OldsCOOL

Now that I have your attention.....

I pose this question to those of experience. Inner tubes. Have any of you used latex tubes? I really dont mind the loss of pressure as most of my rides are under 276 miles and I typically top off the 23's on my racing bikes.

Have you used latex or perhaps other purposely lightweight tubes such as the Conti Supersonic?

BlazingPedals

My first serious 10-speed had tubular tires, with latex tubes. Hated losing 20 psi or more every day. I converted the bike to clinchers, and I never went back.

Biker395 

Remember that website that tested puncture resistance and rolling resistance? Pretty much all of the tires had lower rolling resistance when used with latex tubes. Not that it would make much difference at my speeds. lol

The major disadvantages of them are (1) they can't be patched and (2) the cost. (1) is problematic for me because I'm a cheapskate, the environmentalist in me prefers to reuse things that can be repaired, and because I like to carry only one spare tube (not a good idea if you can't patch one of them) (2) is problematic for me, because I'm a cheapskate.

The single biggest factor in my tube purchase decision is the valve stem. I prefer them to be smooth, and there aren't a lot of manufacturers out there making them that way. Michelin is one. Kenda is another.

I use Michelin Ultralight Airstops now and again. They cost a couple of bucks more than the regular Airstops (about $6 on sale).

Pricepoint has Kenda Superlight's on sale right now ... only $3.98 a tube. And they have sweet little red caps too.

JohnDThompson 

I tried latex tubes with clinchers many years ago. Any performance improvement was minor, and I eventually got tried of having to pump them up before every ride.

JanMM

Latex tubes could be problematic for folks with latex allergy, which is not uncommon.

OldsCOOL

That and peanuts.

OldsCOOL

I may lean toward butyl but I still want to try latex. I would really like to have a light wheelset with the new Michelin Power Competition tires and latex tubes just for fun. Probably a distant dream at this point, however.

I've tried the Continental racing tubes about 4yrs ago but have since been using standard Kenda's as heavy as they are. The flats have been few.

Biker395 

FYI: Just noticed PBK has Michelin Latex toobz for only $7.49.

OldsCOOL

Thanx!

Spinz

Stay with ultralight butyl. Latex is a pain. Lp

bykemike 

I just tried a set of the French latex tubes, pink with brass valve stems, ( name escapes me) expensive, light , lose a lot of air
I had my first double flatting ever, front and rear, required a wife pick up, while using them. Might very well have happened with any tube of course but ,for now, no more latex.

I don't understand the comments about not having to pump up everyday however. I have to pump every day to maintain pressure no matter what tube I am using, I always lose about 20lbs of pressure overnight.

OldsCOOL

Did the flats occur from punctures or the latex air loss? I'm assuming it was from punctures. That's the pits. That's goatheads stuff or a patch of glass.

bykemike 

Might have been the metal weave from a blown radial tire, Bam, Bam front then rear. I am ok to self rescue one tire, not two. The latex tubes were in my Ksyrium SL wheels with GP4000 tires, felt nice and light,
was ready to rock and roll with them but the double flat within the first fifty miles was a bad lead in.

OldsCOOL

Latex tubes will most likely be something I try on a bike that has a wheel/tire combo that is easier to change. My love affair with Michelin 23's and Vuelta Lite wheels doesnt sound like a good idea.