Leak detection with latex tubes
 

I tried Michelin latex tubes and liked them. Better road feel and maybe a little faster. I also thought that they were a little harder/slower to flat. I don't care that they lose a little air overnight. However I had a couple of slowish leaks with them. I popped in a new tube, but when I got home and went to patch them, I couldn't find the leak, even in the sink. If I inflated them like I would a butyl tube to like 1.5", they blew a balloon on one spot, probably weakening the tube. So I couldn't find the leak. Impossible to see on inspection, and I couldn't add enough pressure to blow bubbles.

These are much too expensive to toss after a flat. I usually limit butyl tubes to 6 patches. Anyone with experience?

I would put it back in the tire, squirt some sealant into it, and inflate to 50 psi. If it hold that then go to 70 psi. Then to whatever your riding pressure is.

But yeah, if you give them more than a few psi while in the sink it will herniate.

110 psi. OK? I'm not a sealant guy. Which sealant?

Either the Bontrager or Orange seal. Both sealed every puncture in a latex tube in the slowtwitch.com test.

Umm, wouldn't the weight of the sealant increase the weight of the tube? Why not go with butyl and not have to add sealant; save the latex for race days.

Sometimes those hard to find leaks are at the base of the valve stem and the stem needs to be wiggled around under water to expose the leak. But yes, latex are a little harder to find a leak than butyl. You could also try pumping up the tire mounted on the rim and dunk it in water with 100psi or so and you may at least find the general area where the leak is.

Try adding a little dish detergent to the water. It will be easier to see the bubble(s).

Weight reduction isn't the main reason for latex tubes. They are more supltle and better conform to movement of the tire shape. So the tire complies better to the road surface. That reduces rolling resistance and also a better ride.

Thanks! I'll order some more tubes and sealant, see how it goes.

Thought of that. Of course the tube won't go back in exactly as it was when it flatted and air will come out where one of perhaps many objects penetrated the casing. But to fix a flat, I have to be able to see the hole itself in the tube.

^^Also try inflating the tube and pull to stretch the tube in small sections which may enlarge the hole enough to hear or feel a leak. Hold the tube very close to your nose as it is very sensitive and can feel very small areas of escaping air and there may be a difference in smell. This is main reason why I stopped using latex years ago. Got tired of spending 30+ minutes to find and patch a hole. Plenty of lightweight butyl tubes out there that are as light and ride the same as latex.