Wow, one of my first threads revived!

After having tried the Protek Max tubes for quite a while, I have mixed feelings about their usefulness.

First, I would like to mention a SERIOUS PROBLEM I encountered with AGED Protek Max tubes... I had numerous blow outs when the surface around the valve failed causing the tube to literally shred at that position. In all cases, the tubes had at least 6 months to a year on them, and till that point had performed flawlessly with no flats. This happened with two different bikes on quality rims (Mavics) which were thoroughly checked around the valve hole for burs.

Other minor problems with the Protek tubes is their weight, which I could feel the difference accelerating and, that when stored, even for a few days, you MUST have the valves at the 12 o'clock position, otherwise you will get slime all over the pump nozzle and your clothes when you want to top up the air (this with the Presta valves which I eventually went with). I actually remember getting a flat while the bike was stored because the valve hadn't seated itself correctly when I topped up the air, resulting in a slow air leak over a period of 4-5 days.

On the plus side, they do their job of keeping flats from occurring very well; this after I had pulled out a assortment of small objects from the tires, such as staples, small wire shards from truck tires and tons of glass from the tire treads. Also they don't need topping up with air as often as other quality tubes, as long as they are used frequently and the slime coats the entire inner surface.


Note: I now run Marathons on my touring bike with good quality Continental touring tubes and have no flats for over 1000 klm (600 miles).