Tubular tires are favored by racers and serious riders for low rolling resistance, precise handling, and consistent performance on long sessions. This guide highlights five top tubular road tires from Continental, chosen for a mix of training needs and competitive performance. The quick-reference table below summarizes each option, followed by detailed sections with features, ride quality, and suitability for different road conditions.
| Product | Brand | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Continental Giro Tubular Road Tire | Continental | Training tire; good dry running; preserves race tires |
| Continental Competition Tubular Tire With Black Chili | Continental | Black Chili compound; Vectran protection; handmade in Germany |
| Continental Sprinter Tubular Tire With Black Chili | Continental | Black Chili; fast sprint performance; safety system |
| Continental Sprinter GatorSkin Tubular Tire | Continental | Gatorskin durability; Kevlar-enhanced protection |
| Continental Giro 28 Tubular Tire | Continental | Classic Giro design; 28″ wheel compatibility |
Continental Giro Tubular Road Tire
The Giro Tubular Road Tire is positioned as a training tire that helps preserve more expensive race-day rubber while accumulating endurance miles. It is sized for 27×1 and 700x22c setups, providing a predictable and smooth ride with an emphasis on consistent performance. The design prioritizes ease of use during regular training and wet weather is not its strongest suit, so it suits dry, well-maintained roads best.
- Training Tire
- Perfect for training sessions
- Preserves your race tires
- Excellent rolling characteristics
- Good dry running properties
In dry conditions, the Giro offers reliable feedback and stable cornering at steady speeds. While not engineered for maximum puncture protection, its strength lies in durability and predictable feel over long training blocks on daily routes.
Continental Competition Tubular Tire With Black Chili
The Competition Tubular Tire With Black Chili is a high-performance option designed for serious racing. It is HANDMADE IN GERMANY, reflecting Continental’s long tradition of precision tire manufacture. The Black Chili Compound reduces rolling resistance by about 26% and improves grip by roughly 30%, while the tire gains an extra mileage bump of around 5% over standard compounds. The VECTRAN protection layer adds puncture resistance without excessive weight, making this tire a strong choice for cobbled classics and long training rides on varied pavement.
- HANDMADE IN GERMANY
- BLACK CHILI Compound: lower rolling resistance, better grip, more mileage
- VECTRAN PROTECTION: strong, lightweight puncture protection
Riders often notice the improved grip in cornering and the steadier feel under hard efforts. The combination of reduced rolling resistance and reinforced protection makes it suitable for competitive events and demanding training where durability matters as much as speed.
Continental Sprinter Tubular Tire With Black Chili
The Sprinter Tubular Tire With Black Chili is built for speed in races and fast training blocks. The Black Chili compound reduces rolling resistance and improves grip, while a safety system design—paired with Kevlar-impregnated fabric—enhances puncture resistance without sacrificing too much weight. This tire targets circuit-style racing and time-trial segments where rapid accelerations and strong straight-line performance are key.
- BLACK CHILI compound for lower rolling resistance and better grip
- SAFETY SYSTEM with Kevlar for pinch and cut resistance
- Foremost choice for circuit races and sprint finishes
Expect a fast, confident ride with strong acceleration and reliable feel in the last sections of a race. The tire’s construction aims to balance speed and durability for short- to mid-length events on well-maintained courses.
Continental Sprinter GatorSkin Tubular Tire
The Sprinter GatorSkin Tubular Tire targets riders who value durability alongside speed. It leverages a SAFETY SYSTEM using a tightly woven nylon fabric with Kevlar reinforcement to resist punctures. DURASKIN sidewall protection shields the tire from scuffs and cuts under tough road conditions, while GATORSKIN technology helps extend mileage and reliability. This tire is well suited for mixed roads, daily training, and competitive events where a robust, confidence-inspiring ride is desired.
- SAFETY SYSTEM with Kevlar for puncture resistance
- DURASKIN sidewall protection against scuffs and cuts
- GATORSKIN durability for long training and race blocks
For riders who encounter rough pavement or frequent debris, the Sprinter GatorSkin offers strong protection without severely compromising speed. It is a practical choice for those who train on variable routes and need a dependable tubular option.
Continental Giro 28 Tubular Tire
The Tubular tyre Conti Giro 28 is a classic option designed for 28″ road bikes with a 22 mm width. It emphasizes a traditional Giro build, offering a reliable and balanced performance that suits a broad range of road conditions. This tire provides dependable handling, predictable feedback, and a proven track record for riders who prefer a straightforward tubular choice compatible with older 28″ wheel setups.
- Brand: Continental
- Intended use: Road
- Wheel Size: 28Inch
Riders who value a time-tested, versatile tubular for everyday training and mixed-road days may find this Giro 28 a reliable staple in their tire rotation. It pairs well with classic rims and glue-based installation setups that some cyclists still prefer for durability and cost considerations.
Buying Guide
Choosing tubular tires involves balancing rolling resistance, grip, durability, and installation requirements. Tubulars demand glue or tape-on mounting, but they often deliver lighter weight, lower risk of pinch flats, and a smoother ride feel. The following considerations help compare options across the five tires above and other models you may encounter.
Compatibility And Sizing
Ensure the tire width and wheel diameter match your rims. Common sizes range from 22–25 mm wide on 700c setups, with older 28″ rims using variants like 28×22. Tubular tires require dedicated rims and compatible gluing methods, so verify your wheel set’s compatibility and your preferred installation method before purchase.
Performance Versus Durability
Black Chili compounds and Vectran protection tend to improve rolling speed and puncture resistance but can add slight weight. For training days on rougher pavement, a durable construction (like Duraskin or Kevlar layers) can extend tire life. For race days on smooth asphalt, maximizing grip and reducing rolling resistance may take priority over long-term mileage.
Dry Versus Wet Conditions
Many tubular designs excel on dry roads with predictable grip, while performance compounds may offer less traction in heavy rain or poorly maintained surfaces. If you ride year-round in mixed conditions, consider a tire with proven dry performance and an added layer of protection for wet days or cobblestones.
Maintenance And Installation
Tubular tires require gluing or tape-on mounting to dedicated rims. While installation can be more time-consuming than clinchers, the setup yields a sealed, low-pressure tire that can offer improved ride feel and lower pinch-flats risk. Regular inspection of tire longevity and proper storage helps preserve performance over the season.
Cost And Availability
Tubular tires generally cost more upfront than clinchers, and availability can vary by model and size. If you race regularly or train on high-mileage cycles, investing in a handful of reliable tubulars that match your course profiles can be cost-effective over time. Consider stocking a few common widths (22–25 mm) and diameters (700c, 28″) to cover most setups.