Clement showed off the new tubular casing of its upcoming PDX cyclocross tubular and new 33c slick tubular. ©Cyclocross Magazine
Clement’s Donn Kellogg has spent a good part of his life around tires, and after relaunching the Clement brand and bringing cyclocrossers the PDX and LAS cyclocross clinchers in 2010, he’s been focused on expanding his tire line-up with both additional treads and tubular versions of his existing PDX and LAS cyclocross tires.
The result of his efforts? Two new treads – the USH for dirt roads and touring, and the MXP for mixed cyclocross conditions – and a tubeless, seamless cyclocross tubular casing. The new tubulars eschew the handmade construction of cyclocross tubular tires like Dugast, FMB, Challenge and Vittoria, and instead adopt a Tufo-like technology. But Kellogg promises a more supple casing than the Czech tire manufacturer, comparable to he handmade offerings. Clement also plans to release tubeless cyclocross clinchers in 2012.
Kellogg says that the new Clement PDX and the LAS cyclocross tubulars have been tested extensively by the likes of Ryan Trebon and Peter Webber, and their input and feedback make him confident that he’s created a tire similar in ride to the handmade tubulars. Thanks to their construction, they should also offer better flat protection since there isn’t a tube to pinch, and because the tires are fully sealant compatible (with either Clement’s sealant or Tufo’s). To the touch (or squeeze?), the casing does feel different than a Tufo Flexus tubular tire, and at first glance looks different too, with more visible fibers. Another benefit of Clement’s construction that Kellogg touts is the rubber-coated sidewalls, eliminating the need for Aquaseal or similar sidewall treatments – a process that he says is far more toxic than people realize.
The Clement cyclocross tubulars will feature a seamless basetape, and no internal tube. ©Cyclocross Magazine
Tubeless tubular tires are nothing new. Tufo has been making its tubeless cyclocross tires for almost 20 years now. Without relying on an innertube, the tire avoids the pinch flats which can still occur in traditional tubulars. Tubeless tubulars can also be pre-filled with sealant for flat protection. This makes the tire a convenient choice for training and racing, as the danger of flatting the tire far from home, or just before a race, is significantly lower. Repairs are easier too, since the tire doesn’t have to be unstitched to patch or replace a tube.
Kellogg expects to have the PDX and LAS tubular tires in a few weeks. At a projected 375 grams and $129.99 MSRP, the tires should be competitive with other brands’ offerings. Coming soon is a slick tread version of his cyclocross tubular, for road or cyclocross riders looking for volume and cushion on the road.
Clement has a new USH tire with a tread targeted for dirt roads, adventure riding, and touring. ©Cyclocross Magazine

A preview of the upcoming Clement MXP, multi-condition cyclocross clincher and tubular tire. ©Cyclocross Magazine
Of course, while all these tire attributes sound good on paper, the main question is how do these new Clement tires ride? Stay tuned as we test the new tubulars and treads from Clement.
Love reading about treads, patterns, widths and materials? Find out about the history of cyclocross tires in Issue 13, by subscribing to our print or digital magazine.
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