the extra insurance is nice. If the extra 45 seconds really changed the outcome of your race you wouldn't be asking this on a forum about road cycling- you wouldn't even be asking it at all because someone would give you a box of tires- to put it all in perspective. An ironman is a long race, and for most people it's about finishing. To go 90 miles on your bike and have to stop because you sliced through your tire would definitely leave a sour taste in your mouth.

I have spent an inordinate amount of time on this forum searching and reading about tubulars vs clinchers. It actually seems rather balanced between the two (it differs based on event).

What I havent heard much of is those that compete in Ironman events , where you would have to change on the side of the road.


Pertaining to tubs?
1. Have you changed on the spot?
2. Do you have to have glue on hand?
3. Do you just use one of the c02 pumps? Do they give you enough pressure ?

I made it in to Ironman Arizona - so Im just doing a little research ahead of time. Any info would be much appreciated.

Changing a Tubular Tire during a race is near impossible to do. It will for sure KILL your time.

To properly change a Tubular Tire that is SAFE to race on requires a series of steps/phases that takes 72+ hours to complete. I don't recommend changing a tubular on the road with glue and then jumping on the bike again to continue the ride. The only item I would trust and use to do a change like this in a race is TUFO TUBULAR TAPE. But again, it iwll take time and for sure kill your race.

CO2 will give you adequate pressure to get home. But for higher PSI you may need to use 1.5 cartridges to get to the higher PSI range you may be using. Even then the pressure in the tire at times is so great that the forced air in the CO2 cartriged can't compete and ends up just hissing out of the valve stem.