New Tires and Tubes
#26
Senior Member
I just looked up those tires. That is a lot of money for a tire, even if they sound good. But given their name, and their intended use, they sound like overkill for "mostly clean asphalt". I myself now have GP5000 in 28 and 25 and I'm pretty impressed with the ride. You are looking into a category of tire that is far too expensive for most of us, and is it really worth it? I know the answer, as I rode Clement Criterium Seta tires for a while because there was nothing like a silk sew-up. This was 30+ years ago. But at some point I tried the Contis and decided that it was plenty supple for me.
#27
Senior Member
Thread Starter
When I looked around for the GP5000's, I found they are only made in black wall. That disqualified them for me.
#28
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Thanks for weighing in, @canklecat. At least one person likes latex tubes.
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
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Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#29
Full Member
Bad Lag My favorite is Specialized Turbo Cotton with latex tubes, ride is equal to the most expensive tubulars the stop watch always likes them.. They are expensive $60-$80 each and will not last long if abused. II you take good care of them 1500-2000 miles. I talc, tires, tubes, and rims when putting them together and pump them up to 100 lb before each ride I rarely have a problem with them
#30
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I have had nothing but trouble finding what I want for inner tubes.
The stems are too long - 60 to 80- mm long, instead of 25 mm.
It only fits 23-25 mm (but not 28 mm).
Another fits only 28-32 mm (but not 25 mm).
It costs $30 per tube + tax and shipping.
It is not in stock, call to confirm delivery date.
What a PITA.
Will it be any better if I go to my local bike shop (there are none close by)?
The stems are too long - 60 to 80- mm long, instead of 25 mm.
It only fits 23-25 mm (but not 28 mm).
Another fits only 28-32 mm (but not 25 mm).
It costs $30 per tube + tax and shipping.
It is not in stock, call to confirm delivery date.
What a PITA.
Will it be any better if I go to my local bike shop (there are none close by)?
#31
Me duelen las nalgas
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I have had nothing but trouble finding what I want for inner tubes.
The stems are too long - 60 to 80- mm long, instead of 25 mm.
It only fits 23-25 mm (but not 28 mm).
Another fits only 28-32 mm (but not 25 mm).
It costs $30 per tube + tax and shipping.
It is not in stock, call to confirm delivery date.
What a PITA.
Will it be any better if I go to my local bike shop (there are none close by)?
The stems are too long - 60 to 80- mm long, instead of 25 mm.
It only fits 23-25 mm (but not 28 mm).
Another fits only 28-32 mm (but not 25 mm).
It costs $30 per tube + tax and shipping.
It is not in stock, call to confirm delivery date.
What a PITA.
Will it be any better if I go to my local bike shop (there are none close by)?
Which tubes are you looking at that cost $30 each? Even latex tubes generally cost around $30 per pair. Butyl tubes cost around $3-$7 each for cheaper, thicker tubes, and around $7-$10 each for the very thin, lightweight tubes like the Continental Race 28 Light.
Seriously, if a cyclist is willing to pay around $50 each for a tire, it's worth trying latex tubes as well rather than the least expensive butyl tubes. Or at the very least try some thinner butyl tubes like the Conti Race 28 Light. Those make regular tubes feel like deadweight, and harsh on long stretches of chipseal. Most of our rural roads are being resurfaced with chipseal so it's worth paying a little more for better tubes.
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#32
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Yes, I am sure you are correct. It is just such a mixed bag of junk I'm finding online. I can can find some of my desirements but not all of them in one product.
So you don't think I am completely full of it, here are some examples.
Q Tubes lists their product as usable on 700CX23-25mm tires, then, on the cardboard box it also shows them as being usable on 27"X 1 1/4" tires. Well, which is it, Q Tubes? Q Tubes, you guys need to get your act together. They are also the ones listing products that fit 700CX23-25 and a different product for 700CX28-32 but nothing for 700CX25-28 (the two sizes I use).
Tubolito cost $41.50 each (including tax and shipping).
