Latex Tube experiences
 

Before it's said: I tried the search feature, found 1 thread in RR that didn't address anything, so am trying again!

Has anyone switched from butyl to latex tubes? What's the weight advantage (700/23) (can't find weights on the butyl tubes) vs. the increase in flats?

I feel like every flat I've had has been something that punctured the tire to the tube, and I've never found anything through the tire that didn't burst the tube, so is the tube material a real liability? I'm a weight weenie at heart, and $5 more/tube, depending on the weight savings, might be worth it to me.

The weight savings is insignificant. The rolling resistance advantage is not. If you prep and install them carefully, they seem to be no more prone to flats than butyl tubes. They are much harder to install without pinching between the tire and rim and I suspect that's the problem with many of the "latex tubes caused my flat" stories.

In my experience, there's almost no difference in weight or flat protection, but latex is said to reduce rolling resistance.

http://weightweenies.starbike.com/li...ype=innertubes.

I have heard about the lower rolling resistance on latex tubes but I'm not sure I buy it.

latex tubes offer a noticeably smoother ride. they do leak air faster than butyl, and are easier to pinch when installing, but if you take your time and install correctly, not an issue.

i agree with your point that the tire offers the flat protection, more so than the tube.

I switched from butyl tubes to latex, and now ride latex exclusively. I've only gotten 1 flat in the past 7,000 mi. There are two factors that clinch it for me:
1) Ride quality. I used to ride tubulars (Vittoria Corsa Evo CX), which had an awesome, supple ride quality. Now I ride Continental GP4000s with Michelin latex tubes and there is very little loss of ride quality, if any.
2) Lower rolling resistance. When you have a more supple tire/tube, you have less deflection from uneven road surfaces, resulting in less rolling resistance. This is much more of a performance gain than +/- a few grams of weight savings.
The only downside to latex tubes IMHO, is you need to pump up your tires before each day's ride.

Cheers - rj

lol, only on a bike forum would you get serious responses to such a question!

I used latex tubes back in about 1995. They flatted out pretty quickly , but I can not say that the flat was a result of the latex tube. I will say that trying to put a patch on it caused be to finally chuck it in the trash can. I noticed NO difference in riding feel or quality from them vs regular tubes. They cost more than regular tubes back then.

I wanted to check them out. My LBS stopped carrying them. They said lightweight butyl tubes took over that market.

Between your post and a previous thread on tubulars, I'm really tempted to buy some Open Corsas and latex tubes to see if I can duplicate the characteristics of a tubular with the convenience of a clincher.

Hey urbanknight,
Yeah, it really is very close :thumb:. Ever since I switched, I've really appreciated not having to bring along an extra tubular for a spare. I've never ridden Open Corsas, but if they ride like the GP4Ks, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Cheers - rj

I've put some michelin latex tubes under Pro3's on my Williams 19's - they roll very nicely, but being another closet weight weenie/handwringer I've only rolled these during races this year.

That's my current race tire/tube combo. VERY nice. They feel pretty much like the tubular Corsa Evo..and they're more regular than some tubulars I've mounted. :)

I've used latex before. then after getting a flat I patched but it didn't hold. I think I got a flat when the tire tread wore out...I usually don't get flats with new tires. I'm one of the few that have gone to riding only tubulars. I too love the ride of vittoria cxs.

That reminds me of the last time I tried latex (1995). I recall not being able to get patches to stick either.