Bicycle Mechanics - Thorn resistant tubes-any disadvantages?

Picked up a 3 pack of TR tubes and noticed they are a little thicker and stiffer than reg tubes. Other than the obvious weight being a couple oz. heavier are there any other disadvantages to TR tubes? They seem like a good thing for those who don't need or try to trim every oz. from their bikes, are they?

Yes!

You might be surprised at how much the heavy tubes add to your load.

When I switched to the heavier thorn resistant tubes, I immediately noticed the extra load - and I am NOT a weight weenie.

Interestingly, I just had to change one of the thorn resistant tubes because it had (you guessed it)... a hole. There was no obvious glass, thorn, or other offender in the tire.

I doubt if thorn resistant tubes really reduce punctures very effectively.

What I have found with the thorn resistant tubes, they still get thorns, still go flat. They do however reduce the risk of pinch flats though. Just my expierience. Oh, as mentioned, heavier.

:beer:

It is a trade off, weight for reliability. I had great success running one in my rear tire, it never flatted on me. Finally one day the valve stem came loose, and it would not hold air. Nothing wrong with the extra weight, if you're not racing. If you are racing, you put a regular tube in on race day, it's like a hitter taking the weights off the bat when he steps up to the plate. Suddenly your rear wheel weighs a lot less, and you gain speed you didn't know you had.

Normally - if you stay on the trail, you shouldn't have to worry about thorns. I picked up about FIFTY Goat Heads on my first bike on my first ride...because I was ignorant and just went riding through this field near my house.

I went overboard! I went out the next day and bought thorn resistant slime tubes and slime liners...what a waste of money, and major frustration dealing with that green goo! It fouled the head on my pump, I don't think the liners or the tubes did much good either. I stopped using them after about 2 months, it was a big mess.

I don't know how long you've been riding - or if you're riding road OR mountain...but as your technique and handling skills improve - MOST pinch flats can be avoided by riding smoothly and "lightly". Punctures can be mostly avoided simply by riding where you are supposed to ride.