Latex Inner tubes - BANG !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

nicensleazy
nicensleazy Posts: 2,310
edited May 2010 in Road buying advice
My friend and I went out this morning for a ride. Whilst on the flat, I heard this almighty...BANG. It was the latex inner tube in my front tyre. The tyre was fine, however, the tube was in bits. I was running quite high pressures this morning. Anyone have any idea what pressure you run with latex tubes. It doesn't say on the box. Also, are there any issues running high pressures with latex tubes?

Comments

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,665
    nicensleazy wrote:
    are there any issues running high pressures with latex tubes?

    They go BANG?
  • softlad
    softlad Posts: 3,513
    depends how high, I suppose - like any other tube. I usually run about 100psi max in mine - they've never gone bang....
  • balthazar
    balthazar Posts: 1,565
    If it went BANG (and the tube is shredded), the tube was outside the tyre when it exploded. Either the tube was trapped under the tyre bead when you fitted it (most likely, it's easy to do), or your tyre didn't fit the rim for some other reason – fitting error, mismatched components, or a damaged rim wall, for instance. The tube is not to blame.
  • dennisn
    dennisn Posts: 10,601
    balthazar wrote:
    If it went BANG (and the tube is shredded), the tube was outside the tyre when it exploded. Either the tube was trapped under the tyre bead when you fitted it (most likely, it's easy to do), or your tyre didn't fit the rim for some other reason – fitting error, mismatched components, or a damaged rim wall, for instance. The tube is not to blame.

    +1
  • NWLondoner
    NWLondoner Posts: 2,047
    I run my latex at 140psi and never had any issues.
  • chaffordred
    chaffordred Posts: 131
    I run Michelin latex tubes and they do tend to go bang and deflate immediately, whereas a butyl tube will deflate gradually.

    It's a pain in the arse having to inflate them every ride too.
    http://app.strava.com/athletes/1144043
    http://www.trainerroad.com/career/chaffordred
  • NWLondoner
    NWLondoner Posts: 2,047
    chaffordred wrote:

    It's a pain in the ars* having to inflate them every ride too.

    True, but worth it IMO for the ride quality
  • fredmac
    fredmac Posts: 83
    I bought a pack of 5 Vittoaria latex tubes.
    Then had 4 punctures in 2 days.
    One even exploded when pumping it up in the garage at about 80 psi.
    They all showed signs of the tyre exploding outwards, not routine punctures.
    Sent them back to Wiggle and got instant refund.
    It is not necessarily the case the tube was not properly fitted, some tubes maybe faulty.
  • chriskempton
    chriskempton Posts: 1,245
    Everyone's right in their responses, but to further explain if necessary...

    Latex tubes are more flexible and expand and contract more readily, which is on the one hand a good thing i.e. the better perceived ride quality. On the other hand, this also makes them better than butyl tubes at working their way between tyre beads and rim walls. Hence they are more likely to get out of the tyre and go bang. IME you don't need to do much wrong to have this problem.

    I value the security of a butyl tube over the ride of latex, so I gave up on latex tubes (for clinchers). Best suited to tubs if you ask me.

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