forgive this DUMB question...

[astroluc]

...but what exactly are clinchers in regards to wheels?!? I know the rim, hub, cassette, spokes, skewers, tire, and tube; so is the clincher another name for one of these components, is it so blazingly simple I am just missing it, or is it something my mortal mind cannot comprehend without touching the face of G*D?

forgive that last... I am just curious. :D

[dhk]

...but what exactly are clinchers in regards to wheels?!? I know the rim, hub, cassette, spokes, skewers, tire, and tube; so is the clincher another name for one of these components, is it so blazingly simple I am just missing it, or is it something my mortal mind cannot comprehend without touching the face of G*D?

forgive that last... I am just curious. :D
"Clincher" describes the common type of tire which uses a bead to lock (or clinch) onto the rim, just like a car tire. The term "clincher" is also used to describe the rim that goes with the beaded clincher tire.

The other type of bike tire is a "tubular", or "sew-up". They don't have a bead, and are glued onto the rim. They used to fairly common on racing bikes, but aren't seen too often now, at least not on road bikes.

[Doctor Morbius]

... I am just missing it, or is it something my mortal mind cannot comprehend without touching the face of G*D? Maybe just the wheelset of G*D. ;) Regular blokes like me use clinchers.

[astroluc]

Thank you, excellent... I knew it had to be something just off the map. Much appreciated.

[artmichalek]

Maybe just the wheelset of G*D. ;)
Or anyone else with a car full of spare wheels following them around. :)