What Makes a Wheelset ‘Tubular’? Pros, Cons, and Why They’re Fading

For decades, tubular wheelsets dominated the world of professional road cycling, time trials, and cyclocross. Known for their weight savings and reliability in racing conditions, tubular wheels were once considered the gold standard. But in recent years, they’ve been quickly replaced by tubeless and clincher systems.

So, what exactly is a tubular wheelset? Why was it so popular? And why is it now rapidly losing ground in both amateur and pro cycling? Let’s break it down.

What Is a Tubular Wheelset?

A tubular wheelset is designed to work with tubular tires, where the inner tube is sewn directly into the tire itself. The tire is then glued or taped onto the wheel rim.

Unlike clincher or tubeless tires, tubular tires do not hook onto the rim’s edges. Instead, they sit entirely on the rim bed and rely on adhesives to stay in place.

Key Features:

Requires special tubular tires.

No bead hook.

Tire is glued or taped to the rim.

Often lighter than equivalent clincher setups.

Pros of Tubular Wheelsets

1. Weight Savings

Tubular rims can be made lighter because they don’t need sidewalls to hold a clincher tire bead.

Ideal for climbing stages and weight-sensitive race builds.

2. Puncture Safety

In case of a puncture, the tire is less likely to detach from the rim, allowing safer control at speed.

3. Low Rolling Resistance (Historically)

Tubular tires were once considered to offer the lowest rolling resistance, although modern tubeless setups have now surpassed them.

4. Preferred for Cyclocross (Traditionally)

Tubular tires can run at very low pressures without the risk of the tire burping or coming off the rim, making them popular in muddy, technical cyclocross courses.

Cons of Tubular Wheelsets

1. Complex Installation

Gluing a tire requires precision, patience, and drying time.

Mistakes in gluing can lead to dangerous tire detachment.

2. Difficult Mid-Ride Repairs

Flat tires cannot be easily repaired on the road. Most riders either carry a pre-glued spare tubular tire or need to wait for mechanical assistance.

3. High Maintenance

Glue needs to be reapplied periodically. Old glue can lose adhesion and pose safety risks.

4. Declining Tire Availability

Fewer manufacturers are producing high-end tubular tires as the market shifts toward tubeless.

5. Higher Cost Over Time

Tire replacement and maintenance can be more expensive compared to tubeless or clincher systems.

Why Tubulars Are Fading from the Pro and Amateur Scene

In recent years, tubeless technology has caught up and surpassed tubular wheelsets in almost every key metric:

Tubeless tires now offer lower rolling resistance.

Easier installation and mid-ride puncture solutions.

Improved safety and reliability.

Wider tire compatibility for modern wide-rim designs.

Even WorldTour teams have largely abandoned tubulars in favor of tubeless, citing both performance and logistical advantages.

Amateur riders, in particular, have shifted rapidly because tubeless systems are:

Easier to set up.

Safer in the event of punctures.

Widely supported by modern rims and tires.

Should You Still Consider Tubular Wheelsets?

Tubulars may still make sense if:

You are a high-level amateur or pro racer who prefers the specific ride feel of tubulars.

You compete in niche disciplines like cyclocross where very low pressures are essential.

You already own tubular wheels and are comfortable with gluing and maintenance.

But for most riders today:

Tubeless and clincher wheelsets are far more practical, cost-effective, and faster.

Final Thoughts: Tubulars Are Becoming Specialized

Tubular wheelsets once ruled the racing world, but their era is quickly ending.
They still have a place for some purists, collectors, and specific race scenarios, but the convenience, performance, and growing dominance of tubeless technology have made them the new standard.

Unless you have a very specific reason to stick with tubulars, it’s probably time to move forward with modern wheel technologies.