budopo

I've been riding Vredestein latex inner tubes for a couple of years (Vredestein Fortezza TriComp tires). I like them, but they loose air pretty quickly (about 4 psi per hour). I haven't had any problems otherwise until recently, when they seem to be very sensitive to small cuts on the inside of the tire. I'll get a puncture, and the tiny lip on the inside of the tire causes huge air loss, even if I glue a latex boot over it).

In any event, I'm thinking of switching to another brand, and reading a bunch of threads, it looks like Challenge and Michelin are popular. Any opinions about one vs the other? I figure rolling resistance will be the same, and they weigh about the same (close enough, anyway), so does one give a better ride or lose air slower than the other?

Thanks in advance.

chaadster

Also worth considering are the Panaracer R Air tubes, which use some buytl with the latex to help air retention while maintaining low weight (65gm), low rolling resistance, and repairability with standard patch kits. I don't have any personal experience, but that's Panaracer's spiel, anyway.

budopo

Hey, thanks! I was wondering if anyone makes a latex tube with a little butyl added for air retention. I'll have to see if I can find some reviews to see how they ride and what people think of them. Hopefully, the butyl just affects the air retention without really affecting ride quality and rolling resistance, rather than a hybrid that's mediocre.