The online reviews of latex tubes are not particularly favorable and they are expensive. Silca latex tubes cost $23.65 each + shipping. Do I need a special patching kit for latex?
Conti Supersonic tubes top out at 700CX25mm tires, so ostensibly, I need a different tube for my 700CX28 rear tire. Supersonics sell locally for $31.21 each, including tax.
Overlaying all of that noise is the lack of availability of the desired product (Schwalbe in particular). Is this caused by COVID-19 restrictions?
If you show me a tube out of its box, does it come in a box? Is it genuine or grey market or a genuine counterfeit? I want a box.
I have spent hours and hours researching and searching for these tubes and have nothing to show for it except frustration.
So you don't think I am completely full of it, here are some examples.
Q Tubes lists their product as usable on 700CX23-25mm tires, then, on the cardboard box it also shows them as being usable on 27"X 1 1/4" tires. Well, which is it, Q Tubes? Q Tubes, you guys need to get your act together. They are also the ones listing products that fit 700CX23-25 and a different product for 700CX28-32 but nothing for 700CX25-28 (the two sizes I use).
Tubolito cost $41.50 each (including tax and shipping).
The online reviews of latex tubes are not particularly favorable and they are expensive. Silca latex tubes cost $23.65 each + shipping. Do I need a special patching kit for latex?
Conti Supersonic tubes top out at 700CX25mm tires, so ostensibly, I need a different tube for my 700CX28 rear tire. Supersonics sell locally for $31.21 each, including tax.
Overlaying all of that noise is the lack of availability of the desired product (Schwalbe in particular). Is this caused by COVID-19 restrictions?
If you show me a tube out of its box, does it come in a box? Is it genuine or grey market or a genuine counterfeit? I want a box.
I have spent hours and hours researching and searching for these tubes and have nothing to show for it except frustration.
Last edited by Bad Lag; 07-12-20 at 01:09 PM.
#33
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27” and 700C tubes are interchangeable. It’s fine to use a size in width too small, but can be hard to install one that’s too big.
Plenty of reasonably priced tubes here. I’ve had great experience with the Michelin Airstop butyl in the 25-32mm size with a 40mm (unthreaded - yeah!) Presta valves that look fine in my tb14 rims. They aren’t light weight but never a split seam or other evidence of quality problems. Ten bucks each.
https://www.universalcycles.com/shop...p?category=600
Plenty of reasonably priced tubes here. I’ve had great experience with the Michelin Airstop butyl in the 25-32mm size with a 40mm (unthreaded - yeah!) Presta valves that look fine in my tb14 rims. They aren’t light weight but never a split seam or other evidence of quality problems. Ten bucks each.
https://www.universalcycles.com/shop...p?category=600
Last edited by Dfrost; 07-12-20 at 12:36 AM.
#34
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Do I need a different patch kit, in particular a different adhesive, to go along with latex inner tubes?
#35
Senior Member
#36
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Well, I ordered some Vittoria latex tubes and some Conti Race 28 butyl tubes. Both are advertised in the 25-28 mm size range I need and both have short, 42 mm stems.
That seemed much more difficult than it needed to be.
Next, is the purchase of some tires. At least the size won't be an issue with these.
That seemed much more difficult than it needed to be.
Next, is the purchase of some tires. At least the size won't be an issue with these.
#37
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Last edited by SurferRosa; 07-15-20 at 10:40 AM.
#38
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Well, it isn't the box I am after, it's the tube inside the box that I desire or, more correctly, I desire the new tubes to be inside a box.
They spend a lot of money on the boxes - colorful, eye-catching graphics, information about the product and product installation, etc. Why not show the box in the advertisement? In my mind, no box implies grey market or counterfeit.
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#39
Senior Member
LOL!
Well, it isn't the box I am after, it's the tube inside the box that I desire or, more correctly, I desire the new tubes to be inside a box.
