This question often comes up, even among racers and top professionals and is often based on a mix of half truths, false assumptions and failure to understand basic facts. In reality the answer is not straightforward because it depends on what use the the tire will be put to. Therefore, we will only list general facts with characteristics of available tire types can be listed here:  

 TUBULAR TIRES:

• + used by majority of serious competitive racers and handcyclists
• + the lowest rolling resistance of all tyre types
• + tubular tyre is the lightest
• + tubular rim is lighter than clincher rim
• + possibility of higher pressure inflation than clincher type tyre
• + in case of flat the stability and safety of the rider is not affected as much as in the case with clincher tyres
• + can be ridden flat in case of emergency
• - necessity of gluing the tyre to the rim
• - the flat repairs are not easy (does not apply to TUFO tubular tires in combination with TUFO sealant, the repair is easy and in many cases instant and cheap)

   CLINCHER TIRES:

• - Of all choices clincher tire is the heaviest
• - necessity to use inner tube, adds more weight, lowers rolling resistance
• - necessity to use rim liner, extra part and more weight
• - clincher type tyre is heavier than tubular tyre
• - higher rolling resistance in comparison with tubular tyres
• + in case of flat , the repair is possible (not easy) or the tube has to be changed
• + no need to utilize glue, installation is difficult and sometimes impossible without using tools
• + immediate use after installation
• - in case of flat, direct and instant affect on the stability and safety of the rider

   TUFO TUBULAR TIRES FOR CLINCHER RIMS:

• totally new, revolutionary construction
• low rolling resistance
• no need for rim liner
• low weight
• no need to use glue
• the easiest and fastest installation from all types of tyres, no tools required
• possibility of high inflation pressures
• distinctly the safest behavior in case of flats without endangering the stability of the rider
• in case of emergency can be ridden flat
• immediate use after installation
• construction and compactness is equal to tubular tyres, riding properties are very close to tubular tyres as well

Summary

For racing purposes and quality training, or for a ride with feeling of lightness, tubular tyres are the obvious choice. Their main advantage is significant saving on weight, not only on the tyre itself, but also on the rim. This weight saving can amount  in total to 500 grams for the front and rear wheel in comparison to similar quality clincher rims, tyres and tubes. Moreover, this weight saving is realized on the circumference of the rotating parts (wheels) where, from the physical point of view, in case of acceleration and climbing, the low weight has far more importance than the weight of non-moving  parts.

It is necessary to realize that races are won just by acceleration in the right and critical moment, as final sprint, catch-up with the peloton, break off from the peloton.

At the same time low rolling resistance and safety in case of flats are strong arguments for tubular tyres. TUFO tubular clincher tyre is quite universal. It can be used anywhere tubular or clincher tyres are currently used (road races, time trials, training).

For those who switch from clincher type tyres to TUFO tubular clinchers, there is no extra investment. They only have to replace three parts (tyre, tube and liner) with only one - TUFO tubular clincher tyre. Everyone will soon realize the advantage of easy installation and, in combination with TUFO sealant, the fastest and most effective flat repair without removing the tyre from the rim.