i use it too

I use Pyramid tubes with threadless stems. Those, combined with Gatorskins have proven relatively bulletproof, IME.

I use Specialized tubes as that's what my LBS supplies (at not a particularly cheap price). I wanted to pay less so found some conti tubes on ebay at a great price. I have a feeling they're only a great price because this particular bunch of tubes were defective (I had a problem with most of them). So I just stick with Specialized tubes from LBS until I an find something cheaper and just as good. Cant remember the exact sie of tube, but it's the one that fits into 23mm tires. I have no preference between long and regular stem (typcially i just buy the regular stem). Never had a problem with them apart from bad installation (which is my fault).

you're doing something wrong.

don't take it the wrong way, seriously, you may be pinching them on installation or have some debris embedded on the inside of a tire, causing repeated slow punctures, its not the tubes, really, its not.

i've used the lbs stock cheap tubes for years, and never have problems like you're describing, something else is afoot, for sure.

Another possibility to consider, aside from different tubes or tires:
Do you check the rim on both sides to make sure the tube is set fully inside the tire?
Is the source of leakage near the pin? Could you possibly be causing a small leak by the way in which you inflate the tires?
Consider checking for the source of the small leak in each tube to assess whether there is a pattern; if so, you might then be able to identify the source of the slow leak.
Good luck. It is maddening!!

Michelin Ultra Light tubes.

Never once had a single flat with them.
Nice smooth threadless valve stem so the pumps goes on/off really easy.
70 grams each.

Done.

They go from 130psi to 80psi overnight (which doesn't matter because I check and fill my tires daily anyway).
I'm more concerned with them losing significant psi while on long rides.

I didn't waste anytime with that piece of crap tube! I just ripped it out and tossed it.

As for user error...that tube was put in by a LBS (as were the other two and they were different bike shops & tires).
The only thing that the tubes had in common was the roads I ride and the fact that they were cheap generic tubes.

See previous post.

When I do it, yes.

I didn't keep them long enough to know if it even was there.
It leaked, I chucked it, NEXT!


That would take me and the 3 LBS's I've dealt with.
Personally, I fill them up a little bit before I install them,
do my best to make sure it's seated well in the tire,
center the stem, pump it a little more until the tire is hard,
empty it again and re-pump it to make sure it is "right" in the tire.
Of course, I stretch the tube a bit when I take it out of the box.

Sure is maddening! But I'm thinking better tires + better tubes will
solve the issues with the only thing remaining the same being the road.

Thanks!

(Despite the fact that your from Boston. )

Thanks to everybody for all the suggestions.
I'll look into them for sure.

Most LBS's that I've been to don't carry good tubes.
They probably make more money selling generic tubes at good tube prices.
So, because I'll probably have to order them by mail, IMO, it's best to get
the experiences of those who've gone through the woes before me!

Once again, thanks and feel free to keep any suggestions coming!

I'm off to go riding now!

Why?

What's "maddening" is that you won't evaluate the leaking tubes to see where the leak is. One, MAYBE two faulty tubes is possible, but more than that clearly points to problem with the tire, the rim, or installation error. And if you obstinately refuse to check for those things, that's a different kind of user error. Where the leak is, and what kind of leak will tell you what theproblem is.

I'd be willing to bet that you've heard multiple variants of the word "stubborn" directed at you more than a few times in your life. Yes?

Irrelevant unless they're made to the same specs.

Which they're not.

I've used about half a dozen brands over the last 2 years. 4 or 5 of them were manufactured by Kenda (Specialized, Giant, Sunlite and some other brand[s]), and only 2 of them were worth their weight in discarded ragged butyl rubber. Specialized and Giant. Bell makes decent but heavy tubes. I don't care about heavy, and their main selling point was that I can pick them up from WalMart at 2AM.

I have been running Bontrager tubes because my closer LBS is a Trek dealer and that's what they stock. I have had maybe one flat in the 3,000 miles I've been using them but I flatted both tubes in my new CAAD9 within two weeks on the same roads and killed a Specialized tube about every month. This is with the Vittoria tires that come on the cheaper CAAD9 bikes.

With the Gator Hardshells, I had no flats but I only got a few hundred out of them before I crashed and trashed the rear.

I bought several Forte tubes a couple of years ago and time replaced all the "old" tubes in my bikes. Big mistake, huge. I think all of the Forte tubes (about 8) all have patches or have been replaced. I use a couple as spares on rides, but all my main riders no longer have Forte tubes. I've switched to Kenda and Specialized and haven't had any problems.

Next time, keep it and figure out where the leak is coming from.

Just use your pocket to carry the tube home, and then spend 10 minutes checking where the leak is rather than beating your head against the wall and immediately pulling out your credit card. If nothing else, this will help you decide what type of tire or tube might prevent the problem you're having.

Could also be a chance of some small thorn are wire that gets pressed through while riding. Same set of tires causing leaks?

It could be anything, but he would not know because his habit is just to throw it if there is a problem.

Line the front edge of the tire label on the left side of the tire with the valve stem when you change the tube.
Check the rim strip for any damage or debris.
Save the next flatted tube and inflate it to about ten pounds, submerge it in water and locate the leak.
Lay the tube on the tire with the valve stem matched to the label. Now, check the tire and rim in that area. Look at the tire tread fr any punctures.

What is the temp. difference between when you fill the tire and check it the next time?

I found the leak.
It was leaking from the INNER TUBE!



Yes. 3 LBS's, all generic tubes, brand new rims...just CAN'T be the tube.
Impossible that cheap tubes would fail more than twice.

I "did" check for the leak. www.RIF.org

No.

Just smart enough not to waste more than 5 minutes on a $3. tube.
Toss it, buy another one (only a good brand name tube this time).
I actually have something known to the rest of us as "a life".

Are you using plastic rim strips or cloth rim tape? Plastic rim strips have been known to cause quite a few flats. I even managed to flat a front tire once while on the trainer.

Yeah, Andrew. I didn't get the cheap Vittorias, but have the cheap Maxxis tires
(which are better than the Vits, but by no means what I'd consider a good quality tire).

Just dropped my CAAD9 at the LBS. Waiting on a set of 2011 Mavic Ksyrium Elites.
Continental GP4000S tires are already there.
Just have to order a set of tubes.

Right now, leaning towards Conti Race Lites so far (to keep it in the family).
But not ruling any other brand just yet.

I did that. I filled it up, played with it,
thoroughly looked the tube over,
squeezed it to listen for hissing of any kind.
Only think I could possibly think was the valve which
did squeel a little when I'd squeeze the tube really tight.
I'm assuming it was a bad valve.

Thanks. That's what I pretty much did. Maybe I didn't explain myself clearly enough.
Just decided that if I'm going to have a set of premium tires and a nice set of wheels,
it's time that the tubes matched the rest of the package.

That happened with my my Bontrager Select tires one.
Found a small piece of wire in them that punctured 2 tubes.
I looked for that this time when I put a new tube in.
Tire had absolutely no debris in it what so ever.