They spend a lot of money on the boxes - colorful, eye-catching graphics, information about the product and product installation, etc. Why not show the box in the advertisement? In my mind, no box implies grey market or counterfeit.
Well, it isn't the box I am after, it's the tube inside the box that I desire or, more correctly, I desire the new tubes to be inside a box.
They spend a lot of money on the boxes - colorful, eye-catching graphics, information about the product and product installation, etc. Why not show the box in the advertisement? In my mind, no box implies grey market or counterfeit.
I bought a 5 pack of tubes from Ukraine, not bike tubes but vacuum tubes. They came wrapped in bubble wrap. Those same tubes in boxes cost twice as much, and they aren't original boxes anyway. The USSR didn't believe in consumer packed boxes, but these tubes were probably meant for nuclear warheads. I went to buy some Schwalbe tubes, also a 5 pack, but they were gone from Amazon the next day. 40mm stems, and 25-28 ready, just like I need.
#40
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Well,... the Vittoria latex tubes are in and pumped. The tubes weigh 82 gr.
The wheels are noticeably lighter, especially the front wheel. They are bouncier, too, although that might just be the lighter weight.
I'm going for a ride.
The wheels are noticeably lighter, especially the front wheel. They are bouncier, too, although that might just be the lighter weight.
I'm going for a ride.
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#41
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Then I rode my favorite hybrid with 700x42 Conti Speed Rides (which really measure closer to 700x38), my longtime favorite tires for all terrain and rough pavement riding. That bike is my go-to whenever my neck and back are aching and I don't want to be jolted around.
The 700x25 Conti GP Classic skinwalls and Silca latex tubes felt better on chipseal than the fatter Speed Rides at lower pressure.
Good tires with latex tubes also seem to have a wider acceptable pressure range. Sometimes those skinnier road bike tires feel better at higher pressure than I usually ride for really rough chipseal.
#42
Senior Member
I just got a batch of Vittoria butyl tubes in 700x25-28 and these come in at 105g. I'll have to see how they feel, if I can feel them at all. But I went back on BikeTiresDirect to compare these with others and they no longer have them, nor the Schwalbes or for that matter much of anything else for 25 or 28. Bike stuff is just disappearing.
#43
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Tires are needed next. The rear tire's tread is showing signs of wear. The front tire's more uniformly worn but the labels are all scrubbed off from turning.
#44
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I just looked up those tires. That is a lot of money for a tire, even if they sound good. But given their name, and their intended use, they sound like overkill for "mostly clean asphalt". I myself now have GP5000 in 28 and 25 and I'm pretty impressed with the ride. You are looking into a category of tire that is far too expensive for most of us, and is it really worth it? I know the answer, as I rode Clement Criterium Seta tires for a while because there was nothing like a silk sew-up. This was 30+ years ago. But at some point I tried the Contis and decided that it was plenty supple for me.
Well, I ordered some Vittoria latex tubes and some Conti Race 28 butyl tubes. Both are advertised in the 25-28 mm size range I need and both have short, 42 mm stems.
That seemed much more difficult than it needed to be.
Next, is the purchase of some tires. At least the size won't be an issue with these.
That seemed much more difficult than it needed to be.
Next, is the purchase of some tires. At least the size won't be an issue with these.
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#45
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#46
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I use 700c X 25mm up front (Criterium) and 700c X 28mm in the rear (Parigi-Roubaix).
Type of Riding - clean, smooth asphalt roads
Speed - slower than I use to be :-)
Price - ride quality is more important, hence, the Challenge tires ($60-$70 each)
Preferences - light, lively, tubular-like ride quality with the convenience of a clincher.
Type of Riding - clean, smooth asphalt roads
Speed - slower than I use to be :-)
Price - ride quality is more important, hence, the Challenge tires ($60-$70 each)
Preferences - light, lively, tubular-like ride quality with the convenience of a clincher.
What I described above is, for me, the optimal tire arrangement. It took me a couple of decades to get there but I got there and I still use it - 25 front, 28 rear. This works for me as I am a pretty big guy (may even qualify for the lower end of the "Clydsdale" spectrum).
