Road Cycling - Self-Sealing Tubes

Anyone have an opinion on self-sealing road tubes?

I know that specialize sells a version called the "Air Lock" and there's always "Slime".

Then there are tire liners like "Spin Skins" and "Slime".

How well do they work? Is the added weight worth it?

I tried Slime on MTB's and gave up when after a few months the Presta valves had gummed up. A commuting colleague found it worked well on thorns but not on glass. Personally if you don't mind the extra weight I'd look at tyres with a thicker rubber layer, or maybe kevlar (the only Kevlar lined tyres I've tried were Specialized Armadillos, and I thought they were like riding on plastic rather than nice rubber, but others like them).

I used self sealers last year. they still punctured, but made a noise like a wet fart when going down. :)

Originally posted by chewa
but made a noise like a wet fart when going down. :)

What do you mean?

:D :roflmao: :lol:

just kidding... but i just love how you described, on how it sounded like.:D :D :D ;;
especially the "going down" part!:D :roflmao: :lol:

dex

Slime is not very good in the long run in tubes. True Goo is a superior product that does not FUBAR your tubes. Spin Skins are ok very light but I do not like their durability. I use tire liners Mr. Tuffy are probably the best. Slime liners work well as do Earthguards. However Maxxis is coming out with their Hokworm tire for 26" wheels at some point and that is a super nice pavement tread.

I commute just about every day on a cross bike, and just like Richard D and Hunter, I wouln't recommend Slime. On 2 different commuter bikes, it didn't seem to seal off punctures with any significance. Instead I went to Performance's kevlar 90psi fast city tires and haven't gotten a puncture in several years. Not necessarily a high performance tire but certainly adequate for commuting.

Check out Tufo tires, they make a CS model that is designed for clinchers rims. They make a sealant that is light weight and it works. I have used their sealant on butyl tubes and it works. I was riding up a hill and heard the sound of air rushing out of my rear tire, there were six guys on my tail and I didn't want to stop on the climb, so I kept pedaling. About 3 seconds later, the sound stopped. The guys were impressed!