Tube Quality
09-16-12, 12:48 PM
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Tube Quality
I was curious if anyone has ever done a test with tubes to evaluate tube quality (one versus the other).
And curious if there are brands of tubes to stay away from or ones that are high quality rubber.
And curious if there are brands of tubes to stay away from or ones that are high quality rubber.
09-16-12, 04:38 PM
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I guess it depends on your idea of quality.
Personally, I like unthreaded stems, so I use Michelin AirComp and Specialized Ultra Lite. Both of these seem to have a consistent cross-sectional diameter when inflated out of the tire. I figure this means that the thickness if the wall and the elasticity of the material is consistent. If you don't mind threaded stems, Continental tubes also seem to be consistent. I'm not sure this is important, but it makes me happy.
I did try a store brand once. Four of the 6 tubes failed at the stem. Two of them failed before I got them inflated. These were highly recommended, so I guess I got a bad batch. I'm just glad I didn't rely on them as spares.
YMMV.
Personally, I like unthreaded stems, so I use Michelin AirComp and Specialized Ultra Lite. Both of these seem to have a consistent cross-sectional diameter when inflated out of the tire. I figure this means that the thickness if the wall and the elasticity of the material is consistent. If you don't mind threaded stems, Continental tubes also seem to be consistent. I'm not sure this is important, but it makes me happy.
I did try a store brand once. Four of the 6 tubes failed at the stem. Two of them failed before I got them inflated. These were highly recommended, so I guess I got a bad batch. I'm just glad I didn't rely on them as spares.
YMMV.
09-16-12, 09:57 PM
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Most tubes are made by kenda anyways
09-16-12, 11:01 PM
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The vast majority of tubes are made by factory X, Y or Z, using an importer's label, like Trek, Specialized, Pyramid, etc. and it's impossible to know where and by who they were actually made. Moreover, the importer may change suppliers at any time, because of quality issues, or to get a lower price.
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