So, here is another newbie 'crosser question. I have talked to a number of people and read on this board that many prefer tubulars or tubular clinchers. So here is 2 questions:

1. Why are tubular so much better? Is it simply the ability to run lower tire pressure for increased traction? Do tubulars provide much better protection against flats from thorns or pinching?

2. Is there an economical way to achieve the same effect in clinchers? I am here in Colorado and there are plenty of goat heads in the fall that have flatted both my road bike and MTB. I can only imagine that this is going to be a problem for cross. I mean, its one thing to get a flat in an MTB race and fix your tire, but I am guessing it is another to flat in a cross race.

THanks for you input!

B.

But I used to run Tufo tub clinchers on my cross bike. Yes you can run lower pressures without pinch flats. Protection from punctures? NO! You can put some Tufo latex goo inside and hope the puncture seals itself. I personally found that the price of the tire and goo and finicky mounting was not worth the minimal increase of traction, and pinch flat protection. I picked up a thorn and could not track down wher the actual puncture was, because the air was leaking through the fabric seam glued to the inside over the top of the "beads" that hold the tire on the rim. I used double the amount of sealent and finally got the tire to stop leaking enough to ride it. But, in the morning it would be flat again. I do however think if you were a racer, and had another bike in the pits available in case of a puncture, these tires would be a good thing. As a daily commuter/fire road trail rider, I look for closeout kevlar bead cross tires with minimal tread. For me I have found that some of the more expensive "racing" tires(Jets and Muds) pinch flat more on the Open Pro's im currently riding thatn the cheapos do with the same pressure.
Wade2