TufoC S33 Pro Tubular Clincher(Return to Product Page)

These tires perform well if you can get them installed. They simply won't mount on some rims. I tried installing a pair of the 21C Tufos on the narrow Mavic rims of the stock wheelset on a 1980's Peugeot Triathlon. I was able to mount one tire with considerable difficulty, but the other was absolutely impossible to mount despite more than an hour of effort that caused blisters on several fingers. I grudgingly accepted defeat and mounted them instead first on a wheelset with Mavic SUP rims and ultimately on a wheelset with Campagnolo Omega 19 rims, where they'll now stay 'til I wear them out. These tires can be mounted in minutes on rims that will readily take them, and when you get the knack of it they can be easier to install than regular clinchers. But on some rims be prepared for a battle. I'm running another pair of the 24C tires on Mavic MA40 rims. On that install too, one tire mounted easily, but the other one gave me a lot of trouble around the stem where you can't compress the tire well to work it down into the bead of the rim. I do like how they ride, can be inflated to very high pressure, and can be run with sealant to protect against flats. Their main drawback is uncertainty and variation in ability to mount them on some rims.

I was biased against this type of tire based on comments I'd read in a few bike maintenance books. But, based on a sale price and generally good experience with other Tufo products, decided to give it a try. First... Yes, they can be very tough to install! I think the trick is to closely follow the instructions and start one side under the bead of the rim. I was trying to clip the first side right into the rim bead and just couldn't get it finished. And, yes, it helps to preinflate them the night before.

The ride quality is really quite good for me. I train on mediocre quality rural asphalt. But, the few places where they've redone the blacktop, I can really feel these fly! That's something I hadn't noticed with Vittoria clinchers.

Flats rarely pose a problem if you use a sealant (Stan's works for me.). All the Tufo tires I've tried have been quite repairable, with sealant andor cyanoacrylate glue. My worst experience was getting a fish hook in the tire. I almost pulled it out, remembered the barb on fish hooks, and so I just broke off the protruding bit. Funny thing, with the sealant I didn't even lose any air! But, when I got home and pushed the little bit of metal in, the tire went mostly flat. But, again, Stan's eventually kicked in. That was over a month ago. The tire is still going strong, albeit with the need to top off the air a bit more than usual.

For the record, Tufo's are the only tubulars I've ridden, so my perspective may be a bit narrow.

But, so far, I really like them much better than any clincher I've used.

For my team I only use the Tufo tires I buy at biketiresdirect.com They are very durable, inflate to high pressure, and for the clinchers, do not force the sides of the wheel. Highly recommend. Better performance if used together with the Tufo sealant.

Great deal good training tire. Somewhat challenging to mount

Used them 10 years ago. Tried again after they went on sale and now with Stan's. Run at 150 psi and the ride isn't too harsh but man do these things roll! Once up to speed they fly

I've got about 700-800 on these tires and they are still riding good. I like that you can pump them up to 175 psi. I use these tires on all of my bikes.

I was introduced to Tufo over a year ago. The ride is smooth, the tires durable. I enjoy not having to take tubes in my pack, just CO2 cartridges. I have never had a mechanical issue with these tires and I average 105 miles / week.

Great tires

If you've never ridden with Tufo Tubular Clincher tires, now is the time to start. Once you get the hang of putting them on you will be very satisfied.

They are very robust (last a long time), stay on your wheel in the event of a high speed blowout. I can attest to this as I had a blow out on a mountain descent at high speed and the tire stayed on the rim. That plus a no tools needed to put them on a wheel make them a great addition to your long distance riding.

I rode tubulars for almost 30 yrs and enjoyed the upside..fast and smooth, but the downside of hard to mount and fragile. I purchased TUFOs 3yrs ago because the promise of a lighter system of tire ...single tire and tube weighed more than Tufo tire. And the cost was 25% less.

The tires are moderately difficult to put on the and have to be hand stretched over a period of time. It take persistence and a strong set of hands or at least an extra hand. Like a tubular you have to spend sometime making sure the bead is set and tire aligned.

These tires do not come alive till you start running them at 150-175 psi. Below 140 psi they feel like a clincher. Hit 160 psi and oh boy they take off. Silky and corner with security and speed. Old tubular roll off .....never a thought or problem. Punctures...I ride city, urban and country roads and run over glass and road debris all the time...never a problem..I have not used the TUFO sealant but probably should.

Minor issue... the inner stem on the valve stem will come unscrewed if you use a presta valve adapter as I do because I choose the reg stem length and my presta valve pump head tends to blow off at about 150 psi. I use the adapter so I can use the schrader valve head to pump to 170-180 psi. just be gentle when re-tighten the inner valve.

I let my riding partners use my old set of tires to try them out and all it takes is a quick 50 miles to convince them to buy.

If you are considering TUFOs because of weigh, then thats fine, but crank em to 160 psi and have a faster and tighter ride. Just because they are at 160 psi does not mean they are bone jarring. Think supple and smooth.

It's all in the wheels and frame...everything else is just gravy.

Lewis.....6'2 200 lbs..18-20 avg. from 62 yr old been riding since I was 5.

I have been riding these tires for close to 5 years now and absolutely love them. I cannot understand why Tufo hasn't established a much larger market. The tubular clincher gives you a similar feel and ride to a glue on tire with-out the gluing hassle.

I have tried switching back to traditional clincher tires and just couldn't do it. The ride on the Tufo's is so much better.

The only issue I have had with Tufo is occasionally I will get a tube of sealant that just doesn't work. I recently switched from the Tufo sealant to Stan's and that seems to have done the trick.

Best tire for the money!

I've been riding on Tufo's for about 5 years. I prefer this model to the others as it's a great value for the price and quite durable.

Thirty years ago I rode on sewups. Anyone who has ridden on sew ups, you know they cant be beat for performance. There fairly easy to replace on the road, but fixing, what a pain! So now Ive gone to Tubular Clincher. I feel the best made are the Tufo brand. Minimizing flats on the road and half way decent road performance (115-175psi). Easy to fix on small punchers on the rode with Tufo tire sealant.

I have been using this brand and model tire for three years. I ride two hundred to three hundred miles a week and have only had four flats during this time. Flats are easy to repair with Tufo's tire sealant. Even though the industry is going to wider tires, The 21 mm tire with 145 PSI performs exceptionally even while descending 28 miles from the top of Mt. Lemmon. Given the price, performance and longevity of this tire, it's an outstanding value.

I came across these while looking for a 700x21 clincher for the tight fit on the rear wheel of my TT bike.

Yes they are heavier than a regular clincher but when you factor in the tube and rim tape you don't need they work out lighter.

They mount up a little differently but the instructions are very clear and there are even videos available on-line if you need more help.

I had to bunny hop an under-construction manhole cover on a 47 mph downhill the other day and these tires held up great.

I've been riding these tires for years. They are the best tubulars for everyday riding. I commute with them, club ride with them and race with them. I live in Arizona where thorns can be a nuisance but I've never punctured with these on a thorn. A great durable tire.

This tire handles almost as good as the higher end Tufo tires, and is at an unbeatable price! Im retired now and this tire gives me a good value for a great price!! Ive bought four (4) in the last three months!