Road Cycling - Butyl vs. Latex

My LBS is having a sale on Latex tubes. I have only used Butyl in the past. Is latex worth having? Are there any advantages to a latex tube over butyl, other then weight?

Originally posted by Joe Gardner
Are there any advantages to a latex tube over butyl, other then weight?
Nope.

I don't know anyone who uses latex except on race wheels.

The advantage of latex is lighter weight. Butyl weighs a little more, is far more durable, and does not lose air as quickly as latex.

I wonder--maybe someone knows--can latex tubes be patched like butyl?

I used to ride with a really small seat bag. I carried a latex tube for a spare because it took up less room. I think I gave that tube away to someone who didn't have one. I now have a slightly larger bag and carry a butyl spare.

Yes, you can patch laytex, but use the thin Rema patches not the thick butyl ones. And preferably not those self-stick ones. I hate those useless things.

Latex tubes weigh less than butyl tubes. They also lose air like a seive. Latex tubes will guarantee that you will pump your tyres up every time you ride. On a 100 psig tubular with latex tubes, I used to lose 30-40 psig overnight.

Latex tubes are really light and supple, but not worth the hassle. I bought some really nice tires at a LBS a few years ago and the dealer had a special offer and threw in a couple of Continental Latex tubes. Cool orange color, light, thin and nice ride. I just got tired of pumping up the tires every time I took the bike out. I don't mind topping off the tire a few pounds (which I do regularly), but losing 30+ lbs. every day is a bit much. Real problem if you are on an extended multi-day ride too.

I finally took them off and replaced with butyl. I still had one of the latex tubes laying around the garage and found it the other day. It had been sitting for about 3 years exposed to the air. I was surprised to see that the ozone damage was severe and it had split through on the seams and when I stretched it looked like it would shred. Not that that would happen if you were actually using them on a wheel, but it demonstrated to me what happens with exposure to the elements.

If you are racing and someone else is paying the bill then I could see it. I also don't have a personal mechanic to pump up my tires;)

A wrench once told me that well inflated latex tubes were less susceptible to pinch flats. But underinflation (which increases the chance of pinch flats) can be a problem if you are not vigilant with latex. Thus, well inflated butyl is probably a better bet.

Rich