Found out that I'm allergic to latex... what about tubes?
 

So my dentist appointment the other day resulted in me going into anaphylaxis :-\ Long story short, I've got an appointment with an allergist this coming week. But now I have a question. What about tubes? Are those latex?

Will I be doomed to not being able to change a tube? My worst fear is having to bring a wheel into the LBS to get it changed. *hangs head in shame*

It's weird because I've been around latex my entire life (I actually work in a hospital :-\ ) the guy said these things can develop during life though.

Any BF members allergic to latex, do tubes bug you?

only the higher end tubes are Latex (normally colored) your standard black tubes are butyl rubber

Latex tubes are more trouble than they are worth, stick with the usual butyl tubes.

Most hospitals are moving towards latex free, since more and more people like you are developing latex allergies.

If I was allergic to latex changing bike tubes would be the last of my concerns in things I need that couldn't contact my body...

Lmfao.

If i was you i would checking which prophylactics aren't made in latex instead of asking about the tubes :)

Way to use big words and good sentence structure to make me look like an idiot.

Maybe you could get lamb skin tubes? But those don't protect against STDs.

:lol:

STD's being Super Tenacious Deflation Sources right..? This is totally a conversation about getting flats.

Sounds like you need to get yourself infected with some hookworms.

The hookworm story was re-run on This American Life a little while ago (my favorite show). Pretty interesting.

I've already got that covered, vinyl :P

I want to get a vasectomy anyways... but that's an ENTIRELY different discussion. HA (still need the "tubes" for another reason though)

My wife was allergic to latex for a while, there are a lot of options out there i found the lamb skin disgusting and expensive.

I worked in laboratories for almost 20 years and developed latex sensitivity (and leather). I don't work in a lab now but if I use gloves I make sure I only use latex free gloves. I use latex free band aids, etc ...

If I touch anything with latex/rubber/leather I try to wash my hands or at least rinse with some water. If I touch tires or inner tubes I just splash some water from my water bottle on to my hands.

I know. That's where I got the idea. :)

Wait, what's your wife have to do with latex bike tubes? Was she changing your flat tires?

Maybe heckler was not talking about tires:eek:

Oh boy....

I have the same allergy and haven't had any problems with regular inner tubes.

so... can you come in indirect contact or no?

can't you just wear some full finger gloves?

Calfee makes a bamboo tube. Stiff yet compliant.

inner tubes are not latex unless explicitly stated, most are butyl

:rolleyes:

Just pack a pair of those latex surgical gloves and put them on when you change your tubes. :innocent:

BTW, I'm not allergic to latex, but I am allergic to all kinds of fresh fruit and vegetables. :(