Latex tubes -any point???

robmanic1
robmanic1 Posts: 2,150
edited April 2009 in Road buying advice
Just invested in some Fulcum R3's along with Vittoria Open Corsa Evo CX Tyres and wondered if it would be worthwhile fitting latex tubes. Do they make a noticeable difference and are they worth the extra pumping they seem to require?

Any recommendations?
Pictures are better than words because some words are big and hard to understand.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/34335188@N07/3336802663/

Comments

  • Mettan
    Mettan Posts: 2,103
    Michelin or Vredstein latex tubes are an option for TimeTrialing or Racing - have a look at AFM tyre testing Rev 8 (pdf):

    http://www.biketechreview.com/tires/AFM_tire_crr.htm

    I'm considering them myself.
  • wildmoustache
    wildmoustache Posts: 4,010
    yes, they offer lower rolling resistance (only fractionally lower that lightweight butyl tubes) and IME also offer considerably lower puncture resistance.

    Not worth other than perhaps for race only use IMO.
  • bahzob
    bahzob Posts: 2,195
    I've tried both latex and lightweight in my race wheels (Zipp 303) and find the latex feel both faster and smoother. Not had any punctures (yet) but did have a blowout caused by my hamfistted fitting.
    Martin S. Newbury RC
  • aarw
    aarw Posts: 448
    latex tubes rock. the most cost effective upgrade you can make to your bike in my opinion.
  • Wappygixer
    Wappygixer Posts: 1,396
    I'd say ok for race days other than that try Conti supersonics which are lighter than most latex (50 grams per tube) but also made of butyl so wont go flat anywhere near as fast
  • maddog 2
    maddog 2 Posts: 8,114
    I also like the latex tubes - find them a more supple ride. Blowing them up all the time is a minor pain but I can live with that.
    Facts are meaningless, you can use facts to prove anything that's remotely true! - Homer
  • robmanic1
    robmanic1 Posts: 2,150
    Hmmmm, thanks for the replies chaps, still undecided, I don't race (officially anyway), probably not worth it over a set of lightweight butyl's then.
    Pictures are better than words because some words are big and hard to understand.

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/34335188@N07/3336802663/
  • aarw
    aarw Posts: 448
    i wouldn't say that. Just because you don't race doesn't mean you're not entitled to enjoyment of riding latex.

    You should be checking your tyre pressure regularly anyway, so having to top up your latex tubes gets you into a good habit. it takes less than 1 minute to cover both wheels.

    I also use open corsa's, they're a great tyre which really shine with latex tubes.

    what have you got to loose by trying a pair out? They're about the same price as a lot of the really light butyl's anyway. the vredestein latex tubes are my choice over the michelins.
  • robmanic1
    robmanic1 Posts: 2,150
    aarw wrote:
    i wouldn't say that. Just because you don't race doesn't mean you're not entitled to enjoyment of riding latex.

    You should be checking your tyre pressure regularly anyway, so having to top up your latex tubes gets you into a good habit. it takes less than 1 minute to cover both wheels.

    I also use open corsa's, they're a great tyre which really shine with latex tubes.

    what have you got to loose by trying a pair out? They're about the same price as a lot of the really light butyl's anyway. the vredestein latex tubes are my choice over the michelins.

    Do you have shares aarw? :wink: Ok, ok, god, I'll give them a go, but I better be impressed......!

    Seriously, thanks for the advice.
    Pictures are better than words because some words are big and hard to understand.

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/34335188@N07/3336802663/
  • aarw
    aarw Posts: 448
    Just love my latex tubes i guess.. :lol:

    report back, would be interested to hear.
  • NWLondoner
    NWLondoner Posts: 2,047
    Robmanic1 wrote:
    Just invested in some Fulcum R3's along with Vittoria Open Corsa Evo CX Tyres and wondered if it would be worthwhile fitting latex tubes. Do they make a noticeable difference and are they worth the extra pumping they seem to require?

    Any recommendations?

    let us know how the tyre and tubes go.

    Looking at the same for myself

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