gc3

After running flat free 2600 miles since March, I've now had 4 tube failure blowouts in the past 3-4 weeks. Only 3 tubes left in the stash, so tempted to switch from the Michelin to something else comparable weight wise, but feel likely to run into similar problems ultimately. Leaning toward Continental Race Light or Kenda Superlight. 60mm threadless stems...

School me, please....

therhodeo

Is there a need for the lightweight tubes? I run pricepoint brand tubes as you get bulk discounts so even if I get a bad run its not $7 a pop. Also have you checked your tire good? Where is the failure happening?

gc3

a. reduce rolling weight & vanity (although I did buy 10 of the Michelins at a good price)

b. yes

c. seams separating

Clem von Jones

Having good luck with these 70 gram tubes at 27mm width with 70-88 lbs of pressure https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...iew#reviewsTab

Try putting some talcum powder in there. I also inflate them in stages, for example inflate halfway and deflate, inflate 2/3 and deflate, inflate to full. My thinking is this relieves uneven stresses and untwists them as they inflate.

SpeshulEd 

Try some latex tubes...the difference was night and day for me. However, they're also fairly delicate - when putting in a new one I do a similar routine to what Clem does.

Jed19

Yep, one does get a bad batch every now and then. I had three Conti tubes fail, one right after the other. The failures were all at the seam. Could not send them back, as I purchased them from ProBikeKit in Britain.

decycle

Latex tubes FTW. I think I had less flats since I switched from butyl tubes. Maybe because they are more elastic.

But you have to check your tire pressure before every ride. They lose 30psi every day.

StanSeven

Sounds like a bad batch. That can happen with any brand. But over the years, I've had best luck with Conti.

robbyville

I've had great luck with Bontrager XXX tubes. run around $15 (retail) and available in 60mm. They also have a latex but I haven't tried them yet.

Of course, you could always look at going tubeless

Looigi

Are you sure it's a problem with the tubes? It's very rare for a tube contained in a tire to blow out unless there is something else going on. Before installing the tube, inflate it to 2-3x its diameter and check it over. Any leak or weakness will become apparent.

Velo Dog

Years ago, when I was a newspaper reporter, I covered a big-time mountain bike race and interviewed some mechanics for a story on maintenance. One of them told me, "All tubes suck, but Contis suck a little less."
FWIW, I've had no luck at all with lightweight tubes. I can't feel the difference anyway, and I don't buy them anymore.

cyclezen

michelin tubes = inevitable split at mold lines = Big Suck Job = poke in the eye

pdxtex

rats. i just bought a bunch of michelin tubes that were on sale. not lightweight ones though. hope they hold up.

merlinextraligh

+1. I'm curious about the nature of the flats attributed to tube failure.

I did have a tube recently that obviously split on a seam (and was not the result of not being seated properly under the tire bead) and have afew tubes over the years fail at the juncture of the stem and the tube. It's possible to get a defective batch of tubes, but by and large tubes don't routinely fail as the result of defects.

pdxtex

the only manufacturing failure ive ever experience is always at the stem. either the weld point at the base of the stem pulls away from the tube or the little nub at the end of the valve stem break off after i man handle it. i usually just buy those forte tubes from performance which seem to be good enough. i avoid specialized and bontrager though. bad luck in the past.

Cyclelogikal

I use Kenda's that have the threadless 60mm presta and they are fairly lightweight at just over $6 a tube with success.

I would wonder if your rim maybe has developed a rough area or something of that nature that is causing these all of a sudden issues????