datlas 

Nashbar canceled my order for latex tubes and won't carry them again.

An internet search shows them cheap from the usual UK folks, but I am wondering if there is a usa source that has some fairly inexpensive (defined by 10-12 bucks/each including shipping).

Suggestions?

urbanknight

Amazon.com has Challenge brand ones.

VA_Esquire

Have you tried Forte Lunar tubes? 49g each and for two costs roughly $25.

datlas 

Do we know how they are? I would prefer Michelin since it is better known.

datlas 

That would be plan B. However I have heard so much about latex tubes giving a smoother ride (and maybe it's placebo) so I am interested in trying them for myself.

But I am a cheapskate, I was to get them for about $11 from Nashbar, they were backordered for the past 6 weeks and they finally said they are not ever coming in.

urbanknight

I'm rolling on two of them right now. I also had one out with a bang on my its first ride, but I think I got it twisted when installing, so it's probably my fault. The other two have been fine and they do seem to roll smoothly (part of that might be because I'm on open tubulars now as well).

gospastic

try world class cycles. they have challenge tubes. they are a little lighter than the michelins i believe. they are less than $10 each, excluding shipping.

chefxian

The Performance Lunar Lites are great tubes.

brianappleby

latex tubes are definitely more of a hassle to deal with. They're easy to rip with a tire lever when installing/removing tires. Watch out for that.

BeeSeeBee

And they aren't latex...

datlas 

Yeah, but is that good or bad?!?

merlinextraligh

it's good and bad.

Good for latex: There's definitely data that latex tubes offer lower rolling resistance.

Latex allegedly offers a more comfortable ride (although I think this thought is a carry over from the better ride quality in tubulars which most use latex tubes.)

Bad for latex: Easier to tear installing as Brian states,

Need to be refilled most every ride,

Alegedly harder to patch (I never patch them so I can't comment ).

urbanknight

In theory, latex will be faster, but I've been told that only works if you have a high quality, supple tire as well.

datlas 

I pretty much only use the BF-endorsed Conti GP4000s, which I would like to think qualifies.

Psimet2001 

Seen some pretty interesting implications that there is data supporting that a latex setup is faster (lower rolling resistance with lighter weight, etc). Better results than with a thin butyl tube.

FWIW - latex tubes are what are used in top tier tubulars as well.

Also - based on one of the last reports I read (I think it was that link that was going around facebook as "New Tire Data" or some such) I thought i would set up a nice clincher setup on some wheels I am going to test here soon....but noticed that almost all of the distributors were out of the Challenge latex tubes......FWIW..

datlas 

It's interesting, I have searched threads about latex tubes here and on that "other" forum...some folks insist the effect is 100% placebo and others swear there is a difference in road feel.

I am willing to give it a try.

datlas 

Just for fun, I called my LBS to see if they have latex tubes.

The dude there said no, but why would I want to use them, lightweight butyl is just as good....

Psimet2001 

- It's at times like this I wish I could call up links to what I have seen....but alas.... Did you ask him why then they only use latex tubes in high end tubulars? Would have been interesting to see what he made up for reasoning.

datlas 

I even did ask him. He gave some bullshirt reason that with tubulars you are compressing a complete cylinder while with clinchers you are not.

I called BS in my brain but just said "thanks anyway."

TheKillerPenguin

Durex sells like 3 for $8 or some **** like that.

datlas 

BikeBling.com has them in stock for 14.99, plus I found a 10% off coupon...and was ready to pull the trigger until I saw the shipping charge, $10.44...grr, bait and switch.

Still looking...it's not easy being a cheapskate who likes schwag.

2ndGen

BeeSeeBee

Biketechreview.com has all the rolling resistance data. It's not something I've ever been able to feel (the power saved, or the supposed ride quality), but that doesn't mean it isn't there (at least the power savings). I only use them as event tubes anyways,

datlas 

Well ,after a bit of searching I ended up getting the Michelin ones from PBK. After shipping, the cost for 4 was 56 bucks which I think is reasonable (after using the coupon code, of course).

I figured maybe I would pick up some tires but their prices on the GP4K have gone up.

gospastic

Would have been about 42 if you just went with world class cycles and got challenge tubes. And you would have gotten them in about 2 days.