Tuebeless vs TPU tubes
01-20-23, 11:32 AM
#26
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The primary flats from hitting potholes is pinch flats which don't exist with tubeless, so tubeless is better in that regard. Most of the examples here are hitting a pothole and tearing the tire which is bad no matter what you are using. At that point it's a bit of dumb luck. Most of the time anything big enough that the sealant can't seal will leave whatever tube you are using very vulnerable to a flat the next time your ride over something unless you stop and put in a boot.
My understanding of rolling resistance is that latex tubes are actually the best but delicate. Tubeless is close to latex and more robust. TPU is worse rolling resistance but still better than butyl tubes. www.bicyclerollingresistance.com has tests for all the various configurations.
My understanding of rolling resistance is that latex tubes are actually the best but delicate. Tubeless is close to latex and more robust. TPU is worse rolling resistance but still better than butyl tubes. www.bicyclerollingresistance.com has tests for all the various configurations.
01-20-23, 02:36 PM
#27
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My order of 20 Ridenow TPU tubes arrived yesterday. It was $142.56 for 20 tubes and 2 patch kits so about $7/tube. It arrived in 8 days with free shipping from a seller on Aliexpress. My friends want to try them so I ordered for them.
3 tubes and a Park GP-2 patch kit (which supposedly works according to a poster in another TPU thread on this forum) weigh the same as the butyl tube I carry in my saddle bag.
3 tubes and a Park GP-2 patch kit (which supposedly works according to a poster in another TPU thread on this forum) weigh the same as the butyl tube I carry in my saddle bag.
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01-20-23, 04:00 PM
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My understanding of rolling resistance is that latex tubes are actually the best but delicate. Tubeless is close to latex and more robust. TPU is worse rolling resistance but still better than butyl tubes. www.bicyclerollingresistance.com has tests for all the various configurations.
One of the advantages of latex tubes is a plusher ride according to some who use them. A downside to latex is that they lose air faster.
01-20-23, 05:41 PM
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Here again, www.bicyclerollingresistance.com tests rolling resistance on a drum, not in real world road conditions. I take their ratings with a grain of salt.
01-20-23, 05:54 PM
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The Ridenow TPU tubes are the first and only brand my friends and I have tried. They are not hard to install but because they are so thin you need to be careful not to pinch them with a tire lever when removing the tire. So far we haven’t had a flat yet. At under $10 per tube it’s worth a try. One drawback is they only come in a 65mm valve length for 700c tubes. If you have deep section rims they may be too short. We haven’t tried using valve extenders yet - the valve cores are not removable.
01-20-23, 06:11 PM
#31
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momoman Thanks. 
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01-20-23, 06:26 PM
#32
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Here again, www.bicyclerollingresistance.com tests rolling resistance on a drum, not in real world road conditions. I take their ratings with a grain of salt.
One of the advantages of latex tubes is a plusher ride according to some who use them. A downside to latex is that they lose air faster.
One of the advantages of latex tubes is a plusher ride according to some who use them. A downside to latex is that they lose air faster.