I had an idea while reading these posts. I could get both or, more accurately, get all three. I could buy latex for its ride quality; Tubolito for the weight reduction and Continental Supersonics for the benefits of butyl at the lightest possible weight.
I could do that, however, I suspect it would shake out like this. All three lightweight tubes would puncture too frequently for me. The daily inflation of the latex would prove to be a pain. I suspect I'd end up going back to normal weight butyl after having spent $200 just on tubes that don't work for me.
I could be totally wrong. If any of these noticeably improved the ride quality, I'd be happy. It might be the suppleness of the latex. It might be the lightness and improved "feel" of the ultralight Tubolitos. It might be that perfect blend of lightness and practicality of the Conti Supersonics.
Then, we have to talk about tires.
I had an idea while reading these posts. I could get both or, more accurately, get all three. I could buy latex for its ride quality; Tubolito for the weight reduction and Continental Supersonics for the benefits of butyl at the lightest possible weight.
I could do that, however, I suspect it would shake out like this. All three lightweight tubes would puncture too frequently for me. The daily inflation of the latex would prove to be a pain. I suspect I'd end up going back to normal weight butyl after having spent $200 just on tubes that don't work for me.
I could be totally wrong. If any of these noticeably improved the ride quality, I'd be happy. It might be the suppleness of the latex. It might be the lightness and improved "feel" of the ultralight Tubolitos. It might be that perfect blend of lightness and practicality of the Conti Supersonics.
Then, we have to talk about tires.
Here's what my Italvega Super Speciale looks like set up for Eroica:
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#47
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Consider the Gravel King Slicks. I've got some in 32s on my fat tire road bike. I imagine the compass 700c tires are "nicer" like my Rat Trap Pass.
Go Compass with your latex tubes and Gravel Kings with Butyl.
Go Compass with your latex tubes and Gravel Kings with Butyl.
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I don't do: disks, tubeless, e-shifting, or bead head nymphs.
I don't do: disks, tubeless, e-shifting, or bead head nymphs.
#48
Senior Member
Thread Starter
mech986, that ITALVEGA is a good looking bike. I'm sure with me, my bike, water bottle and tool kit, I am in that weight range. I am just bigger. I could not fit large profile tires like that on my bike.
#49
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The rear triangle will not accept tires much bigger than the current 29mm width of the "28mm" Challenge tire. Offhand, I don't know about clearance at the brake bridge but down near the bottom bracket, it's already tight.
mech986, that ITALVEGA is a good looking bike. I'm sure with me, my bike, water bottle and tool kit, I am in that weight range. I am just bigger. I could not fit large profile tires like that on my bike.
mech986, that ITALVEGA is a good looking bike. I'm sure with me, my bike, water bottle and tool kit, I am in that weight range. I am just bigger. I could not fit large profile tires like that on my bike.
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#50
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Here's a bit of an update, a small update.
The latex tubes have not worked out too well for me. The rear tube blew out and was replaced with a thin/light butyl tube. I have no idea why it blew out.
The front latex tube is still in but has me a bit worried. I haven't ridden in about a month (lazy, distracted?) and the tire has gone almost flat despite two pumpings. Left on its own, it would go completely flat in a couple of weeks. I'm concerned the weight of the bike would then kill the tire. Butyl tubes just don't do that, at least not that fast.
I'm still running the old tires. Someday,...
The latex tubes have not worked out too well for me. The rear tube blew out and was replaced with a thin/light butyl tube. I have no idea why it blew out.
The front latex tube is still in but has me a bit worried. I haven't ridden in about a month (lazy, distracted?) and the tire has gone almost flat despite two pumpings. Left on its own, it would go completely flat in a couple of weeks. I'm concerned the weight of the bike would then kill the tire. Butyl tubes just don't do that, at least not that fast.
I'm still running the old tires. Someday,...
Last edited by Bad Lag; 12-20-20 at 01:38 PM.