Question on using heavier tubes
 

Hello there - I am new to this forum. I have been biking now for two years, having logged over 2,000 miles to this point. There are aspects of biking that are new to me, so I thought I would come here for a few answers.

I ride a Trek Hybrid 7.2 FX. Nice bike - love the ride.

Recently, I had a double-puncture ride. So I went to a local dealer and he suggested and put in Bontrager Thorn Resistant tubes.

Now i notice when riding that it is more difficult to get to the speeds that I am used to. It seems "harder" to pedal. I am assuming that this is due to the tubes being thicker and heavier?

I was wondering if others have experienced this? Or if this is not true, then could it be the bearings that are making it "harder" to pedal??

Any input would be helpful - thank you!

I've never liked "TR-tubes", they seem to still get flats and can be a PIA to install and patch, jmho. We use standard tubes and use a sealant called True Goo: http://truegoo.com/ It seems to seal small punctures well and "DOES NOT" clog valve cores like Slime and Flat Attack does. I know that some folks like "tire liners", I've never used them.

Ditch the new TR tubes and go back to regular tubes. There are a number of reasons why you might get two punctures in a single ride. A) the object that caused the problem in the first place was left in the tire casing after the first repair and caused the subsequent flat. B) the tires are insufficiently inflated and you're getting pinch flats. C) You're riding over sharp debris and should be "wiping" your tires off before they flat. I (This last bit of advice is not necessarily "good" advice because it might be ineffective and it could cause you serious injury.)

Learn to avoid situations where your tires are likely to flat and ride safely.

Cale