More info on Tufo tubular clinchers from their web site. TUFO PRODUCT LINE Our main products are
tubular tires and tubular tires for clincher rims (tubular clinchers). Construction of both types is
essentially the same, consisting of closed tubular toroid. Difference is only in the installation of
the tire on the rim.
The base tape is made of cotton. It absorbs the glue evenly, resulting in optimal bond between the
rim and the tire. Tread - produced either with rubber compound of activated silica, silica or
carbon black (specified for each model). Protective rubber ply - located underneath the tread,
indicates also tire wear and higher possibility of punctures when showing through the tread (only
in specified models). Puncture proof ply - made of rubber cord composite with the cord angle very
close to the direction of the tire circumference, also decreases rolling resistance and increases
power transfer (only in specified models). The carcass plies are overlapped and joined underneath
the tread, creating increased TPI (treads per inch) value and better tire puncture resistance. The
carcass consists of two layers of rubber cord composite with reverse bearing cord orientation in
each layer, joined with natural rubber matrix strengthened with silica. The carcass TPI varies
from 60 to 210 for different tire models. Inside airtight layer is made of a special butyl-rubber
compound. Very low air permeability of this layer means long intervals between tire inflations.
Solid bond between the airtight layer and the tire carcass means lower rolling resistance. The
bead profile reinforcement of tubular clincher tires provides easy tire installation and prevents
the tire from unseating in extreme situations. The bead profile itself copies the shape of the rim
and after inflation provides a perfect joint between them. Also protects the rim lips from damage.
HOW DOES THE TUBULAR CLINCHER WORK? When inflated, the tubular clincher, in the same way as a
tubular tire, is pressed towards the rim. Simultaneously, the bead blocks of the profiled rubber
band spread out embedding on the rim shoulders and eliminating any rotation of the tire against
the rim as well as possibility of the tire unseating. The bottom profiled bead band does not
function only as a filling in the area between the rim and the tire but also plays an active role.
As the tire is inflated, the band sides literally "bite" into the rim shoulders.
This is the major difference from all previous unsuccessful experiments of other tire manufacturers,
where the bottom rubber band was in fact only a passive filling between the rim and the tire.
Tubular clincher mounted on a rim before inflation. Tubular clincher after inflation.
Benefits of our tubular clincher tires:
a.. high inflation pressures - up to 15 bars (220 psi) without any damage to the rim walls, even
in a case when the rim manufacturer specifies lower inflation pressures (the pressure is
contained inside the tire and does not affect the rim walls)
b.. same riding quality as with tubular tires
c.. safe handling in case of punctures, the stability of a rider is not affected
d.. in case of emergency, the tire can be ridden flat
e.. the fastest and easiest installation and dismantling without any tools
