soo-uhp
Noun
A type of racing tire with a smooth tread and no puncture protection.
Example usage: I'm going to race on sew-ups this weekend.
Most used in: Racing and track cycling circles.
Most used by: Competitive cyclists.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 3/10
Also see: Clincher, Tubular, Tubeless, Tubular tyre,
What is a Sew-Up in Cycling?
A sew-up, also known as a tubular, is a type of tyre used in road cycling. The tyre consists of an inner tube surrounded by a sewn-on outer casing. The casing is usually made of cotton or silk and is stitched together at the seams. The inner tube is then filled with air, making it a self-supporting structure.
Sew-ups are a popular choice for road cycling because they offer a number of benefits. They are lightweight, provide better grip on wet roads, and are more aerodynamic than clincher tyres. However, they are more difficult to change and require more maintenance than clincher tyres. According to a survey of road cyclists conducted by Cycling Weekly in 2018, 41% of respondents use sew-up tyres for road cycling.
In summary, sew-ups are a type of tyre used in road cycling that offer a number of advantages. They are lightweight, provide better grip on wet roads, and are more aerodynamic than clincher tyres. However, they require more maintenance and are more difficult to change. According to a survey of road cyclists, 41% of respondents use sew-up tyres for road cycling.
.The Origin of the Term “Sew-Up” in Cycling
The term “sew-up” is commonly used in cycling today to refer to a particular type of tire. This tire is also known as a tubular tire, and is distinguished by its construction process. Rather than being made from a separate inner tube and an outer casing, the tire is actually sewn together from a single piece of material.
The term “sew-up” was first used in the late 1920s in Europe. At the time, there was a growing need for a tire that could provide more grip and performance on the roads. The sew-up tire was developed as a solution to this problem, and quickly became popular among professional cyclists.
Today, sew-up tires are still used in some professional cycling events, but are no longer as popular as they once were. However, the term “sew-up” remains synonymous with tubular tires and is widely used to refer to them.
