bungle73

I've heard so much about latex tubes, about how nice they are to ride on, I wanted to give them a try. I picked up a pair a while ago, but hadn't got around to installing them yet. Anyway, tonight I thought I'd stick them in so I could try them out tomorrow. Took the rear wheel off, removed the butyl tube, stuck the latex one in, started pumping, seemed ok, got to around 50 or 60 psi and BANG! Took it out and examined the tube, and there was a very large hole (so large that I could see through it) in it. I put a patch on it and then tried again, BANG! Did the same thing and tried for a third time, BANG! I gave up, stuck the butyl tube back in and stuck the wheel back on the bike.

Bearing in mind that I'm uber careful when installing inner tubes (putting a bit of air in before installation, and examining both sides afterwards to check the tube isn't caught between the tyre and the rim, and I've installed the ultra thin Supersonic tubes with success) are they just too much trouble?

redlude97

Something obviously is wrong with your technique or rim/tire that is causing the damage. I've never had this issue with butyl or latex tubes. Install is about the same, at least with the vittoria latex tubes.The bang for the buck in terms of suppleness and watts savings is hard to beat.

bungle73

Like? The wheels are brand new and the tyres a few months old. The butyl tube went back in fine.

redlude97

It should be obvious from the location of the hole in the tube what caused it, whether it was a pinch between the rim and the tire, spoke hole not covered properly, sharp rim strip edge, or debris in the tire.

rubiksoval

Your rim strip is likely the issue. You need to use tubeless tape.

Latex tubes are the biggest bang for the buck performance wise you can possibly get. Installation takes some prep and care, but I usually get a full season out of mine unless I hit a big rock or something.

Google slowtwitch.com and how to install a latex tube and you should get lots of info.

trailangel

I tried the Latex on clinchers.... after riding tubulars for 12 years... thought I'd get the ride feel back. No go. Same result as OP. My theory ....Latex goes bad when exposed to light. How are they stored before you purchase them (unknown)? In tubular tires latex tubes never see sunlight, except to repair them. Not really any weight savings. Went back to Conti Race Light about 70grams... the same weight as latex. Can anybody tell the difference? Clinchers are so good now, not like 40 years ago.
Best Bang For The Buck?..... not IMO

bungle73

Thanks, I'll check it out.

redlude97

I doubt its a UV issue, they come in boxes and when installed don't see UV either. You save ~1w each even against a light butyl tube. For $15 that is hard to beat https://www.bicyclerollingresistance...eless-clincher

trailangel

Yes, you are correct.

datlas 

redlude97

All my challenge latex tubes have come in a box like this:

As well as my Vittorias

Bah Humbug

This is funny, because I'm a monkey with mechanical stuff and never had these issues with Vittoria or Michelin latex tubes. Yank out the existing rim tape and use a double wrap of Stan's, and wide enough that it goes from wall to wall (not whatever's recommended). Slightly pre-inflate the tube prior to installation. Ensure the tube is entirely within the tire before locking the second bead, and ensure the tube is not pinched. I can all but guarantee you that will work, reliably, for as long as you care to use them.

Note also that those are the best practices for butyl tubes as well.

ReneV

I've had similar problems as the OP on some wheels, in spite of retaping and what-not. On other wheels, it's been entirely straightforward.

jamesdak 

Yep, been using the Vittoria's for years with no issues. I tried a different brand once (can't remember which) and it split when first inflated. Vittoria latex tubes have been rock solid for me and I guess around half of my 30 or so bikes have them on them. Something weird must be going on with the install

eja_ bottecchia

Litespud

I've ridden latex for the last couple of years - Vittorias, IIRC. Mild PITA to install, rode beautifully, but just a little too fragile. I had the occasional flat from no obvious cause except the tube just decided it was time. They're readily patchable, but I've had more flats in those couple of years than in the preceding 10 years on butyls.. I think when the current latex tubes finally give up the ghost, I'll switch back to butyls full time

woodcraft

Bang for the buck.

Heh heh.

firebird854

I run latex tubes and have experienced far less issues then using butyl tubes.

OUGrad05

Interesting read, I have been told latex tubes are more puncture prone and likely to get flats if ridding on rough or poorly maintained roads so I've stayed away. Some here state the opposite....

wphamilton

Saving 5 watts per tire, probably even more with some of the tubes I use, I would gladly pay the extra cost and put up with the relative fragility. But having to air them up all the time is the deal-killer for me.

rubiksoval

Pretty much everyone that knows says the opposite.

Nearly the whole of the professional peloton uses latex tubes (in tubulars). Paris Roubaix, Flanders, Strade Bianchi, etc., etc.

Bah Humbug

You don't just air up before every ride anyway?

wphamilton

Every 25 to 30 rides, unless it slips my mind.

TiHabanero

The OP's experience with latex tubes is all too familiar. After several customers demanded their money back on the "defective" latex tubes we stopped bringing them in. Nothing defective about them, total operator error. Tires are tougher to seat with them, that's all. When done correctly they don't go "BANG!"

f4rrest

I used a latex tube as my spare for a couple years due to the fact that it rolled up so small.

It never occurred to me that it might be difficult to install roadside.

Luckily I never needed it.